Condor Hudson Bay vs Condor Moonshiner Knife !

Whats the difference between the Condor Hudson Bay Knife. and the Condor Moonshiner Knife? In this video I'll illustrate the differences, side by side.
Dave Whipple
Bushradical

[@leonardneal1297]

You are the first, that I know of, to do a side by side on these two knives. You added no fluff, just plain down to earth explanation. Big thank you!

[@Bushradical]

Right on LN! Thanks for watching.

[@kennethspeed2019]

Very good real world review! I've owned a Condor Hudson's Bay Knife for several years and have found it performs excellently for big knife tasks. Once I stayed in a public campground where you had to buy your firewood and I got these huge logs of dried hard maple. I had to literally beat my HBK through these pieces of wood and it handled it without a whimper. I also like the knife because it enables me to carry an efficient chopper inside my pack.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the comment. Love the hudson bay!

[@Shooter11B]

They are designed for different uses. The Moonshiner is a Bowie, a combat knife, not really an outdoors knife per se. The longer handle on the Moonshiner is for added chopping power and retention on heavy chops if you decide to use it for that purpose. It has about 1000% more retention than the Hudson Bay's handle. I have done lot of small tasks with my Moonshiner, but you are right, it is not ideal for that, so I use a smaller knife. The Hudson Bay on the other hand is more of a meat/kitchen knife. It is a super traditional design very well suited for a lot of tasks the Moonshiner simply is not. BUT, I would not use it for wood processing with the current handle design, especially without a lanyard hole heavy chopping would be risky for retention. I would relegate it to only light chopping and other food prep related chores. Both are great for their intended purposes, but they are not equals in them.

[@Bushradical]

Nice Breakdown of the 2 knives. I did like the moonshiner blade . It was a bit thinner and felt lighter than it looked, There were just too many things about the handle that frustrated me when I would use it. They were just deal breakers. Cool knife, but not one I would "choose" the way it was designed. Thanks for the comment Steven.

[@wehrewulf]

Indeed. He has completely missed the point of a swedged Bowie. The design is for anti-personnel use, not fieldcraft.

[@cypresspeter2008]

Yes. Good observation on design purposes. That space may reassure safety back up ( if hand slips, then blade if further from the hand).

[@caffeinefather]

@@wehrewulf while you are correct, it isn't entirely combat related. The swedge allows for a thinner point which helps for more delicate tasks such as skinning game. I personally see the moonshiner as a mix between a food prep/hunting knife and a bush/camp knife, while the HBK is more of a dedicated bush/camp knife

[@michaelhough896]

Couldn’t agree more Has the ability to chop, handle is amazing

[@taelinfrasier810]

I bought the moonshiner and I agree with the handle being too big. I just ordered the Hudson bay. Thanks for breaking it down.

[@drq814]

Nice review. Some youtubers have no idea or expirience in a survival situation like us. Some say the knive is good because they batoned for a long time. We know better than that.

[@Bushradical]

You know it

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Baah! Just bought a Condor Hudson Bay, and just finished doing a little FB post on it. It was you that turned me on to the style of knife. Good call on using the grinder to remove a bit of the bottom. Not being able to get my hand close to the blade is my only issue with it. I did a little research and the Hudson's Bay company traded this style of knife from 1850 to 1890. There are two versions of it. The Buffalo Knife and the Chief Knife, and blades ranged from 8.5" to 13". The Condor one represents the Buffalo Knife version....anyways great video! So, you like the Moonshiner Knife better right? ;)

[@Bushradical]

Hey Jim! That knife is right up your alley 100% Canadian! But if the handle was too small for me I know its too small for you. I'll go check out your FB post on it. Loved your Ungava peninsula video...totally HARD core!

[@markbranham6365]

Just ordered the Hudson Bay yesterday. Super excited. It’s been a few years since I made any additions to the skinner/hunter/chopper/camp knife arsenal. Plus…I love North American fur trapper history. And the Hudson Bay knife was the knife used by Tom Hardy’s character Fitzgerald in the Revenant.

[@-o-The-Duke-o-]

This review was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for saving me the heartache as I was leaning toward the Moonshiner. The Hudson Bay is now in the cart. Looks like exactly what I'm hoping for.

[@Bushradical]

Right on. I'm sure you will love the hudson bay. I did a review of the hudson bay ( by itself) also, just check my videos for it. Its a great knife. Let me know what you think when you get it.

[@TheJurzerker]

I have a Moonshiner. Ive always seen the handle as having two different grips. One i get way up on it and rest my thumb on top of the handle on that unsharpened part, for fine tasks, and then i put it all the way down the grip if im using it for chopping like a machete. I usually as a rule dont ever chop with my knives, but as you said, it has that machete DNA feeling to it. That said i do hate the unsharpened swedge on the back. Ive wanted a Hudson Bay for a long time though, and actually ordered one after watching your video on it, before watching this one, so who knows, it might be so good i wont like the Moonshiner anymore. The Crotalus is my current main woods knife, but it doesn't look as old school cool.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the input. It would help to think of it in terms of having 2 grips.

