This Vintage Condor knife was designed by Philip Hoffman who also designed and produced Lakota knives. I have carried a Lakota Teal all stainless steel lockback knife for more than 40 years. Over the years I have posted numerous pictures of that specific knife and have also acquired numerous other Lakota knives. I have been hoping to get my hands on this particular Condor knife for quite some time now. As you can see it is a very stout looking knife that features an AUS 8a Stainless steel blade with what I believe is a canvas micarta handles, although it might be linen micarta? The bolsters and pins are also stainless steel with brass liners. The overall length is 7.5" with a 3" blade that is 1/8" thick.

Markings on the blade:
Signature etching of : Seizo Imai
SEKI JAPAN
A1-04724
Markings on the other side of the blade:
CONDOR
U.S.A.
82 SSG
PAT. PENDING
(The Pat. Pending mark and the green canvas micarta mean the knife – both handle and blade were made before 1986)

*Note: The A1-04724 marking indicates that this was the 4724th knife made from the first tooling.

I sharpened this knife for the first time since the original factory sharpening and it took a hair popping edge in hardly any time at all. I mean it is razor sharp now. However, AUS 8a steel will probably dull after very little use? Time will tell. For now, though, I am very impressed over how easy it is to sharpen and I love the way the knife allows me to choke up for up close work. It locks up like a bank vault and feels rock solid in my hand. The handle to blade ratio seems disproportionate at first glance. But the large handle allows for a great purchase and feels perfect in my hand. Of particular note is the very aggressive thumb ramp. With my index finger in the more than ample choil and thumb pressing hard on the thumb ramp the ergonomic design of this knife is fully appreciated and could not be more perfect! Kudos, Mr. Hoffman! I love your creation!