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Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None
A Machete/Camp/Combat Crossover Vehicle
I had just walked in the door with a watermelon, cantaloupe, and a musk melon, when the mail lady drove up with Atrox. I was so, tempted to take Atrox out back and whack it through some melons, but thought better of having to pick my melon salad out of the splittin’ stump, and off the lawn. Just wait ‘till Halloween, though. Jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins will being rolling on the streets like, zombie brains on the half-shell. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> When I plug, “Atrox,” into a Latin dictionary it comes out, “terrace,” in English. ??? Shouldn’t it be, “Horribilis,” (= terrible)? How about calling it, “Pterodactyl’s Beak?” (Some knife on another job is Mr. Pterodactyl’s Beak; you’re Mr. Pink). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I haven’t been a big Condor T&K fan. Their knives often seem overly primitive (grind/handles), and of 1075 tool steel (not the best for holding an edge). Well, 1075 steel just, might be appropriate for this machete sized knife, where you may want toughness over edge holding. Atrox seemed over-priced for 1075 steel. But, I see TOPS came out with their new, Operator 7, in 1075 steel, priced slightly higher for a 7.25” knife. Either, they’re both over-priced, or, I’m a cheapskate (I suspect the former, but it’s probably a bit of the latter, too). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I am impressed with everything about this knife. They got the grind right (see: Zac’s, from Australia, review/legit complaint on grind of Dundee Bowie); a nice long tapering saber grind on Atrox will provide good strength behind the edge. The top edge is swedged, not a back edged, but you could easily sharpen it if you were so inclined. Atrox has a 25 degree edge, which seems appropriate for this crossover knife. This knife is slightly blade heavy, as you might expect with such a long blade, with fulcrum about 2” forward of index finger/guard. Handle is hand-filling, fairly comfortable, and somewhat grippy, with plenty of options (5 holes) for running a lanyard. The hog-nosed, bird’s beak grip seems very secure in any grip style. This knife is heavier/thicker than most machetes, as it seems designed for hard duty. The sheath is impressive. I like their molle compatible leather attachment system. I’m going to have to steal that idea for making drop-down Kydex sheaths. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The heat index is in the upper 90’s outside today, so I’m not going to take Atrox out back and bushcraft it for you. It seems very capable. I’m kinda disappointed, though. Condor T&K didn’t leave me anything to complain about : ) This is my 2nd CT&K purchase, but I have my eye on a few more of their innovative tools. Thanks again, Knife Center, for the speedy delivery, excellent service, and fine cutlery.
