Condor Kephart Bushcraft Knife by Joe Flowers - Sharp Saturday

[@ROE1300]

Gave some thought to your question about which I would prefer. I have owned both, I don’t own either now. Having said that, it is called a Kephart for a reason. The BK62 is as close to the original as any production knife on the market. Not that imitators can’t and don’t bring something to the table, but it called a Kephart for a reason. If I bought another production version of the Kephart knife I would have to spring for the extra bucks and get the real deal. Thank you Ethan Becker! The sharp spine issue, if it is important to the owner of either knife, can be resolved with a metal file and some old fashioned elbow grease.

[@shastaham7630]

My first (of four) Condor was a Kephart. I carried that knife until I bought my Bushlore (yes, I like both sizes). The only thing I don't care for I'd them Kephart's lack of a lanyard hole. I will have one drilled when I can find someone local who can do it without ruining the knife.

[@paleo52]

I have a Condor Kephart that I got from Joe Flowers at the Woodsmoke gathering in 2012.

[@gladeshunter8796]

I’ve grown to like a sharpened spine but only on the front half of the blade . I round off the back half for comfort during extended carving . Best of both worlds .

[@jamesmiddleton6464]

Me too. Works great.

[@nigelmagoo]

I think I'd prefer about 1/3 of the spine near the handle rounded for comfort too, but I'd like some of the spine sharp for scraping. I barely use a fire steel, so I'd probably have another blade with me if I did. I'm definitely going to add a choil on this knife. I don't like a long ricasso like the overpriced Ray Mears bushcraft blades have. The Jacklore's are much superior in my opinion to the Woodlore's, are very high quality, and more affordable as well. Not too easy to acquire though. I also beveled the scales at the heel where they meet the blade more like the Becker BK62 Kephart for comfort. I would have preferred the Becker BK62 to have a 4.5" rather than a 5" blade though.

[@nigelmagoo]

I have the book as well "Camping and Woodcraft" by Horace Kephart, and I doubt he ever used a ferrocerium rod. I admit I haven't read it yet, but I wonder if he used scrapers. If you're a woodworker, you can take this deeper regarding sanding, planing and scraping. I'm sure each has an appropriate use with various materials. The older bushcraft books I have recommend a piece of broken glass as a scraper, but obliviously not for making a flat surface.

[@GeorgeOrwell-yz6zx]

@@nigelmagoo Mora has a very reasonable chisel knife I am thinking of getting that would seem perfect as a ferro rod striker as well as good little backup knife. I don't like sharpened spines, choils, large ricassos. I just like a simple knife with some modest finger protection

[@DL-ij7tf]

@@GeorgeOrwell-yz6zx I'd say just go with a regular Mora Basic, it'd be cheaper. I have their chisel and it's pretty nice. The Hultafors yellow handled chisel is cheaper and insanely durable as well, probably more than the Mora but hard to say. I've seen them for $9 or so.

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

Awesome video as always! I'm really digging that Condor Kephart and at that price it's a big thumbs up from me.

[@Hondo79]

That was my first one too and it’s still goes w my in my pack every time I go out . Great all around knife for camp craft

[@mikefox7947]

Great knife I got a bad one but contacted condor and got a replacement pretty fast and it's perfect great knife for the price

[@rogerlawson4516]

BK62, first it is the true design of the Kephart knife. I think Kephart did not scrape with the spine because it was not on the knife Becker purchased. It was tapered at the spine, more so than the BK62. I don't need my knives to have a sharp spine. If it does I use it, If it don't I work around it. I carry more than one knife and probably have one with a sharp spine around anyway. Good video and series Bryan. Thanks.

[@thomasmaloney843]

My condor kephart had an uneven and coarse grind. Lot of time to fix it and get it to cut paper. Nice design. Need more blade qc.

[@navigator1372]

Mine came the same way but I spent a lot of time sharpening it and now it can circumcise a flea

[@timberg7377]

I love my Condor, it's been an outstanding knife.

[@mickeyauthement6898]

I remember when you did video on the Condor Kephart and the other Condor knife you had purchased for your sons. I commented and asked you which one you preferred and based on that I purchased one of each from Self Reliance Outfitters. The Kephart has been my favorite knife ever sense. It is very comfortable in the hand and maintains a sharp edge

[@realbroggo]

Never gave much thought to buying a Kephart blade until I used one. Now I have a Condor Kephart as my primary camp knife & use it regularly. Excellent utility. Condor value for money remains a big reason for choice - yes, slightly rough re. blade finish but I do love the sheath.

