Viking Seax Knife - My Review of the Condor Norse Dragon

[@66bub]

Bjorn pulls out his old knife: "Now THAT'S a knife."

[@stonefox9124]

​@@MasterOfTheWeirdingWay🙄 learn how to cook and you'll see what this knife is for... Not every knife is for splitting wood u couch survivalist...

[@stephenmcvay5368]

Definitely prefer his old knife.

[@henryganzer4685]

@@stephenmcvay5368 the new one is for his wife/child 😎

[@TheNorsemanRedbeard]

Thank you for the review. I had been considering that model. A dull knife is a dangerous knife.

[@BjornOutdoors]

That is certainly true!

[@Junk_World_Templar]

Interesting looking knife, I'd prefer it a bit longer, I've looked at Seax's in museums that have been dug up in my local area, always thought they'd be a great knife to have in a woodland, but those Seax are a lot bigger. Great video 👍🏻

[@spiraldo10]

Ohhhh the condor Norse Dragon! Bjorn i have the exact same knife and i further sharpened with my stones. Passed it through 400 all the way up to 8000 grit and passed it through my strop with compound and its like a mirror now and it actually shaves hair like butter 😂… i tottally agree with the sheath! I d also prefer a larger handle. Loving the sax design very impressive. May the Gods keep you healthy and powerful. Have fun Bjorn Skål 🍺Warm regards from Sparta. 🇬🇷

[@BjornOutdoors]

Thank you, my friend! Yes, I am looking forward to giving this knife a razor sharp edge! Sharpening knives is like meditation to me, haha.

[@spiraldo10]

@@BjornOutdoors Cheers to that 🍺! Knife and axe sharpening is a meditation for me as well. Plus the result in the end makes you challenge your self for an even better and sharper edge . Depends on on the type of steel being sharpened as well. I know you love traditional archery too. Making arrows is also very interesting and challenging.

[@henryganzer4685]

@@BjornOutdoors "Sharpening knives is like meditation to me" - you speak out my thoughts 👍

[@minxm3378]

I own this knife , it’s my fav bushcraft knife I use atm ! Hadn’t done me wrong so far 🙏

[@BjornOutdoors]

That's good to hear!

[@thechildofthedamned]

Thanks for this review. I have actually been considering getting this knife, but I also have large hands. So a handle that feels too small is just a no go for me. So you probably saved me some money and some disappointment

[@davidlang4442]

Never ever cut towards any of your body parts .First rule my dad taught me when I was old enough to use one. That rule has likely save me from a few unfortunate moments.

[@dean828]

The Seax 🔪... a design created by the Anglo-Saxon people... intensively used in England during the Anglo-Saxon eras...

[@penhullwolf5070]

Looks like our Northern brothers picked up a bit of our cutlery on one of their early visits and liked the idea. To be fair examples of very similar knives are found all around the North Sea throughout the migration era through to early medieval times. It's probably named after the Saxons and it's popularity is probably due to it being easy to make by any basically competent Smith. It is essentially just a steel bar, sharpened down one edge and with the corner cut off to give it a point.

[@floyd4335]

Great review, Bjorn! Based on what I saw and heard in your video, I think that I will pass on buying this knife.

[@danieltporter959]

Most Condor Knives seem to have not the best Sharpness out of the Box. Yet when the right Skill is applied , they can get crazy sharp. I agree Condor should have just sent you a new Sheath.

[@couchcamperTM]

I am a Saxon from Lower Saxony and almost killed myself with a Mora. It's always cultural appropriation that's killing you LOL

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

Stay away from Filipino blades, they'll kill your whole village then.

[@bonp3502]

Glad you didn't wreck your hand. After your review I think I will pass. Not very impressed.

[@echosr2139]

Sorry about your experience I’m glad you’re OK. Can you review the KA-BAR at some point? It’s one of the most famous knives of my country (USA) and has been carried by our military (mainly marines) since WW2. I would be interested in a review of the classic design with the leather grip.

[@Wotan-Born]

Customer service imo is big, a deal breaker as well, if I spend my hard earned money on gear, optics, blades etc. I expect the CS to be on point, if not I won’t order from that company anymore. There’s plenty of other reputable companies I can choose from. Thanks for the honest review brother. Godspeed 🤙🏽⚡️🏴‍☠️

[@davidlang4442]

Bugs must be bad there. From Maine. Know flying blood suckers..

