Pros: Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Handle Material, Weight, Overall Quality, Materials
Cons: None
Your Morakniv on Steroids
Hi, I’m Tom, and I’m a knife-aholic. I need another bushcraft knife, like I need an eleventh toe. But, seems I can’t read about woods craft/bushcraft these days without someone chiming in about how much they love their Condor Bushlore Camp Knife, so, I just had to see what all the fuss is about. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Well, what can be said of Condor, Bushlore that hasn’t been said by the 69 other reviews, below. Not much. But I’ll summarize a bit, so you don’t have to wade through them all: “Great knife, arrived sharp/didn’t arrive sharp, nice thick leather sheath/knife falls out of sheath when I hold it upside down, nice fit-n-finish/poor fit-n-finish, great grind/uneven grind, holds an edge well/doesn’t hold an edge well, great value.” As you can see, it gets mixed reviews, depending on your expectations. I never expect much from Condor (somewhat crude/primitive), so, I’m rarely disappointed. But, they do produce the most interesting, affordable, diverse, and innovative knives/tools in the industry. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I wish the International Knife Makers Guild, or, some regulatory body, would standardize knife nomenclature to promote greater transparency/truth in advertising. To me, “high carbon steel” starts at 0.95% carbon, or 1095 tool steel. The 1075 tool steel used in most Condor T&K knives therefore, does not qualify as high carbon steel. 1075 is tough steel, not prone to chipping/breakage, but does not hold an edge as well as high carbon steel (prone to rolling of edge). It doesn’t spark as well as high carbon steel on a Ferro rod. On the flip side, 1075 takes an edge well, and is easily field sharpen-able by field expedient means (sandstone rock, sand on top of flattened log, etc.). The fact that Bushlore does not arrive with a Spyderco sharp edge does not bother me in the least, as after a little use, you’re going to have to sharpen it anyway. Get used to it. Purchase a few of those small Gerber Pocket Ceramic Sharpeners – 04307 (20°, inexpensive, available at KnifeCenter.com), and you’ll never know a dull moment in the field. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nice handle on Bushlore. Canoe style grip is perhaps, my favorite for security and confidence of grip. I don’t own many knives with puukko style handles (no guard/front quillon), as I know I am sometimes prone to get careless/in a hurry processing game when bears are around, it’s getting late, and hands slippery, cold, and numb. An accident in the wilderness can quickly turn into a tragedy. Why risk it? Bushlore has a comfortable/hand filling/secure grip of adequate size to use with gloves on. Many reviewers here advise sanding scales and applying linseed oil. Sounds like a plan to me. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Many say Condor Bushlore is an upgrade to their Mora. I’ll ask you to compare Condor T&K, Bushlore Camp Knife to: Marttinni, Condor Timberjack Fixed 3-3/4" Carbon Steel Blade, Rubberized Zytel Handle - MN578013 (available @ KnifeCenter.com). The Marttinni, Condor Timberjack is 1075 steel with 3% chromium added for increased hardness (1075 Cro, so to speak, should hold an edge better than Bushlore). Timberjack’s rubberized handles are grippier, and impervious to the elements. The Martttinni, Timberjack has a sufficient/durable plastic sheath, and is 1/3 of the cost of Bushlore. The Condor, Bushlore Camp Knife has a thicker/full tang robust blade, beautiful hardwood scales, is perhaps easier to sharpen, and has an old school leather sheath for more pleasing aesthetics. Both have a nice scandi grind; although, Timberjack has a polished grind. I’d buy them both; one for back-up (under $75 for both, now, @ KnifeCenter.com). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I will conjecture that Bushlore’s perceived greatest weakness, namely its 1075 steel, may turn out to be its strong point. Being able to produce a fine serviceable edge on a flat gritty rock in the wilderness, during a true survival situation, could prove invaluable. Good luck doing that with D2, S35VN, 3V, or some other high-end knife steel when their edge has dulled (and they eventually will). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I’ve been that father on a budget, trying to give my family a wonderful outdoors experience camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and back packing. No need to spend more than you have to, but no need to skimp on quality, either. Condor T&K, Bushlore Camp Knife is a handsome, high functioning bushcraft tool at a price that won’t bust the budget. Bushlore is the knife your caveman grandpa would have carried for his daily utility, had Knife Center been around back then. It just feel right. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> P.S. If your knife falls from sheath when holding sheath upside down, contact cement a small scrap of leather (old piece of belt) inside top of sheath to tighten retention.
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