[@tom_olofsson]

I wanted a Kephart ever since I first read Camping and Woodcraft back in 1974. I bought the Condor a few years ago when it was the closest to the original. I guess I need the Becker too.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Ethan's version is a very comfortable knife

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose Holy cow. I had NO idea it was you with all the face hair and hat ! YOu look like a different guy

[@henrychristopher9131]

I bought a Lucas Forge vintage Kephart. It is the closest to the Horace Kephart knife that he carried that is in a museum. Next to the Lucas Forge is the LaRoccaKnives kephart on the Etsy website. Look at the detail on the knife handles on the Lucas forge vintage Kephart compared to the original Horace Kephart knife. Amazing.

[@MutsPub]

I've owned the Condor for years. Great knife. I changed out the sheath. It rides to high on the belt, for me. Much smaller in the hand than the Becker. Overall, my Condor was a little "rough". Needed some sanding. Esee PR4 is still my favorite.

[@xBigRob]

Proud Nephew here! keep killing it with these videos!!! Now I need to get me a new knife :)

[@gonagain]

I've had the Condor Kephart for a few years and use it extensively. The only thing I changed was to add a sharpening choil to make sharpening easier. I haven't handled the Becker BK62, but I think the lighter weight, thinner blade of the Condor makes it a handier camp knife.

[@nigelmagoo]

The BK62 tolerances, construction and steel are far superior, as I own both. I'm still playing around with this Condor 1075 steel and 'modding' the knife to improve it. I'd rather 'play' with a $70 blade than a $180 one. Prices vary. Since I'm Canadian, I need to pay the exchange rate, duties, taxes, and shipping.

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

Kephart didn’t know what a ferro rod was. Hatchets, axes and tomahawks were for chopping and and splitting wood. Knives were for skinning, cutting and butchering.

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

That's nice.

[@phillo1818]

I like the look of both knives. But, I prefer the BK62 for it's longer blade and more steel for a better heft and perhaps stronger blade. However, if you break either knife your an idiot who shouldn't be allowed to play or work with knives. As to the blade and spine sharpness, a few passes on my WSKO belt sharpener and the BK62 will never disappoint. The nice thing is with the WSKO you can sharpen the whole upper spine or pick a spot that's comfortable for you and sharpen just that half to one inch spot. Great vid Mr. SOP!

[@James-ke5sx]

I'm going to watch all your series. I bought the Becker version. It's a bit nicer and it has history to it plus I'm a big Becker fan.

[@cocabandi]

Thanks for the comparison. If given the choice, I would most likely choose the Condor. I think the price is right, and, like you, I don't think one is getting twice the knife for twice the price with the Becker.

[@gregblake2764]

The Condor Kephart has a very functional form factor. I wasn't happy with how thinly they attach the handle scales on their finished knife so I bought two of the Kephart blade blanks and added my own handle scales and leather sheath. My handles have the Kephart flare up near the blade like the original. Really functional camp knives. I just wish Condor would make the Kephart out of either 1095 or O1 steel. 1075 just isn't that great in my book. The BK62 is a great knife. Good steel perfect size and shape. Walnut scales are nicely done. Plus the leather sheath is very nice. I heavily use both knives for food prep, cleaning fish, working wood, making kindling, and striking a ferro rod to start my fire.

[@dwightehowell8179]

I seem to have a large collection of Kepharts. The Condor is nice. They now have added a compact Kephart to their line up. Three finger grip and of course a very short blade. The sheath belt loop is wide enough I can get my belt through it which sort of surprised me.

[@tamadrummer001]

I’m a real big fan of Condor knife and tool. I believe I would go for the condor based on price and your quick review

[@MegaTeddybear04]

I love all Becker knives and I love any of Joe Flowers knives but out of the two I would have to go with the Condor for the price, steel and the ability to stirke a fero rod.

[@charlesmurphy7712]

My pick would be the Joe Flowers . I bought the Horace Kephart 5inch with Red liners and black canvas mycarta handels in CPM3V from Bark River Knives. In my opinion it is the best available. It is by far the most expensive one offered on the market but I considered it a long-term investment. It came razor sharp, with a very sharp spine 👌, and in the CPM3V steel. It processes food like a laser, and can make the thinnest long curls off a feather stick you've ever seen. I try to use sticks about 2feet long for my feathers. Mores Alway used long sticks to feather . To me they are easier to get lit . Plus they really get going when you have four to six as tender . Would love to see Joe's knife do some food prep or cleaning a fish . More of camp chores than making a fire with a ferrous rod. But good job on presenting Joe's knife, its got me thinking 🤔 about buying it for the kitchen and camping 🏕 🤔 😀

[@barrybaldwin5535]

At 71, I have come to know what I like & don't like before I commit to buy it. Being a southpaw, I won't own a belt knife or a folder that I can't carry left side, no matter how cool or functional it is. I'm also not the kind of guy that will discard a right hand sheath after paying for it & then commission somebody to make me a custom kydex replacement sheath. I know, a little pig headed, but these are my values in this genre. Anyway, I've got such a large collection with so many different blade styles & intended uses, that my grandkids' grandkids will still be trying to wear them all out!!! lol

[@earthsciteach]

I just received the Becker Kephart after KA-BAR's 50% off everything sale. The knife feels "right" in my hand. I have several bald spots on my arms after testing sharpness right out of the box. I do agree that the Becker version could do with a sharp spine, if only for a 1/2 inch beyond the scales. The bevel on the spine is less pronounce in that area, but I may file a flat area for striking a ferro rod. I paid $106.36 for this knife and it is every bit worth that. I would not have sprung for the full price at $212.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yeah, I bought a couple of knives to review in that sale. But I have to say their prices at 50% off were not a lot better than the prices you can find them for on some online stores.