[@BjornOutdoors]

Yes, in this area we have some really nasty ones.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Having done a bit of research, I understand that 'Seax' is more of a blade shape and that shape came in different lengths during the 'Viking' age. I am a friend of Cimbrer Bushcraft and I felt that his design was right for my needs. North American bush crafters of the Classic time generally got more use from shorter blades and full tangs. I purchased a custom knife and the blade was well done but coated with some black 'stuff' that was supposed to make it look 'rustic.' The horizontal sheath was right, but it was made from light leather. I am a poor craftsman, but I enjoyed putting the time in to refine the blade finish and remove the 'gunk' from the decent oakwood handle. Tom, at Cimbrer Bushcraft, regularly uses his short-blade, full-tang Seax to baton wood. He has also designed a collapsible fire bowl that uses batoned, short lengths of wood to make a very useful amount of fire; enough to cook a small meal and to 'take the chill off' of a space close by. I found the shorter Seax, such as the Condor product you are examining, works very well for my purposes in the North American woods. As you have shown, I would not enjoy the Condor version.

[@henryganzer4685]

i also like the "Cimbrer Bushcraft" channel and some times he give me some inspiration to make my own small projects

[@srdool]

The company who makes that knife and sheath also makes condoms so ..be careful.

[@iReturnV1deotapes]

Can you do a review of the varusteleka skrama? It's a similar blade but significantly larger.

[@BjornOutdoors]

Yes, but it's got a plastic handle, if I'm not mistaken. I don't like that so much on a knife like this.

[@stephanygates6491]

Do you have an idea why that shape to the point? It looks like the greatest benefit would be slipping between the ribs.

[@BjornOutdoors]

Yes.

[@BillieBoyd-ng2qv]

For EDC look cold steel koban. Summer carry look cold steel spike (krupp molly) . 4 brush craft: brand of western their boy scout " sheath " model. ( excellent metal ).

[@longrider42]

P.S. I've always heard that the Saex knife can in all sorts of sized. From ones you used to eat with to ones you carried in "Combat". So for a camp knife that is not a bad blade length.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Do you have a Helle Nord perhaps? Being Norwegian and all :-) I really like their knives for sure. Great review 👍 And greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱, TW.

[@connordemareo6757]

Hey Bjorn! Do you have any interest in knife/handle building? I recently bought a lauri puukko blade online and made a handle, would be a cool video to watch you do something similar. Cheers

[@BjornOutdoors]

Yes, I have done that many times. Thanks for the idea.

[@longrider42]

Condor used to have some, if not the best leather knife sheaths out there. I have a few very nice Condor knives with great sheaths. But I keep hearing bad things about the sheath for this knife. So I decided not to buy it. Also I prefer a full tang knife. Now I'm glad I didnt buy it.

[@patriciagray484]

Enjoyed review. Most interesting when you brought other knives for comparison. Thank you

[@BjornOutdoors]

You're welcome. I wanted to show a larger seax and also that Condor does make good knives, like the Cavelore I have.

[@The09041951]

1095 Carbon steel is not best steel . Best steel DC 53 , S30V , D2 , A2 .

[@stonefox9124]

1095 best affordable steel... $150 and under, A2, S30V and now some D2s are like $250 and up

[@VeronicaSywak]

Nice looking knife - the design of a great knife isn’t just it’s blade and handle - it’s the other essential components like a sheath. It’s a critical component of the overall design. If a knife lacks all round utility and ease of use - including safety - it loses favour. Details matter.

[@Jeff-fc3tw]

That's too Bad. I have the Condor Moonshiner,Bushlore and their Hudson Bay knives and their Knives and Sheaths are of impeccable quality. I'm sorry you got a Lemon

[@michellezenner]

Where is your QuickClot and extra gauze for this poor knife sheath? It resembles my vaccum cleaner crevace tool. lol In fact knife may fit and crevace tool better design actually rofl 😂 Glad you are not hurt Bjorn but please get the QuickClot & extra gauze for more knife videos. ❤❤🎉

[@Nomade-dark]

Cóndor seax North dragón Is champions of knives seax...iam mountain for 5 Years my favorite Is cóndor seax .....number 1

[@joelaichner3025]

Come to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan , we’ve got girls here , that can teach you advanced Bushcraft ! Sexy Girls , that wear top of the line Boots ! And most shoot recurve , but have a compound & crossbow , but consider that cheating during Deer Season ,

[@erikhoff5010]

This Condor Dragon has a great name, but poor performance. A quality sheath for a Seax should be sewn with copper wire, not nylon thread.