[@roberto-gp2dt]

Jurzerker, you explain the use of this knife perfectly. some people just don't get it I guess.

[@garypeterson3628]

Hey Dave, you are right on point with this review. I have owned a Condor Hudson bay for five years. Best knife ever. Thanks.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Nice comparison... I like ur honest opinion n the way u present the knives. Ur outgoing attitude shines!

[@DavidChouiniere]

Very useful review. I hope Condor sees it and improves the Moonshiner. How come more people don't know about you? You do a great job. Thanks.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate the interest in the channel. As for the moonshiner, I think a lot of people like it as is, but I doubt its anywhere near as popular as the hudson bay. Thats just judging by the amount of info / reviews/ views off reviews out there on youtube. I do think it could be a lot better with a re-design but thats just my opinion. I just started the channel in the end of January so hopefully more folks will find the channel in the future. Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@druewzer]

Personal perspective & interesting review. I have the moonshiner & really like it. I have used it for clearing small limbs along trails, stripping/scraping bark from walking staffs, "fine" carving tasks, harvesting mushrooms, and processing some firewood. I did some research and comparison between the moonshiner and the hudson bay, settling with the moonshiner for my purposes. The blade geometry of the moonshiner is just more suited to the tasks I perform. I may pick up a hudson bay at some point, more for the historical aspect than functionality, but that is not a very high priority at the moment.

[@Bushradical]

Thats an honest perspective. I'm glad you like your knife...I just couldn't get along with mine.

[@kayman1049]

I have the moonshiner by myself and I like it. I like the raw style and that big-kitchen-knife-style. I heard somewhere that the moonshiners used modified kitchen-knives for their tasks, from simple wood-chopping to self defense situations. I think the condor moonshiner will do fine for my stuff, but I'm also interested in the hudson bay. I'm also a knife collector so I just can't get enough of blades and both ( maybe the new mini hudson bay too) will have their place in collection. Real nice Video

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Kay Man. Who makes a "hudson Bay mini"? I'd like to check that out.

[@kayman1049]

Bushradical condor relaesed it for 2018,it's already in the shops with some other awesome blades from condor here in germany :)

[@bobbyhuskey1728]

I have had the HB for several years and love it... Great review

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Bobby! It is a great knife!

[@Lars1540]

Hi Dave! I actually found this video after seeing you use the Hudson Bay knife on alone, and I didn't even realize it was you doing this review! Lol. I sat here for a second and then it dawned on me that you were in fact the same guy using the knife on alone! Anyways, this was a fantastic review but I have a favor to ask. I have never really had experience with large choppers like the Hudson Bay knife. I have always typically just carried a standard sized belt knife like a Mora companion or a mora classic #2. I was wondering if you could do a video kind of like a tutorial on the merits and tricks to using large knives like the Hudson Bay. To many people like myself, large choppers are rather foreign to us and it would be very helpful to get a lesson on how to use them and see all the things that they are capable of doing as well as how they would differ in use when trying to accomplish a specific task when compared to a smaller belt knife like a Mora. I'd like to see some of the advantages to see if I may like carrying a larger knife after all. Thanks Dave! Ps- you and your wife are rocking it man! She whipped together a freakin Taj Mahal shelter like a boss! LOL you're a lucky man! You guys make a great team!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Dan, for the questions and for rooting for us on ALONE. I'll be posting videos regularly after the second week of Aug...right now I'm still off grid and swamped with work. Let me know what you would like to see a video on ( like you did here) and i'll shoot something to answer the question. As for the big chopper question...I would never carry one all the time, but going out in the bush, when your partner has a small manageable knife...its nice to have something that can do a bit of machete type work, act as a splitting wedge, a hammer, a bait chopper and a hatchet. I really found I LOVED the hudson bay! It did so many things well. It was great for rough work. I used it to split small firewood...I used it to dig! I used it to drive nails I found in driftwood. It was a great piece of gear.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it

[@sputumtube]

I've got the Moonshiner and my hands are on the small side. I wrapped the handle with rubberised tennis racket tape and it made a world of difference. I view it as half way between a large knife and a small hatchet due to the momentum of the extra blade length when chopping. There's no doubt though, as you say, that there's wasted space between the handle and the choil. Thanks for posting.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks PG.

[@gregorywalker4997]

liked and subscribed. i've got both and never used either, but both are likely to be tried if my bamboo comes back. a few years ago when i was abler i dug up the roots in my back yard after cutting the above ground stuff with a cheap bowie knife. this species had 1 and 1/2 to 2 inch trunks, which cut ok with chopping motion.

[@DanoLXF]

I've owned a Condor hudson bay for years, it's a fantastic knife for the money. great video by the way.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks. Actually i shot a review of just the hudson bay knife....that was my second video and it was my most viewed for months. I only have one other vid with more views than that one.

[@garycochrane61]

Mate that was an excellent review, no bs just facts and honest assessment. Well done.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!