[@Arariel3]

You got my like at 9:54 for using your "favorite ferro rod"

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Never leave home without it

[@navigator1372]

I'm partial to stainless and light in small knives cause of skinning and corrosion. For carbon look no further than the condor, and for stainless, the joker trampero. To me this is the best kephart. For nessmuk in carbon the bk 19. For stainless, the joker or for a whopping 20 bux also in stainless the marbles knife. I love the nessmuk more and to me it's just as capable as the kephart and can still bore holes just not as good. The big belly makes it a better slicer and skinner. I think it carves wood better too. I love both designs. I have 2 nessmuk s and two kepharts.

[@ROE1300]

👍 Good knives. Good review and comparison. Thank you for sharing. Your Kephart series has been very interesting.

[@minguscreek]

Good comparison. Condor Bushlore very similar, and the mini Bushlore a good companion to that. Thanks

[@bgbeck55]

The sharpness of the Condor spines are hit and miss. I have two Condor Kepharts,one is sharp on one side,the left, and the other is sharp on both sides.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

Bark River Mini Kephart is my favorite EDC ever.

[@numberiv1137]

I love the kephart design. I have the bk62 and pks kephart xl versions. I prefer the pks one better but the bk62 is well done within it's own right. Currently I've gotten away from the bushcraft style blades though and went with more of a survival type not that any knife isn't a survival tool but I digress thanks for the review sir

[@jamesellsworth9673]

And NOW...let's do the damp wood Ferro rod test.😊 I watched your Kephart series to date and purchased the Becker Kabar version. This will be my first-ever spear point straight knife. My Scouting pocket folders had spear points. LIKE the Becker handle design. Plus, I will pay more to hire American craftsmen. Apparently, Kephart used the 4.5-inch version by preference and the 5-inch stayed at home. The Flowers/Condor package is probably closer to his ideal. Later, Kephart wrote approvingly of Webster Marble's Woodcraft model, and it has a 4.5-inch blade. IT DOES NOT HAVE A SPEAR POINT. I have owned a Marble for more than a decade.

[@shaneskinner5385]

Brian you should see if you can start a fire with the blade and Flint. Flint and steel style

[@andrewwright01]

Good Afternoon Bryan, I hope y'all are doing well on this Sunday afternoon. Just wanted to let you know that Shawn Kelley of Corporal's Corner gave you a shout-out on his solo overnight Construction camp episode today. I was very happy to see you interview him at Blade Show. Y'all are my favorite KZbinrs and the only ones I watch every video from. So how are you liking your Jeep Wrangler? I was up near your area this past week. But I try to avoid Atlanta if at all possible. Give me a haller next time you're in South Georgia. Take care my friend and May GOD Bless Y'all. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY 🦅🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 The South GA SGT. ANDREW

[@mudsslinger]

nice job, I would like to see you compare the , OKC Bushcraft Field Knife to kabar BK62 Kephart

[@rickyfargason8859]

I like the Condor Kephart. The only thing I would change is the steel. I prefer 1095 hcs, so I can strike it with a piece of flint. I agree in that I like a sharp 90 degree spine to strike a ferro rod and scrap fatwood which is pretty easy to add with a nice file.

[@madedigital]

the one which is a full convex wins for me

[@mikeboone4425]

I just don't get all this excitement over grand ma and grandpa's small butcher knife . Happy Trails.

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

What's not to get

[@mct54az]

Ontario Blackbird in 154CM waiting.

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

I like the condor kephart, it requires a lot of tlc but it's a nice knife when reprofiled. Of course now it's well over priced, I paid 40 bucks for mine

[@elund408]

Have you looked at the price of steel, when your base material doubles in price the cost of your product is going up.

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

@@elund408 and?

[@larryspence7189]

My 2 favorite knives around the camp and around the kitchen. Wife shakes her head me using the bigger Beck-hart to do onions. Lol. I like both pretty much equally. It just comes down to how long of a knife i need to do the job although in the hand the Beck-hart is a bit better than the Joe-hart to me.

[@ajk3rd]

Not to change subjects BUT can you say where you purchased your hat??? As for the knives, I own both but my favorite Kephart style knife is the Old Hickory small fish and game knife, luv it...

