Which Condor to Try? (or Alternatives)

C

cm_bushman

Joined
Oct 22, 2012
Messages
314
I'm looking for a nice solid bushcraft/camping blade under $100. I will likely be using it mostly for carving/whittling and food prep, so I would prefer something a litte thinner than say, a Becker or ESEE (no slight to those tough-as-nails bades). I was looking at the 4-5" range and preferably full-tang, just to have that extra piece of mind.

Along these lines, I was considering Condor knives, like the Bushcraft Basic and Woodlore, but I've heard mixed reviews. On one hand, many tout them as sturdy bush blades that are a bit rough around the edges, but present great utility, and on the other there are horror stories of uneven grinds and large flat spots on the blades that make the knives generally unusable.

Does anyone have experience with Condor knives? Are they knives to stand by, or are they just too low quality (control)? I wonder if I should stick with Mora for low-cost woods knives, or if there are other options available in that category that present better design or materials?
 
I have the original Bushlore with the thicker blade stock and really didn't care for it, so I moved it to hard use work duty. Bought the current Bushlore and I like it. Thinner blade stock. The Condor Kephart is another one you might consider. These are the only two of their smaller blades I own. I have five of their machetes and have been pleased although they don't stand up to hitting rocks with the edge and not expect some damage. I have the Golok, Pack Golok, Parang, Village Parang,and the discontinued Puerto Rican. Of these I have been using the Pack Golok and Puerto Rican the most lately although I really disliked the Puerto Rican until I sanded down the wood handles.

Added: I have the Hudson Bay too. Forgot about that one. I like their products.

All companies produce duds or knives with issues. My suggestion there is to buy from 42-blades and have him inspect the one before he ships it to you.
 
Last edited:
I agree, 42 Blades does a great job inspecting and cleaning up the rough edges on Condor products. Check him out. I don't have one of the smaller thinner blades that you are looking for but I do have one of their Hudson Bay knives that was given his special treatment before shipment. I was impressed. You will get what you are looking for!
 
Here's my Condor Dundee Bowie. It is probably too large to be an all around camp knife, but I can say that the quality is outstanding and you're getting a Hell of a blade. Got mine from Ben(42 Blades) at Baryonyx Knives.

w5DG51O.jpg


Yeah, yeah. I need to start using different pictures of my Bowie, but you just can't beat a good glamour shot, lol.
 
A while back I had the same needs as CM_Bushman. Decided to give Condor a try. I have the Sapien, Bushlore, Toloza and Pack Golok. They arrived in varying states of finish. It was easy to get them tuned up. This was before I knew about 42 Blades or I would have purchased from him. For inexpensive knives, they are really very good and get much use. My wife loves the Sapien. I like them all. If you do get a clunker Condor's customer service is very good. Give them a try, they seem to be always working to improve their product.
 
cm_bushman said:
Does anyone have experience with Condor knives? Are they knives to stand by, or are they just too low quality (control)? I wonder if I should stick with Mora for low-cost woods knives, or if there are other options available in that category that present better design or materials?
Click to expand...

Hey, the goofy new guy on Dual Survival uses one (a Jungle Gladius, I believe), and he actually does seem to kinda know what he's doing as far as bushcraft/outdoor living goes.
 
For $100, you can get a Becker BK2 (or 16,17,10, etc) + Mora and you'd be set for a variety of tasks. I like to have a separate food prep knife.

I admit I haven't whittled with a Mora so I not sure on that part. I can't imagine it wouldn't do a fine job.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top