[@Scriptorsilentum]

i was entranced by the handle-hook on the moonshiner but this review has corrected me: it will be a Hudson Bay knife after all. I need something huskier than my mora and it's gonna be the 1075 bay knife. Thanks for the education!

[@Bushradical]

Your welcome. The moonshiner looks cool, but its just not right, for me at least. Thanks for the comment

[@N8urecure]

What about putting a choil into the unsharpened portion? Not removing a ton of handle and steel like you mentioned but just a choil there to give a close up grip for finer tasks, and then placing your hand at the back of the handle for chopping?

[@Bushradical]

There is a lot you could probably do to make it a better knife....I just could not see a way I would improve it to the point I liked it enough to want to use it.

[@stevestanley5183]

I have been trying to decide between condor mini parang and the Hudson I think I'm going with the Hudson. Thanks for sharing

[@Bushradical]

Let me know what you think when you get yours.

[@frontierwoodsman4373]

Old Hickory butcher knives can be had for about $10 and modded out just like that Hudson Bay. Good honest review, Dave. Thanks for posting.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks FW.....Sampson's harware on Philips field Rd in Fairbanks has Old Hickory knives in stock all the time

[@frontierwoodsman4373]

@@Bushradical Yep, Sentry Hardware has 'em too. When you making your annual pilgrimage back to the Frontier State? Hope to see a YT video on your journey... and watch for deer.

[@marcusson1983]

Hi man, first time probably on your channel. Great review, thanks a lot.

[@longrider42]

I've had my Hudson Bay knife for several years. Its a very good and use full knife.

[@Bushradical]

I took this knife out on a TV shoot and it did excellent.....I'll tell you all about it when I can. Thanks for the comment. Love the hudson bay knife!

[@69bmarko]

Hi Dave, I think the reason for the long handle is that you can choke back and chop with it. that's my thinking! And the hook on the back of the handle is so it don't slip out of your hand while chopping.

[@Bushradical]

I bet you're right. Just couldn't "like" the knife.

[@snaxs2000]

I figured they made the moonshiner for moonshiners. :) That grip is good for stabbing motions. Its also good if you are wearing gloves. It's a mini sword. Keep it. I'm just trying to give you reasons to love it. Thanks for your insightful review. I'll be getting the Hudson first. I'll eventually get around to the moonshiner. I love condor stuff.

[@Bushradical]

I think you'll dig the Hudson Bay. Tell me what you think when You get it.

[@randystache78]

I hadn't modified my Hudson. I just got it and have been choppyng like crazy. I love it.

[@stormnordnes1189]

I really love my Hudson Bay...

[@bennygarr7614]

I fought your analysis all the way but I can't argue with facts and Visual Evidence cuz I was considering both of those knives and now choices a little harder

[@Bushradical]

I liked the look of the moonshiner....until I owned one, and then I didn't care for anything about it.

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

I just found your channel today. I don't own either of these knives but I often thought the Moonshiner looked appealing. Thanks to your review I think I'll pass and just pick up a HB. Great review. You've got a new subscriber.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks BMBO! I thought the same thing about the moonshiner....looked great. I was happy with it right out of the box!.....then...I started to use it, and it frustrated me to no end. It was just all wrong, for me at least. I really wanted to love that knife but it wasn't gonna' happen! Also, I couldn't see a way to mod that knife. It is what it is. Thanks for checking out the channel, and if you're interested, Check out my wife and I on season 4 of ALONE on History.

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Bushradical ha! I thought you looked familiar. I'm already watching and enjoying your season. So far you two are my favorites to go the distance. You guys have been pretty impressive.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks! We'll do our best for ya!

[@jeffnotti9932]

PROPER Review man!.. i like your Hudson Bay.. and i love the mod you did at the top of the handle/base of the blade.. real great knife.. i just might get on and do what you did to it.. PERFECT!..

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jeff. I liked it before, but the handle was too small for me. Now its a great handle with the extra space.

[@wehrewulf]

The "wasted space" you are referring to on the Moonshiner is called the Ricasso. The swedge on the Moonshiner is to aid in penetration during thrusting.

[@luiz79]

Would you think it would be a good idea to either add a finger grove or sharpen the unused portion between the blade and the handle? Thanks, keep up the good work.

[@Bushradical]

Good question. The radius in the wooden handle seems really big to me. Maybe if you tightened that radius up with a grinder and then sharpened some of the unsharpened blade it would be pretty good in the hand. Thanks for the question luiz79.

[@luiz79]

Also, I think the handle could be useful for chopping with a lanyard. Thanks and keep up the good work. Your channel is on my radar.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

That's it! It's a Hack a Shaq! It was obvious, even on video, when you held the moonshiner, it looked awkward and clumsy. When you grabbed the Hudson, it looks like it fits you like a Ferrari! Great comparison! Watch your top knot!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks TSP!

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

Had to watch this one again too!!!

[@nonjaninja4904]

I wish manufacturers would bring the edge right up to the handle. It's really annoying having that blank space there.

[@Bushradical]

I totally agree!

[@Ashurbanipal7446]

The moonshiner looks like it would have a better profile for sticking hogs and and whatnot. How do you think the Hudson Bay would compare?

