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Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None
A Work of Art that Works
This is my second Joe Flowers designed Condor machete. My first was the Makara which I used to clear a trail through a recovering clear cut to gain access to a hunting area (see my review of the Makara). While the Makara is a great machete, it is big, and i wanted a smaller, easier to carry all around machete to take with me when hunting that wouldn't get in the way. I was so impressed with Joe Flowers' designs and Condor's quality that I naturally gravitated towards another of their machetes. Where I hunt these days has so many blown down trees in the forests and so many briars around the edges that getting in and out of the woods and navigating through blowdowns can often be a challenge. So, I wanted a smaller machete that could clear the way through fallen tree tops and also deal with briars and vines. The Wastelander has proven itself to be nearly perfect for these tasks. The ergonomics of the handle are perfect, and the handle seems to be the same as that on Condor's Plan A Bowie knife, which I believe will be my next knife. It enables a very powerful swing of the blade when chopping and gives a very firm grip. The balance of the Wastelander also feels perfect to me. The 1075.steel blade was very sharp out of the box and takes and holds a great edge if you can avoid striking the ground and rocks. Condor left the finish on the blade apparently produced when the blade is oil quenched. Between the handle design and the blade finish, this machete is downright beautiful. It's beauty and functionality are enhanced by the Kydex sheet provided with it. I added a shoulder strap to it for a diagonal carry across or alongside the chest that puts it out of the way of my pack and rifle. Unfortunately, words can't do justice to the Wastelander and you will have to feel, handle and use it to fully appreciate it. It is a work of art that works. That said, I would love it if Mr. Flowers could integrate a small sharpened hook into the back of the blade. I have a Woodman's Pal tool with a somewhat larger hook than is necessary, and the hook is great for easily cutting a bull briar hanging in your way, or that has wrapped around your boot so that you can't move. You just give a slight tug on a briar or vine with the hook and you are on your way. But, I don't know that adding a hook would not destroy the tool's balance or create other problem, so it's just a thought.