“I am easily satisfied with the very best” (Winston Churchill)
Because junglecraft is so reliant on the parang, it is not surprising that people want the very best parang they can buy to take into the jungle. But the truth is that the ‘best’ parang depends on what it is you’re trying to do with it. For example, a sledge hammer is a very tiring tool to use if all you’re trying to do is bang in a few thumb tacks, similarly a heavy parang is tiring to use if you’re just going to use it for light trail clearing.
In this video I review some of the parangs that I’ve found myself using most in the last 12 months and what it is I like about them.
Below is a checklist of some of the things to consider when choosing a parang.
Handle
I like a simple, curved handle that allows some rotational movement in the hand – you may need to reshape a handle to fit your hand because, if it doesn’t, you’ll quickly get blisters.
I would avoid an over-shaped (or square) handle with finger grooves (e.g. Gerber’s Bear Grylls parang) as this will make your parang technique stiff and awkward (and give you blisters). There is a reason axe handles don’t have finger grooves carved into them and the same applies to a parang handle…you want to allow some (controlled) movement of the parang handle within your hand as you swipe.
I would also avoid parangs with lanyards (or remove the lanyard from ones that do) – some people advocate using a lanyard to secure the parang to your wrist in the event that it slips out of your hand. This seems a bit risky to me – if I let go of the parang mid-strike I want it to go away from me and not have a large, sharp blade swing back around on me like something on a colliding orbit around my wrist. Whenever you use a parang you should have a safe follow through so that, should the parang slip out of your grip, it safely flies away from you anyway. And traveling companions should also stand well clear and make sure they are not in line with the parang.
Blade Length
This depends on what you are using the parang for, generally speaking, the long bladed parangs are used for slashing through dense undergrowth that you find in secondary jungles. I try to avoid secondary jungles as they are not nice to travel through and, in primary jungle, there is much less need to slash your way forward (and therefore less need for a long blade length).
If you are starting out, a 10 inch blade is a good way to go and the length I prefer for general use.
Tang
Most Malaysian parangs have a rat-tail tang. I suspect this is because parangs were traditionally banged into the wood block used to form the handle and a sharp point was therefore necessary. However, I am not sure why the rat-tail tang is also used with the plastic moulded handles and I would rather they used a heftier (or full) tang with stronger securing pins. Some people say that a full tang has a negative effect on the forward balance of the parang…maybe this is true, but I still think the plastic handled parangs would benefit from a slightly beefed up tang.
Securing pins
If the parang you buy is a wooden ‘authentic’ type it probably won’t have a securing pin to hold the tang in the handle. If it doesn’t, put one in… better still put in two as this stops the tang rotating (which it can around a single pin) and working itself loose within the handle.
Edge retention
I can’t tell you the Rockwell hardness of the parangs I use here but my observation is that the blades are not that hard and are easily ‘dinged’ if you hit a stone or with heavy use. The thing is, this isn’t a problem – because the blade is ‘soft’ it is extremely easy and quick to sharpen and reprofile and you quickly get into the routine of frequently restoring the edge on your parang.
I have an ex-army parang with a stainless steel, very hard blade that takes forever to sharpen and, as a result, I never use it (except as a trowel!)
Weight
Heavier parangs chop better than light ones but are more tiring to use for light clearing on the trail.
It’s nice to have a parang that looks good, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But using a plastic sheath instead of wooden one is going to reduce weight so it depends on how weight conscious you are. On day trips I like to take along the Duku Chandong because weight isn’t a major factor, but on longer trips I use a more lightweight option.
Companion knife
With the bigger parangs I find a second, small blade well worth the extra weight. My favourite is the ridiculously good value Mora 511.
So…. is there a ‘best’ parang ever? The simple answer is that there may be a best parang for a given task but, the more tasks a parang is designed for (e.g. slashing and chopping and clearing and whittling etc) the more compromised it’ll be and the less good it’ll become at any one of those individual tasks.
Hi Paul,
I noticed all your parangs have the type of plastic handle that accomodates a stick-in rat-tail tang that ends inside the handle.