[@stonedape3285]

Thats weird. Condor sheaths are really well made. A tight fit is common for condors but this should not have happened. Condor needs to send you a better sheath Also my condor knifes never came razor sharp... except for my jungalo machete

[@Treeman84]

Thats the knife you are sending to me right hahaha. I think its so great you are doing a Bushcraft course. The flint striker is so cool.

[@BjornOutdoors]

Yes, that's an awesome piece of bushcraft kit and culture. And the knife will be great once I have sharpened it and finished the sheath.

[@missourimongoose8858]

For those of you who love testing out different knives yall should checkout a hmong style bowie knife and the Siberian yakut style bushcrafting knife, ive been very impressed by both since ive had them, if anyone has a suggestion as to what i should get next let me know in the comments

[@adamharper389]

I got a condor and also was not impressed so I forged a larger one out of an old lawnmower blade, much better steel and I got a much finer edge on it... it probably scares folks when I'm in town but its the most practical blade I have ever had, I even used it to pry my truck door open when my wife locked the keys inside... I have big hands too and I didn't like the tiny handle either, and it claimed to be for bushcraft... on a side note I really enjoyed the video on the bearded axe, I will either be making or buying one of those next

[@Owieczkin]

Isn't it an old combat design for piercing leather armor and fur? The tip goes in, and blunt spine pushes it down making the knife claw into the flesh. That's not meant for bushcraft.

[@mikeboone4425]

So was the bottom of the sheath full of glue or leather what was forcing the blade through the stitching ???????????????????????????????????

[@BjornOutdoors]

I haven't opened the sheath up to see, but I think there was glue in there.

[@henryganzer4685]

i have quite a few knifes from the mid and low price segment and nearly all of them where not really sharp on arrival. the one exception was the cheapest knife - a mora. this one, at something around 20....25 euro, with plastic handle and sheath comes with useful sharpness. despite that it was very cheap it is very usable. so maybe before you start thinking about to buy a knife you should learn to sharpen a knife. the thing is - if you use a knife you need to sharpen it from time to time anyway. if you demand the manufacturer to deliver a knife perfectly sharp they will sell it more expensive . . . with sheaths i have also mixed experiences, some of the sheaths who come with the knifes are useful some not. i ask some manufacturers and sellers for knifes to sell it a little cheaper without a sheath, so i like to make my own, but the do not agree. . . . this condor seax looks like the child/woman's version of your older seax 😎

[@scottyelder8351]

That apple sounded really crisp ,it's a shame about the sheath and this Knifes performance was terrible compared to your own Knife .

[@TheWildboar09]

Any sheath like that should have between three and five rivets it doesn’t have a leather core between the two outer with an inner core so you that it will not cut through your threads do you have a right to be very pissed off? I am a Viking reenactor and I am danish, Norwegian and Canada and you are completely right and you’re feeling an upset and I am sorry you almost lost her hand over it or with a serious Injury that should not be designed like that you know I have seen what the originals were like and they used to have a brass or bronze strapping on the Blades side to keep it from cutting through the sheath, so it was riveted with a bronze rivet to keep it from cutting through to have that injury I’m thankful you were not injured, but that sheet is completely wrong

[@joelaichner3025]

Hej HEL-LO ! From the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

[@markjg2275]

I make leather sheaths and that one is a bad design , a knife like that should have a wider sheath with a welt of at least 1/4 inch wide all around and the tip part of the sheath should be extended by a 1/2-inch and welt to prevent the tip from going through the sheath if pushed hard down .

[@viper071]

Any word about the possibility of your novels being translated into English?