[@ronagoodwell2709]

Condor for the win.

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

I like the condor because I have more control over the smaller blade also the LE don't bother you as much should you forget it on your belt , after the camp out. ( depends on your state). Nice vid Bryan. Stay sharp. pun intended 😁

[@richardelliott9511]

Thanks Brian, I always enjoy Sharp Saturdays. You have shown me more great knives than I can ever hope to own. The one question I have is, in this day and age with the newer stainless steel alloys, why would anyone choose high carbon steel for a knife to be used outdoors over stainless. Yes I know, I've heard all of the arguments, pro and con, but for me the antirust capabilities of a good stainless far outweigh any advatages of even the highest tech carbon steels. To each his own I guess but really? Just my own miny rant don't mean to start a debate just getting it off my chest.

[@dennisayers1418]

I would add especially in the very expensive high carbon knives. Some 1095 carbon steel knives out there are 200 bucks, you should be able to get pretty good stainless steel for that price

[@richardelliott9511]

@@dennisayers1418 👍

[@DrDennis]

BK Kephart for me. I own it.

[@thomasmaloney843]

Joker has a Trampero that is a kephart clone. May want to look at it

[@r1ckgr1m3s8]

I need to get one for I am a Kephart, don't if I'm related but I should have one lol

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great blade Brian! What do you think about the Condor version of the Nessmuc? That stash has gotten pretty wild there Sir! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@bradjohnson4787]

I have the Joker Kephart style.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Cool

[@williamgates1128]

You should review Dave Canterburys pks kephart it's a really nice one and affordable, right at $100.00

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I did review the PKS Kephart XL a few weeks ago

[@williamgates1128]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose ah, I must have missed that one! I'm going back now to watch it, thanks!

[@alfred5302]

Corporal sent me awesome info

[@Gunny-USMC-re-tired]

Hi Bryan, are you going to include a Lt Write Genesis in this series, or have you done one and I already missed it?

[@CraigSheppard]

The Condor stuff has always seemed to be a good value, especially with the sheaths included for that cost. But which is better Condor Kephart or Bushlore?

[@marthacoate1024]

Having both I can honestly say neither, but if I was forced to choose I would pick the micarta version of the bushlore with a heavily convexed edge. Both suffer from serious edge retention issues but it seams they pay closer attention to quality in the micarta versions. They are all overpriced these days though!

[@AnimeKingKaz]

@@marthacoate1024 the only thing keeping me from picking one up is the 1075 steel. Got me an LT Wright Genesis so I could have the style with better steel.

[@MutsPub]

I agree, neither. Condor Terrasaur would be my pick (~$40) for a Condor knife. Little smaller and half the price of the Mora Garberg (~$90 for carbon version, ~$80 for stainless)

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

Get a kephart if you want a knife. Get a bushlore if you want a mini splitting wedge with a handle.

[@CraigSheppard]

@@MutsPub I had just discoverd the Terrasaurs on the Condor site, seems like the right price although it's twice the cost of a Mora for about the same thing but with a full tang I guess.

[@rottvang]

I use that knife to spread peanut butter on bread

[@johndudley5761]

Dats kneef I'd deadly!😊

[@elwynsmith5092]

Condor for me

[@isaacgarcia117]

Me and this guy have been buying similar or the same knifes

[@surfrat8884]

Before covid, you could get the condor for $30.

[@mikefox7947]

Jus wish it fit the sheath better or that they offered a Scandinavian style sheath for it would be awesome that's the only thing you will need a sheath it comes with a nice sheath but doesn't fit it well

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Mine fits fine

[@SinistralCitizen]

Will you be doing the LT Wright Genesis?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I asked them but they are doing all they can just to keep up with their dealer orders. They didn't even have any knives to sell at Blade Show last month.

[@redsorgum]

I like Joe’s knife because it’s smaller.

[@retiredtanker8615]

That's what she said!

[@ramonrodriguez5728]

👍

[@dougroll8139]

Great video. Just wondering how the edges hold up after the batoning? Any chips or rolled edges on any of the knives?

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

Mine came with a severely heat damaged edge, I had to re-sharpen it about 4 times before it would hold an edge. Don't let that discourage you though, it's fine now.

[@technokitten2038]

“I dont like giving up” 30 seconds later Totally gives up

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

A man's got to know his limitations ;-)

[@toto29er]

Pr4

[@dickwarner6604]

Kabar

[@johndudley5761]

I taught a condor wazz a bird ?

[@royburris4126]

By the way I love you vids quick and to the point

[@RandoCalrisiann]

I love my condor, not a fan of the kabar.

[@Slking507]

FIRST!

[@royburris4126]

Typical condor but a few passes on a grinding stone and the spine will be fine still a great kinfe just it was a U.S.A. made

[@jackvoss175]

Methinks that you enjoy playing with knives and fire? 🙄