[@Bushradical]

Ive never stuck a hog, but I like the simplicity and ruggedness of the Hudson Bay. It just seems like a better design IMO. Thanks

[@edwardallen527]

You did it again, dude. Kick ass! I value your opinion.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Edward, I appreciate that.

[@mikemcquillan2793]

great review ,i have both knives ,love both ,been thinkin about sharpening the unsharpend part of the shinner by the handel ,also i added a lanyard hole in the hudson bay handel ,now its awsome ,great blades for the price.

[@Bushradical]

Condor really does do something special....good materials, good designs, and done inexpensively! Thanks for the comment.

[@patrickgermond2750]

It's funny watching a guy who uses knives out in the wilderness do a review compared to people doing reviews from there back porch in town like a certain prepared minded guy. Good guy, but doesn't really use his knives. I'm always wasting money on knives too looking for a perfect one. I've settled on the Cold Steel Kukries for now. The pricy ones too. I took my first one ($170) to a grinder and put a choil in it and filed and reprofiled the blade. It's beauty. It's amazing!! It carves like a dream. It feather sticks perfectly, which I do for fun only, and the way the balance of the blade is it helps for smooth carving. Trust me on that one. Its like the little extra weight out there on the end carries the blade forward when a normal small blade might catch a knot or some bit in the wood. I was a wilderness survival instructor when I was young so I do a lot of bow drill and teaching it too. I added an aluminum plate ( shaped down for weight loss)on the shearh with a bow drill divot into on the back where the belt loop attachment goes. It works great. Lynn Thomson ( Cold Steel owner) wouldn't recognize it anymore:) So, they make a $400 one. And there is no where on You Tube where anyone has chopped a piece of wood with it. hahahah And it's been out like 15 years old too I think. Nope, just table tops:) I'm going to buy one and grind the Hell out of it and treat it like a woman married to an alcoholic. lol (That's a bad joke. Don't tell Brooke. ) But yeah having your hand right next to the cutting edge is now a must for me too. Even on a big blade like the Hudson Bay, it can make the knife feel like a small whittling knife when you are doing small tasks. I like very much how you focused on that fact. And how you improved on it too. I may buy a couple of these for Christmas gifts.

[@Bushradical]

Love th thoughts on people not using knives! Tabletop reviews where there isn't any fingerprints on the knife! What exactly CAN you learn from THAT guys opinion. I'll have to try a kukri. Its one knife I have never had a chance to use.

[@bulldog5350]

Was the Hudson Bay a good usable knife after you straightened the blade with rocks on Vancouver Island? Trying to decide if I want to pick one up for myself and the mini for the wife. Thank you

[@jorgeluisgarcia1006]

Hi, Dave, I agree with you about the 2 knives, but let's say I received the moonshiner as a gift..., then I just do what you did with the Hudson Bay, I´ll add a choil or just remove all that extra metal and reshape the wood grip, I would also add a long jimping, reshape the blade eliminating the false edge, like you said and about the long grip, for me it's ok, because that curve at the end of the grip will give me retention while holding the knife for chopping...BTW, I have lots of knives in every size you can imagine in my collection but I don't use big knives, AAMOF I only use for survival/bushcraft teaching/training (I´m an instructor down here in Vzla) a TAK-1 that has just a 4.625" blade, a folding Victorinox Rucksack, a vintage Leatherman Super Tool 200 Multi-tool and for chopping a Condor Bushcraft Parang and a Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw and yes, no axe... also for EDC, a Leatherman Skeletool CX in my left front pant pocket and in the right pocket an old Leatherman folding knife Model c303, another vintage. Be good my friend and Merry Christmas.

[@Bushradical]

Hey Jorge. My problem was that there was just too much handle to start with ( for me)....And I like the hudson bay so much I didn't find much I liked with the moonshiner over the HB. As for big Knives, I'm with you...I generally use a knife with a 3.5" blade. But I bought the Hudson Bay to film Alone. Brooke brought a small knife so I figured I would bring a big one ( variety you know) and I really loved it. It sold me on the value of big knives...even though I don't carry one. Are you in Venezuela?

[@jorgeluisgarcia1006]

Yes, I live in Venezuela but I´m originally from Cuba and I´ll move ASAP to New Mexico...

[@Bushradical]

Hey Jorge, how are you doing down there? Ive heard Venezuela has gotten pretty bad over the last few years.

[@peterspipes9698]

useful comparison since i'm actually on the fence about witch one to get. I want a larger blade for chopping tasks, and now i'm definately leaning towards the Hudson bay.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the comment. I found the hudson bay handle wasn't to my liking when I got it , but it can be ground/hollowed out to pit your hand perfect...but the moonshiner has too much (open space) that you can't fix.