Is there are a reason why you did not consider those black plastic handle parangs that has the rat -tail tang all the way through the handle and secured with a nut at the base of the handle? I always feel this type of handle is more sturdy and I have never heard of the parang coming out of the handle with this combination. Your thoughts on this?
Hi Freelander,
Thanks for the comment – I’ve seen these type of parangs but never used one before – but it seems like a good idea to me. The tang isn’t full (so no issue with effecting balance) and the nut should, as you say, hold the tang in place.
The one I saw was like the parangs sold here that come in black vinyl sheeth – the design was more like a long knife than a parang and the blade was very thin.
If the rat tail tang was a bit wider (more like a beaver tail) and had a couple of strong retaining pins the plastic handled parangs would be fine.
But the idea of a locking nut at the end of the handle seems like a good idea to me.
Cheers!
Paul
Great video as always! I think you might be a bit mixed up there as to my knowledge there is a “duku” and a “candong” but not a “duku candong”. If I’m not mistaken the duku is a longer trail clearer while the candong is more of a chopper.I might be wrong though.
Are most of your parangs from Bidor?
Cheers!
Hi Harrison,
Thanks for the comment and something worth clarifying – “duku” is simply the indonesian for “parang”; candong is the type of parang (in this case a ‘shortish, thick bladed parang mainly for chopping’).
For anyone wondering about the pronunciation the ‘c’ in malay/indonesian is pronounced ‘ch’.
Cheers!
Paul
Duku meaning in Malay/ Indonesia – a type of tropical fruit – but duku for Iban mean – Parang
FYI – Candung/Chandung meaning in Malay – Parang bladed and hilt that connected (built from same iron) – “parang yang bilah dan hulunya bersambung (dibuat daripada besi yang sama)” whilst Lading meaning in Malay is a – Parang – that is broad and curved in the middle –“parang yang lebar dan melengkung di tengah-tengah”..
It just confusion in terminological usage, from terminology aspect – the Parang type refers more to Parang Lading – not Chandung.
For further information – please refer to DBP site – Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka
(Sorry for my bad English)
Hi One,
Many thanks for the detailed explanation – I’m afraid my Malay is so bad that my Malay friends cover their ears in horror whenever I speak! I hadn’t realized that Duku had a Malay meaning as well although I did know that it was the Iban word for parang, so thanks for pointing that out as it’s good to know….so if I said ‘saya mau potong pokok ini dengan duku saya’ over here the locals would think I wanted to chop down a tree with a fruit!!
Anway, thanks again for explaining the difference between candung and lading.
Cheers!
Paul
Hahahah.. Surely quite ludicrous when such scenario (a kind of fruit will able to cut down a tree) happened..
(If i am not mistaken – the (“old faithfull” & “authentic” – parang) with straight ‘belakang parang’ is called parang bangkung..)
By the way Paul, my intention to bring up this matter never meant to trigger polemic related to parang types because it will only spark debate among the parang fans. For me – what more important is the purpose of a parang created for the aim of local population’s needs. Whatever parang name given – it still a parang..
Anyway Paul – I enjoy reading your blogs because it is loaded with useful information..
Thanks a lot Paul for your response..
Hi!,
Thanks for the update and fully appreciate what you are saying – it’s good to know what the different parangs are called as it makes it easier to describe them to other people.
As you say, the people who work daily in the jungle see their parangs as a tool first and foremost – it’s there to do a job (well, lots of jobs!).
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Just back from jungle trip in central America with the Rama Indians. they were using straight long Army surplus type machete’s. I had a malay parang (12 inch blade) w/rat tailed tang. I drilled and pinned the tang and have had no problems. My guide first laughed at it but then looked at it closer. I let him use it for a few camp chores. He was very impressed and said so. My short parang was easier on my arm/hand than the local blade, it was easier to maintain and I could shorten my grip and do small carving with it. My guides son came out with us one day and was staring at my parang which I handed to him. he chuckled about it then his father cautioned him ‘be careful, it’s very sharp’. He swung it a few times and walked off into the bush for a few minutes and came back with a very different attitude about it. I’ll be replacing the wooden sheath with a custom kydex (my friend makes them) but my Parang is definitely a keeper. Paul
Hi Doc Shotgun,
Your trip sounds fascinating and thanks for relating the stories about the parang.