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Well, they wanted a vid. Sheit sheet, dull blade. I know enough about that company. Thanks Bjorn 👍

[@BjornOutdoors]

Yes, but I will say that the Cavelore came sharp and is now one of my favourite knives.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

@@BjornOutdoors : Aha! Thanks. That changes it 👍

[@johnelder4273]

The fact that Condor made a sheath without a proper welt/lining to prevent the knife from slicing through the stiching reflects poorly on them and the fact that they did not replace the sheath is just pathetic customer service.

[@cattmann1405]

Funny you mentioned that...my knife and I were having a disagreement yesterday on the proper way to dispatch a zip-tie. I lost cuz I'm sitting here with 7 new stitches across my thumb.

[@BjornOutdoors]

Oh, that sounds bad. I hope you're okay, all things considered.

[@cattmann1405]

@@BjornOutdoors It was my new Swiss Tech Stahlern I picked up from Wally World. Didn't think the impact was that much, but holy crap! that's gonna leave a mark... Thanks for the reply. Sub'd

[@xerrias]

Could you give an idea of the quality of the metal? how easily does it sharpen, how hard is it, and if you get some use in, how long until it loses its sharpness?

[@BjornOutdoors]

Here's a link to BerserkerGang2019, who made my Mjøllner firestriker: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baeuhpKEoLOgnbs

[@arlenlittle9200]

Had mine for almost 4 years never had a problem with mine they should have jast sent you a knee agreed

[@williamhale6808]

Thanks for checking it now I will not get one not what I was looking for your old one is!

[@GrognardPiper]

Is the seax primarily used as more of a cutting tool or a weapon?

[@EVENINGWOLF666]

Glad I didn't get one of those this week when I was looking for a new Seax.

[@mr.corner89]

I think you should have reviewed the other knife of the voting..!

[@cidbidds5569]

I would have been impressed if you cut that fly in half

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

As w/ so many companies, the bigger & more popular Condor has become, the more expensive & less well made they have become.

[@draxbak]

Great video Bjorn I wont be buying that particular knife, I take it this was taken during the midge/mosquito season because of the fly nets on your headwear?

[@BjornOutdoors]

Yes, they are everywhere during those months.

[@gradyratliff2034]

Hope...you...were,nt.....trying...to....bloodeagle....yourself.😊

[@arlenlittle9200]

I think you got a bad one mine is insanely sharp and sheath is amazing

[@bockskarr6626]

couldnt leave a link in the description, could ya?

[@cherylb.7598]

What are the expected and typical uses for a seax? I always envision it as the general food prep knife- kindling, fire, prep, and eating - but are there additional "go to" uses?

[@BjornOutdoors]

Well, it has "martial" sides to it, if you know what I mean. Apart from that, I use my larger seax for almost everything.

[@Rick-ve5lx]

In olden days it was for EAQ - “Ending Arguments Quickly.” (Terry Pratchett.)

[@stonefox9124]

Vikings: when I can't see me axe I use the seax!

[@henryganzer4685]

. . . in cases you forgot your normal sword it serves you as a back up 😎

[@leoisso7033]

I currently have 3 knives with similar problems. The actual knives are great but all 3 sheaths are broken. 2 broke at the first day the 3rd broke within the first week. It´s not too bad for me because i use these knives around my house and in garden but i can´t take them with me anymore and I had to buy a 4th one. For that one i went to a local store and got something high quality made in my region.

[@stealthynl4897]

It look like a tanto, but i think when you use it in a weth weather its not save to use.

[@secondhandlyon2603]

A dull knife is more dangerous in ways.

[@Vule34]

I have one mostly for decoration.

[@johnmuricasmith8641]

I respect honest reviews. Thank you. You have definitely earned my sub. Wish you well.

[@pipnipipa7627mimmahappunchaol]

Get better lick the cut salavia is amazing

[@kpheathen9370]

Great video Bjørn love the knife but it has its limitations

[@outdoorangerify]

I've got a Terävä Skrama 200 which is based on a Seax . Luckily I had this shipped to the UK before Brexit because can't get these here now. Its a cracking knife and the sheath is bombproof.

[@dkibs2473]

Was it a better knife after sharpening?

[@stonefox9124]

Vikings: when i can't see me axe i use my seax!