[@campfiretrickery]

I like your review and have been considering the Hudson bay knife . What do you think about the weight of the knife in daily carry . I see that condor has made a mini version. How well does it feather stick and chop wood

[@Bushradical]

the hudson bay chops great. you might want a steeper grind for feather sticking, but any knife will do in a pinch. I haven't seen the mini, so I can't comment on that one. thanks

[@gobangs1117]

Andre the Giant? Now that is an old school reference! I have a Hudson bay, I bought it because any historical reproduction usually represents an item that was totally utilitarian. Back then knives were the way they were for a good reason.

[@Bushradical]

Yeah, that knife is a USER! Its a great design. I'm glad you dug the Andre reference. I love old pro wrestling references.

[@sak594]

Your are in my mind.Honestly review. Greetings frome Greece .

[@Bushradical]

Hello Greece!!!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I have the Hudson Bay mini!!! Just makes me want the full size!!!

[@Bushradical]

right on

[@fumastertoo]

I like the shape of that moonshiner blade, but I'll never buy one. You sure called this one out right on the money.

[@hurleystowing]

I have both..... I prefer the the moon stalker! Choke up choke down, It’s a bottoning beast👍🏻 Chopper knife number 1!

[@Bushradical]

Right on. I'm sure its a good fit for someone, I just couldn't get along with it....ALSO, don't forget my Hudson Bay has quite a lot more handle area after I modded it. A stock hudson bay and a Moonshiner might have been a different comparison. Thanks for the comment.

[@evspec3]

I enjoy your style and approach. Great review. Subscribed.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for watching and subbing, I appreciate it.

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Terävä So which do you prefer to carry with you, the Terävä Skrama 200 or the Condor Hudson Bay?

[@brandona.6337]

Great review brother , I've been looking at both of these knives for future purchase and since watching your review , well I'm most definitely not buying the moonshiner 😝 the Hudson Bay will be in my collection here in the near future ! 👍🏻 thanks again for your time and review !

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the comment Brandon A. Appreciate you checkin' out my video.

[@BlazinBlades]

I Agree ☝️ No need for a long handle if its unusable. But wearing heavy winter gloves the moonshiner extra long handle suddenly make sense. Try the swamp romper or the 4.5” Garuda or 5.5” Cortalis. Cheers BB

[@Bushradical]

I like the swamp romper's look.

[@awesomeone1106]

It listed as a Tactical Knife, you can use it as a bushcraft kniph but it listed as a tactical tool.

[@dennisoverholts8396]

Didnt the Hudson Bay break down when you used it on the knots on the show

[@Bushradical]

Yes it did. But Hemlock knots are the hardest knots you'll find. Lots of folks have broke axe bits on hemlock knots

[@eugeniovaldez7205]

Great review! Well done!

[@Bushradical]

Glad you liked it!

[@FremontidaeScott]

Thought about just reworking the whole thing? Grind in the area as you were talking about but also shortening the handle, move the scales up, etc? It's a lot of work, but if the knife ain't working you gut a hunk of 1075 doing nothing.

[@Bushradical]

I actually put it back on eBay and sold it. It was tempting to re-do it, but I just couldn't see putting in all the work when I liked the hudson bay so much better. Thanks for the comment.

[@FremontidaeScott]

You're welcome. Was pleased to find someone providing real life, practical reviews. Doubly so when I realized you're representing the mitt :)

[@Bushradical]

Are you in MI too?

[@Bushradical]

I split my time for the last 4 years. Summers in Alaska winters in michigan. I grew up in MI, and have spent most of my adult life in AK. Im South of Cadillac down here in the mitten.

[@Airik1111bibles]

I like it....the choke back works for good chopping, honestly I'd like a choil. Different strokes for different folks. Don't like that Hudson I hate the handle, its funny how that is.

[@Bushradical]

I didn't like the hudson bay handle either. It felt really short and stubby. I ground a lot of material off with a belt sander and a hand held grinder to make it fit my hand...but I didn't care for it straight from the factory. The problem ( for me ) with the moonshiner was it didn't have material to remove to make the handle better suite my hand.......it had too much space! I just ended up selling it on eBay. Thanks for the comment, and I'm glad you liked your Moonstalker....the handle just wasn't good for me.

[@j.hendrich7566]

That's why i like scandinavian knives like Leukus and Puukkos, the shape is moslty simple and usable as hell, you got a simple handle shape, and a simple blade with an edge going all the way back at the handle. The Roselli Leuku is the best example for that. I have no patience for unusable extra weight/space.

[@Bushradical]

Spot on about extra weight/space! I'll check out those other knives you mentioned. Thanks for the comment!

[@B-leafer]

You said you took the Hudson Bay knife to a grinder to tune up that section of the knife. Good idea. I do the same with my knives. What if... You took a small half round file to cut a half moon shaped choil into the back of the moonshiner blade so you could "choke up" on the blade giving you all kinds of access for more close up work? An hour or so of customization and bingo, a far better blade. Also, the thinner moonshiner blade could be considered more useful in the camp kitchen as a quasi chef knife. My opinion.. Adapt and overcome.

[@Angrygerman1930]

Witch husdon bay is that there's 2 on Condor pluse isn't that the knife you took to alone ?

[@markdevries8975]

How about sell the moonshine and get a mini hudson bay to match your Hudson!