I’ve often wondered why there is such a difference between the style of machete used in South America vs the parang style used here in Malaysia. I’ve tried the classic (South American) style machete before and found it tiring to use, but that may simply be due to the fact that I’m not as practised in using that type of knife…
Anyway, good to know that you’re introducing the parang style over there and good luck with your next trips.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Really found a great deal of useful info in the latest parang video. One of my concerns has been rust, yet I don’t believe you’ve mentioned the issue. Is rust a problem with parangs? I’ve ordered up a 10 inch 500g Inca knife, and 18 inch machete in 420 high carbon stainless steel from Condor, $34 and $45, respectively, both with leather sheaths, a decent price for the quality. The nice and heavy leather sheaths will be replaced with the USGI O.D. Green nylon sheaths, so there will be little to rot. Of course I can’t wait to get the local parang, yet it could be a while before I can make it into Mae Sot from the jungle. I’m taking these so I hit the ground with something. The parangs are crude anyway and sharpened often, is rust really an issue?
Regards,
Bunny Boots
Hi Bunny Boots,
All carbon steel blades are prone to rust and local parang blades start to rust at the very sight of rain! But it’s not a problem for a couple of reasons: 1) Rust is simply oxidation of the surface metal and thus doesn’t penetrate into the blade itself for a long, long time and it can be quickly cleaned off and 2) in the jungle you will find that you are regularly sharpening your parang anyway (think daily) so, if it has got rusty, that probably means that your parang isn’t sharp enough anyway.
The parang in the video that I refer to as my “go-to’ parang was left out in the garden for about a year and completely rusted over – it took no more than 10 minutes to clean it up and sharpen back to a useful edge.
Cheers!
Paul
In Peninsular Malaysia it’s called as Parang Lading Pendek (i.e. or simply Lading Pendek or Parang Pendek).
In Sarawak it’s called as Parang Candung or Duku Candung (i.e. Duku is the Dayak word for Parang).
In Indonesia this sort of parang is also called as Parang Lading Pendek in Sumatra, Parang/Duku Candung in Kalimantan and Parang Bandol in Jawa.
After all Malaysia and Indonesia shares a similar culture.
Anyhow Parang/Duku Candung and Parang Bandol have a very wide blade (i.e. ~ 3″ at the widest).
Paul’s parang looks more Parang Lading Pendek to me, CMIIAW.
mohd
Hi Mohd,
Many thanks for the explanation of the different terms used to describe the differing styles of parangs.
Funnily enough I was in the jungle last weekend with an Orang Asli and he was using a whole new set of words to describe plants that I only knew the Malay words for (as I was taught them by a Malay). My heart sank a little as I realized I was going to have to learn a new set of words to describe the plants.
To make matters worse, different tribes use different words for some of these plants and my language skills are truly abominable!
Anyway, thanks again for the post.
Cheers!
Paul
Thanks for your guidance. Just finished modifying a Condor machete by cutting and shaping the blade and handle to resemble a Martindale Golok II, yet it is much lighter at 335g, stainless steel and 12″ in length. Blade thickness is about 1/8″. It is light and fast. Have much hope that this one will be a nice one to use. It would be better if it had the Malay bent handle, yet the modified original handle does function fairly well. Also just received the now infamous Candong style parang straight from ‘factory’ in Malay. It is a good ‘chopper’ and I now understand better why you prefer your favorite. My custom made job is similar to yours and I do like it. Thanks again for the vids… very helpful.
Glad the advice is of some help and thanks very much for the comment. I’ve heard good things about the Condor machetes but have never had the chance to use one. I’ve just bought a lighter version of the chandong and it’s very nice to use.