[@radiationraven]

Love love love the review, and a nice shout out to BeserkerGang2019! I’m glad you take “safe Seax” so seriously…😅

[@pennypothoneypot634mimmahappun]

Lick the cut the salavia is amazing

[@jeepsalt]

A viking knife made in El Salvador

[@jenkimball174]

Thank you for the review! Sad that the sheath quality was lacking.

[@alexandrunistoroiu452]

I noticed that no knife presented have proper fingerguard between handle and blade

[@BjornOutdoors]

A seax usually had no such fingerguard. It was a weapon and it must not snag, as well it would be held behind the shield, in the shield hand, at times.

[@DrDuckMD]

Love your videos Björn

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

If you can slit some copper tubing, and rivet it along the straight edge of the sheath to do a 3/4 wrap around that edge, it will reinforce it, look cool, and be historically accurate -ish.

[@tor4670]

Use it to splitt your roll dough hehe.

[@jameswhitaker1324]

Would you say this seax sucks?

[@rip2025]

The weapon of choice in a shield wall

[@robkayce6964]

Once you put an edge on that new knife it’ll perform better Bjorn Thanks for the informative video. Interesting shape of the blade tip I’m sure it’s designed that way for a purposeful reason. Cheers

[@joelaichner3025]

Your Leather Guy , he does Beautiful Work ! Go extreme hand tooling design

[@handygotten54]

That must be a chef`s knife ? Looks like it fits in a kitchen for cutting vegetables ...

[@TheDavewatts]

In my experience Condor is a fantastic company to deal with, I had an issue with a knife I had for many years, they did ssk for photos of the issue which I was happy to send and within a week I had a replacement knife. Best service I've ever received.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

😊Thanks

[@matsfrisk3653]

👍

[@grimmwolfe4555]

Any chance you could do more grimfrost revies. I know you reviewed their seax already but it would be interesting to see some reviews on more of their products.

[@modernvikingnorway]

It seems like it is an playmo knife 🙂Nice on the office, has nothing todo between fingers!

[@dominicconnor3437]

Awesome.

[@thornhedge9639]

Ever gut an animal Bjorn? You tend to get slick and slimy; very easy to lose your grip. Personally I wouldn't own a knife without a guard. Very glad to hear you weren't actually injured!

[@steveclark..]

I totally agree about a guard, here in the UK legally we can only carry a non locking sub 3 inch folder, a guard or finger choil of some sort is a must I feel.

[@barbburns2122]

I AGREE 100000%.

[@edwinmason123]

Well as they say - If you have to have a guard, you don't know how to use the knife

[@TimeTraveler6931]

If you own a knife you need to know how to sharpen it because a dull blade is unsafe to use imo

[@thomashawkM855]

Hilarious but the last bit was the absolute best I’ve ever heard hahaha

[@joelaichner3025]

Have a Fabulous Tomorrow ! Bjorn

[@kbjerke]

Thank you for the review, Bjorn. *Obviously,* I "need a Norse seax. But I would like a larger one for camp duties. Thank you for the video, and best wishes to you!

[@monkoko6441]

I enjoyed watching

[@stevennoble7254]

Glad you never cut your hand you should of been fully reimbursed with a apology and allowed to keep the poor design knife.

[@BjornOutdoors]

Thank you. Maybe they'll send me an email if they see this.

[@stevennoble7254]

@@BjornOutdoors I hope so very poor customer service a shame can't take it further.

[@jimpanse1638]

Just get yourself an extrema ratio, no need to go ancient on a utility item.

[@BjornOutdoors]

I will certainly go ancient, as you call it. It is the way.

[@jimpanse1638]

Okay to each their own, you are right that its more useful in the way that its more fixable... i made my own sheath and new handle for a knive thats in my family for 100 years. Its pretty cool what can be done with just a bit of leather 😂 but an extrema ratio knive would be nice..

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you Bjorn. Only the truth, as you see it, is worth telling, in this context.

[@BjornOutdoors]

I guess I was unlucky with this one. My other Condor knives are very good, as are the sheaths. But I will always be honest and this is the knife I got and it wasn't what it should have been.

[@michaelguerin56]

@@BjornOutdoors You may have saved some jobs, by revealing a stupid cost cutting decision.

[@mcgaugh57]

ridiculous designed knife

[@BjornOutdoors]

The entire martial culture of northern Europe would disagree with you.