[@6614vb]

Thanks for the reviews

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for watching!

[@longrider42]

Mid to late 1700's all the way through the 1800's and early 1900's. Even today there are knives based on this design. Not quite as big and thick though. The Hudson Bay knife is a knife you use to skin big game and cut through joints and yes, slice meat, its that sharp, at least mine is. Would I grind that part of the blade down to get closer to the edge. Most likely not. If I have fine work to do, I use a smaller knife. I've had mine for 3 years now and it is on my belt or pack, every time I hit the trail.

[@kuime1]

A five-star review. Thank u!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks HWQ

[@SweWince]

I'm really glad I watched this video

[@Bushradical]

Thanks.

[@SweWince]

no u, good sir

[@gunnerhusnian4375]

awesome comparison!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks colloid survival. Good to see you back!

[@craigmooring2091]

Geez, Dave! Quit beatin' around the bush, and tell us what you really think. ;^)

[@craigmooring2091]

It's funny, because I just got through watching Mark Young's review and demo of his Condor Hudson Bay, and he loves it now that he's made the inadequate handle larger. (removed the scales, carefully wet ground the finger guard right up to the cutting edge, squared off the spine edges, made new scales, and added a lanyard hole) Chac'un à son goût.

[@Bushradical]

Sorry, I should have been more candid! LOL, I'll check out that video.

[@stevemartin4696]

Wow! No dislikes, you must be doing a good job!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks.

[@ctripps1224]

Both are good Knives. I think that even if the Hudson Bay is a bit more all better, I'd still take the Moonshiner, cause it chops with slightly more authority and I'd feel safer in the bush with it for protection against a Bear, Coyote, Mountain Lion or wild boar... . Nice review.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks C Tripp.

[@filipeconte1328]

Cool review. Thanks man!

[@Bushradical]

You bet!

[@BAAMRanch]

Great stuff, been wanting to pick one up

[@BAAMRanch]

wanting to pick up the condor, i might add

[@Bushradical]

The hudson bay?

[@BAAMRanch]

haha yes, I guess i cant seem to be able to type this morning

[@Bushradical]

All there knives are good for the money.

[@tastethyboot]

great vid, thanx from Vancouver island sportsman!

[@Bushradical]

Tanks for the comment ! Where at on the island are you?

[@ChrisC30]

I've got giant sized hands. Guess maybe that's why. :-)

[@henryo3607]

Your absolutely right I agree knife has to fit the hand

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

I like the handle on the moonshiner but the blade of Hudson could grind that swedge off hmm darn it lol great reviews brotha stay strong&healthy safe&happy!!(=✌💚

[@Bushradical]

Thanks 👍

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

@@Bushradical hey have you seen or considered the Ironpath, looks so heavy-duty and great grip similar price point now I just ordered one😁✊🔥

[@barryhopesgthope686]

Could the Moonshiner be more for a weapon? Just wondering.

[@Bushradical]

I don't really know.

[@JAB671]

I have the Moonshiner and actually think the handle is very functional if you look at it as having multiple grip options. When you choke up for cutting, slicing, etc. the front hook keeps your fingers from slipping onto the blade. When you slide back on the handle, the rear hook - if viewed as a chopping aid rather than exclusively a retention aid - lets you chop using the weight of the knife rather than having to put too much 'arm' behind it by allowing that part of the grip to easily pivot in your hand when you are doing something like chopping a thick branch off of a tree. Notice, also, that the Moonshiner has a lanyard hole while the Hudson Bay does not. Again, I think this is because the handle design of the Moonshiner, with that rearward hook, is intended more for chopping. See, I don't think that the knife was designed with any intention that the hooks on each end would lock your hand in. Instead, if you look at the Moonshiner in a way that the longer handle is intended to give more chopping leverage and the rear hook is intended to give a different grip for chopping then I think it makes perfect sense - at least that is how I use it. I don't have a Hudson Bay and thought I didn't want one because I have the Moonshiner and I thought they were basically two knives intended to serve the same, general purpose(s). However, your video has convinced me that the practical uses of these, two knives are actually very different. I now honestly think that the Hudson Bay would probably be a better all around, camp knife which can probably chop pretty well but the Moonshiner would probably be the superior chopper if the handle is utilized in the manner I described, above. I also think that the Moonshiner would probably be a much better 'fighting knife' - if, that is, I had any training and skill in knife fighting - whereas the Hudson Bay, while it could likely be used to defend oneself in a pinch - looks to me to be more along the lines of a large utility/butcher knife.

[@JAB671]

Oh, I meant to say that I absolutely agree with you about the unusable portion at the rear of the blade. With the front hook to protect the hand from sliding onto the blade there is no reason the sharpened portion shouldn't come all the way back to the handle. Further, if I do end up getting a Hudson Bay I will probably make a similar modification to the one you made with grinding away part of the unsharpened portion of the blade to improve the grip.