With parangs it always depends on what you’re using them for – e.g. when chopping up wood for a fire the heftier chandong is a joy to use but lighter ones are better for light trail clearing – horses for courses, I guess.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi,
May I know what is your point of view regarding Kukris shape, Parang are now quite famous among westerners, especially after Mears tv show, but for many knives aficionados, Kukri represent the ultimate “all around”. Any experiences or idea? Thanks
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
I’ve not used a Kukri in the jungle but can see the benefits of the blade shape. A few of my parangs have blades shaped like inverted Kukris and those are the ones that are generally good choppers. The Kukris I’ve come across are generally heavier than the parang (but there could be lighter ones too that I’ve not come across) and shorter blade length.
In a sense the more ‘all-round’ a knife/parang/kukri is, the less good it is at doing specific tasks – for example the Duku Chandong is my absolute favourite for chopping bamboo or firewood, but is tiring to use on light trail clearing (because of the weight). Lighter parangs are less tiring to use on vines/rattans etc but struggle with tough bamboo and thick wood….horses for courses at the end of the day.
I also think a lot of it comes down to what you’re used to and your level of skill – in South America they use longer and thinner blades that I don’t really like, but then that might simply be because I’m not used to them (or skilled with them!).
I know the above doesn’t really answer your question directly but it is difficult to give a definitive answer.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul, Bunny, Nathan and all;
I’m one of the early khukuris collectors in Malaysia. Currently I have ~ 25 pieces of khukuris ranging from the shortest one (i.e. 6″ OAL Kagas Katne) to one of the longest one (i.e. 25″ OAL Sirupati).
Anyhow as Paul and Bunny previously mentioned when come to use of bladed tools it really depends very much on one’s familiarity to the tool and the suitability of the tool for the task.
I also agree with Paul that most Khukuris are quite heavy. And the curve down blade in the Khukuri might caused it to skew aside or skew forward and then bounce back to the user when the user made a slip in the cutting/chopping strike. The curve down blade also caused the khukuri to have a very small sweet spot area at the sharp edge. Meaning the effectiveness of the cutting/chopping strike of a khukuri depends very much on the ability of the user to strike the target with the very small sweet spot area of the sharp edge. The curve down blade might cause it to stuck in a tangle of bush especially after it’s cutting edge started to get blunt.
IMVHO Parang Candung or Parang Lading Pendek is much more versatile in comparison. The effective cutting edge in a parang is wide enough. The long ricasso of a parang enable the user to make use of it for a two hands grip cutting/chopping. The same long ricasso also can be use as a hand grip when doing delicate tasks using the sharp edge near to the ricasso. The spine of the parang can be use for breaking brittle objects such as coconut shell. And finally the tip of a parang also quite useful for gouging task. IMVHO Paul should know all these through his usage of the parang.
Anyhow I might be bias in my opinion because I’m a Malaysian and I’m more use to parang since I was a kid 😀
So what I mentioned above are actually base on the review done by a team of Malaysian knife collectors (i.e. Jay, KJ, Kenny, Nadir, Lawrence and few others) in various places in Penang, Kedah and Pahang.
Hope my explanation helps 🙂
Mohd.
Hi Mohd,
Many thanks for the very interesting post and would love to see your collection of Khukuris one day.
I hadn’t realised the importance of hitting the right bit of the blade with a Khukuris but now you mention it I can see exactly what you mean. I also agree with you that a lot of personal preference is dictated but what we get used to – saying that, I think the parang is the most versatile cutting tool I have ever used. However, like any tool, there are some that are better suited for particular tasks (e.g. chopping vs slashing vs light trail clearing etc) and this is a very good excuse to justify buying more than one parang!
Thanks again for the detailed explanation.
Cheers!
Paul
Hello Mr Jungle Crafty
I was recently in the Philippines and discovered they are making machetes from old car springs. I brought one back to Australia, it’s quite heavy and its excellent for chopping, almost as good as an axe!!! Have you heard of this and do you think the steel would be as good as those Parangs you use?
Hi Grayson,
Many thanks for the comments and good to hear you’ve got a machete souvenir now you are back in Australia – I think the Philippines version (called a bolo) is slightly different from the Malaysian parang – it has a more pointed tip – I’d love to try one out one day. There are certainly some experts in jungle survival over there and the JEST camp was where the Amercian soldiers going to Vietnam received jungle survival training (I think it is still going today but now more of a tourist attraction)
I think a lot of the hand forged parangs/bolos are made from car and trucks springs (the old leaf spring type) and this seems to be a good metal to use – soft enough to sharpen easily and holds a edge pretty well.
