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Post by markus313 on Feb 17, 2023 22:38:53 GMT
As some of you may know, often I have sung praise for the Cold Steel Cutlass Machete. Amongst other things mainly due to its outstanding durability, the low cost and awesome cutting power. One little thing I always thought could need some improvement was the handle shape and angle. That was the main reason I finally came to try a Condor cutlass machete. I used to own some other Condor products through the years and never got disappointed. With this cutlass it's a different story.
From the beginning I was a bit skeptical, as I read some less-than-impressed reviews, one of which came from a very respectable forum member, describing the cutlass’ guard as "more ornamental than anything" and the blade as having "no tip" and being "not so great for boarding action".
Well, my impressions differ. I put it through my standard tests (stabbing/slicing/cutting through up to 16 layers of denim, fir wood and styrofoam) and can say I’m more than happy with this cutlass machete. It has all the qualities I’m looking for. It’s lightweight and agile, has good hand protection (certainly stout enough, and surely stouter than many antiques I’ve handled), cuts like the devil, stabs amazingly well and is very durable. The blade flexes just enough to still penetrate well on cut and thrust, always comes back to true, even after powerful thrusts that fail to penetrate the target material and come to a sudden stop. The edge bevels/sharpening is fantastic, it slices just as well as my Hanwei Practical Plus Wakizashi. It stabs almost as well (just like the Waki it kind of slices its way in rather than poking) but the blade is more durable. The Condor cutlass machete feels great in the hand and moves very comfortably. Very responsive, very powerful, very forgiving. Fit&finish leaves nothing to be desired and the blade comes with a well-made leather sheath. Not only I wasn't disappointed, but very pleasantly surprised by the Condor's performance. I even like it just a tad more than the Cold Steel, which still may be more durable, but is beaten in the handling department. To me, all of this is quite a big deal.
Stats in comparison with other hangers/cutlasses I used to own seen below.
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Feb 18, 2023 6:56:34 GMT
Cool, thanks!
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Feb 18, 2023 12:48:11 GMT
I’ve had my eye on that one for a long time. The only reason I haven’t ordered is that I suspect the government will consider that a sword. While legal, within limits, will require more red tape and money to bring in. I consider it a machete, Condor calls it a machete, but some government desk jockey may well see it otherwise. I’ve had them call my 13” and 15” kukris swords but was able to convince them otherwise. I’ll have to stick to my beloved Klewang.
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Post by markus313 on Feb 19, 2023 9:39:28 GMT
The Weapon Edge Klewang is great and in many ways very close in specs and handling. As is the British police cutlass I used to own. The Condor feels more than an infantry “hanger” than a “cutlass”. Well suited for carry and “fencing”, but still plenty of cutting power. The sheath has that nice swivel belt loop. From memory, the blade on the WE Klewang (while thicker) wasn’t quite as stiff as the Condor’s. The military style Klewang gives more protection to the right hand. The edge and bevels on the Condor are superb and it seems to hold its edge well – which makes me think it could do well both as a weapon and a tool, much like the Dutch Marechaussee Klewang.
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Post by Murffy on Mar 3, 2023 15:25:27 GMT
Dang, now I'm really tempted to buy it.
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Post by markus313 on Mar 3, 2023 19:43:42 GMT
Dang, now I'm really tempted to buy it. I‘d encourage you to do so. I did and got another one. A bit heavier, more blade presence, grip scales a bit more “blocky” than on the other one, edge bevels not quite as shallow. Blade has more curve to it. Overall, it feels a bit more like a “cutlass”. Also very sharp, good cutting and thrusting, good handling. A budget-friendly alternative to an antique military Klewang, or simply a user, if you like to cut stuff.
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Post by hobieh3 on Mar 26, 2023 3:19:25 GMT
This thing is awesome! Looks like an 1859 Seargant's Bayonet with a 1796 Light Cavalry Saber guard. I've been thinkingabout trying to get a poor condition French 1866 Chasspot (sp?) Bayonet and trying something like it.
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LeMal
Member
Posts: 1,082
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Post by LeMal on Mar 26, 2023 3:59:49 GMT
This thing is awesome! Looks like an 1859 Seargant's Bayonet with a 1796 Light Cavalry Saber guard. I've been thinkingabout trying to get a poor condition French 1866 Chasspot (sp?) Bayonet and trying something like it. It's definitely awesome! I remember seeing these in antique shops as a teenager and thinking they'd be great hilted in a more sword-like way, and damn if that doesn't prove it and look wonderful.
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