[@Bushradical]

Right on. I think you'll like the hudson bay. But maybe not. You seem to see benefits in the moon shiner that I didn't. And if it works for you.... its a good knife. I have to admit right up front , I'm not a knowledgeable knife guy. I just like what I like. I bet most everybody out there is more up to speed on the fine points of knives than I am, So I guess my review is a "joe off the street" type of review. I also really got attached to the Hudson bay on an extended stay in the bush ( I'll tell you more about that later) ...so I judge larger knives against it....and I guess I'm pretty biased towards the HB. Thanks for all the good comments!

[@JAB671]

Bushradical Heh, I'certainly not an expert on knives, either - or much of anything else, either. I am just a 'regular Joe', too and honestly more of a general camper/sometimes woods bummer (although not as much as I used to be or would like to be, again) and not really as much of a 'bushcrafter' or hardcore backpacker so that probably makes a difference, too. Honestly, while it is a good chopper and is probably the best 'knife' for chopping that I have, my CRKT Halfachance parang puts it to shame on chopping. Heck, on wrist-sized trees or so and even a little bigger the Halfachance chops better (for me) than most hatchets or small axes but it is limited when it comes to finer tasks like carving out hangers, etc.

[@JAB671]

Pot hangers, that is.

[@Bushradical]

Right on. I'll check that one out. I even like the name..."halfachance". Thanks for the info!

[@giloliver8173]

shoot much pool, LOL Great vid. What did you do to the blade on your Hudson bay ?

[@Bushradical]

No I don't really shoot a lot of pool. As for the blade, I took off the "steep" edge with my water bath grinder. It comes with a short scandi-type grind.

[@tastethyboot]

maybe the extra space on the handle would be useful if you were wearing thick gloves?

[@Bushradical]

I hadn't thought of that. It might be a better handle with a big mitten on because your not likely to drop it with the curl on the end of the handle. Good point.

[@mem7048]

I have big hands myself, but, have never liked the back swoop on a handle. I would prefer a front lanyard hole and for the end of the handle to be like the Hudson's bay knife personally.

[@Bushradical]

good idea

[@Bushradical]

Most of the same info...but with an A/B angle.

[@rangefinder3538]

I agree with you about the handle on the Hudson Bay:It's too short! Too bad one has to take a grinder to it to get a decent grip. Otherwise a great knife. Whoever designed the handle has munchkin hands.

[@Bushradical]

Totally agree! Good thing there is room between the blade and the hand area to grind away material.....but its too bad they don't make it a little bigger to start with........darn munchkins.

[@ranal7935]

new sub to your channel..great video's....the two knives in this review look great , would like to have them both !....i have mostly ontario brand knives , from the little-fish to the tak d2....but just like you modified the hudson bay more to your liking , i have modified a few of the ontario's more to my likeing also.......i think if i owned the moonshiner , i would take a file and extend the sharp edge all the way to the finger guard...........love the variety in your video's...great job.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks re lee! Glad you're enjoying the channel!! I have to agree, It would be better to have a cutting edge all the way back to the finger guard. I hate that big ricaso.

[@cassshields5106]

I just wish the Hudson Bay had a lanyard hole. I'm a weird one I like to at least have a pinky lanyard on my large knives.

[@jakepv1]

Cassidy Shields Yeah... The first thing I did when I got mine was drill a lanyard hole in it. The I grinded down the bottom edge where your index finger meets the blade, like he showed in this video. They are great knifes, for sure.

[@rorybyrne3977]

good review sir!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Rory. Appreciate that.

[@laciihasz4734]

i think it really does not matter that the moonshiner has an inch between the handle and the end of the blade. who does fine carving with a knife like that anyways?

[@Bushradical]

With the hudson bay my hand gets about a quarter inch from the blade just where I like it. The Moonshiner is like 1.5' I used the hudson bay all the time on Alone for small stuff. The moonshiner wouldn't have worked nearly as well. IMO

[@laciihasz4734]

if it fits for u than it fits for u:) i like smaller knives, 2-3 inches long blades with an axe, that fits for me.

[@Bushradical]

When my wife and I went to Vancouver island for the Alone series, we could each take a knife. She took a small carbon steel knife with a 3 3/4" blade ......so I took a large chopper so we could have the diversity of the two totally different knives. I "bought" the Hudson Bay knife for that specific reason and grew to really like it by using it every single day for 49 days straight. I modded the handle before I took it out in the field so it fit my hand like a glove. I agree with you about the smaller knife. I would never have picked this knife as my (ONE) knife to take, but rather chose it because it was completely different from the knife my wife chose to take. We would trade knives when we each needed the others knife for a specific task and it worked out great.

[@Bushradical]

By the way, I just did a video on the knives I own and use. Its called "lets talk Knives" I think you would dig it. Most of my knives are 3-4" blades.

[@Bushradical]

This season was 2 family members, per team. Each person got to take a sleeping bag, and a knife. And then they got to pick 5 items each and then your dropped off in the bush with your choices of gear and camera equipment . The whole show is self shot , so its just you , your gear and your cameras. I did take an axe, and a saw as 2 of my 5 items, because I could not imagine being without either one of those tools in heavy timber.

[@danwilder7945]

I have small hands and love big knives, from Texas and all that. I get frustrated at the handles they put with large blades. Maybe they were looking for a chopper? I carry a belt hatchet so I don't see it.

[@Bushradical]

The hudson bay has a small handle from the factory. You might need to grind the thickness down, but its a short stubby handle. Perfect for modding to suite your taste. Thanks for the comment Dan.

[@rebelyell2741]

I think the two designs are purpose built. The moonshiner has more strength, multiple hand positions with proper use of a lanyard, and better tip penetration for self defense. More of a knife for someone that spends a long time in the deep woods and entered dangerous towns. It’s bad point is a hand hold not close to the edge that’s pretty wood carving specific. I like that neck style and I’m comfortable using it. I also would have designed it with a shorter top bevel to point. Allowing for more length of spine for scraping. The Hudson Bay is an overall good knife with a strong tip and full spine. Pairs great with a CRKT woods chogun or condor pack axe. Probably good for skinning moose , and Kodak.very durable wood and meat processor. With a good lanyard hold, an adaquate chopper, splitter. But poor tip penetration for self defense, and the finger guard will cause hot spot from multiple stabs(prying stumps to reach fat wood or grubs, beetles). I think the moonshiner would make a better one tool option with a great heat treatment for a strong tip.

[@LarsRibe]

OK, that's it.. Hudson Bay is my next fixed.

[@nomad753]

I liked my Moonshiner more than my Hudson bay. The Moonshiner is a WAY better chopper in my opinion with the hook on the handle and longer overall length. The Hudson Bay always wanted to slip out of my hand while chopping with its straight grip. I helped my son build a shelter with the Hudsin Bay, and I regretted taking the knife by the time we were done. It gave me allot of hand fatigue trying to hold onto it . That being said, even though I sold my Hudson bay, I'd still like to get another someday.

[@johnnymedina946]

Shove the moonshiner in someone's chest you are gonna want the extra space between the cutting blade to protect your hand during slippage. It's a fighters knife.

[@Bushradical]

OK........

[@jonathanpooley1255]

Cheers mate

[@whitwavenger]

But couldn't you modify the Moonshiner's handle pretty much the pretty much the same way as you did the Hudson Bay? And, for that matter, you could sharpen some of that "wasted space" just in front of the handle, if it's that big an issue. People customize their knives all the time. Condor makes good knives, but not all customers want exactly the same thing. That's why they make more than one model.

[@Bushradical]

you could sharpen it more......but the handle was just way to big

[@whitwavenger]

@@Bushradical I must have sasquatch size hands, then (XXL) , because mine fits me just fine.

[@dannyfain879]

Thank you I'll take the Hudson Bay.

[@Bushradical]

Good choice!

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Ha Ha Ha!...i luv it....i really like the HB design...well said amigo...woods

[@Bushradical]

Hey MT. Thanks for the feedback. I checked out some of your vids...good stuff! .......and I think you sing just fine..and play that taylor really good too! Im headed over right now to sub. Old trucks , dogs and Guitars.....I think we're related!

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Thanks Dave...i appreciate that amigo!...woods

[@aaronnelson1099]

Shiner is build for Shaq!! Well compared Dave!! Dust off your pole!! Chrome is swiming 3 or 4 days going to be on like Donkey Kong! Whats up B said she is down!! You?? Now that would make a video!!

[@timbaka1480]

A "hand-sized handle and you are right up near the blade" . . . jeez, who does fine carving with an 8" knife? This is a recipe for a trip to the emergency room. The handle is too short, and it has no lanyard hole. The moonshiner handle is much safer all around. I would however, agree that the false edge on the top is unnecessary.

[@Bushradical]

I generally end up using the blade area closest to my hand. You can chop with any big knife but when you want to do something other than hacking', then I really like to have sharp edge right up by my grip. I get what your saying about nobody using an 8" knife for fine work, you're totally right. I just did a video on my knife collection. If you have minute check it out. I think you would enjoy it. Most all my knives have 3-4" blades.

[@jeremiahshine]

To add to the conversation on the Moonshiner swedge: Remember who the moonshiners were and what they were doing... They fought to protect their operations.

[@New2Kendo]

The Moonshiner has a longer handle which makes chopping much easier, you can choke back on the grip and chop better. The Hudson Bay is excellent, but it doesnt have a lanyard hole, and unless you have a carbide bit your not going to drill one. Still I own the Hudson Bay and not the Moomshiner

[@Bushradical]

I'm not a big lanyard guy....but I DO wish the hudson bay had a lanyard hole.

[@lalli8152]

I think that false edge is indeed quite useless for knives that would be used as tool. Its more of fighting knife style blade. I feel thats why many bowie blades historically had that. They were designed for stabbing, and it aids in penetration through thick clothes etc.

[@Bushradical]

good point

[@ajaxtelamonian5134]

Although most false edges were sharpened to some degree so one could cut on the back swing if youd missed.

[@Randy-1967]

Grind a finger choil in to the extra space on the moonshiner