Anyway, thanks again for the post.
Cheers!
Paul
Paul,
Keep up the good work! I enjoy your style of keeping the verbage down and the demonstrations in focus! I listened to your comments on parangs. I ordered one from Malaya. At the time they were out of the Mears style so I ordered a cheaper version with the plastic grips. Very pleased (except for the handle). At least the handle had a pin and with some sanding and the application of some tennis racket friction tape has been great. I am building my own sheath out of birch and may try a handle as well. I’ve used the knife on bamboo btian, mesquite, and rivercane with no problems. I still plan on ordering a Mears style before my trip to Belize. Keep up the good work.
HI Stan,
Many thanks for the comment and great to hear you’re experimenting with parangs. I have the same one parang as the one you ordered (with the plastic handle). I also sand down the plastic handles and shape them a bit to fit my palm….this removes the shiny plastic finish giving a sort of buff that grips better when wet. I’d love to see a photo of the finished sheath (and handle) if you have the time to send it over.
Cheers!
Paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6dt4xlI7FU&list=UUvyqu9MfTzno1tN8IbxoDIQ&index=1
Hey Junglecrafty, thought you might like my Youtube vid of blacksmiths making machetes in Philippines. I had the pleasure of having 2 bolos specially made to my request and made this vid!
Hi Grayson,
Many thanks for the link – an excellent video…just goes to prove that they really do use leaf springs as the start point! Also interested to see that they use scales over there rather than a one piece handle (which is common here in Malaysia). Anyone interested in parangs should watch this video and I will send the link round to some of my parang-friends here.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul
Good job with the video. I like duku candong that good for chopping wood. What is your opinion about using parang to dig ground to make toilet? If I used duku chandong for digging what kind of modification should i do or is there other method of digging without using shovel or hoe.
Mohd Hafiz
Hi Mohd Hafiz,
I’m quite prepared to use a parang for digging if necessary but you have to keep an eye for stones or such that could ding the blade. The local parangs here are made with a softish metal that dings easily but, as it’s soft, it’s easy enough to sharpen up.
Unless you are setting up a semi permanent camp I don’t think it is necessary to dig too deep a hole for a toilet…. simply cover it up with some loose dirt and leaves and the jungle’s many little cleaners will sort out the rest in a matter of a day or two! The jungle is the fastest environment for recycling waste (organic) products there is …far, far quicker than in temperate forests.
Cheers!
Paul
Here’s another awesome parang==>
FOX-Italy Parang Bushcraft Knife with Survival Kit – Kukri / Machete
URL: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9yLH7EaOrx4
Hi DeShieco,
Thanks for the link – I took a look at the video and, as it happens, I’ve actually tried one of these Italian versions of a parang before. I can’t same I’m a fan as I found them too heavy (and too much weight in the handle), too short and a handle that will give you blisters in no time. Saying that all kit is a personal choice (and a lot of the problems with bad designs only manifest themselves when you are using the parang for heavy clearing and for long periods at a time) but my advice would be to stick to what the locals use in whichever area you’re visiting.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I’d like to know if you can find some Latina patterned Machetes in Malaysia?
I bought a Parang, because I like to use what locals use. But I really love Latina Machetes.
Any idea where I could find some?
I didn’t brought any on my trip, cause I wouldn’t really like to explain why do I need a Machete.
Thanks!
Hi Wawa,
Many thanks for the comment and for letting me know about the recurring site problems….I think these are now all resolved but it took ages to sort it out and I fell behind in answering comment and emails….so apologies.
I’ve not come across Latina patterned parangs here but the best person to ask is Keong who is much more knowledgeable than I am about parang types that are available over here.
Sorry can’t be of more help on this.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I found a Latina Machete in a grocery store here in Malaysia.
It had no brand, was barely grinded, and the handled was really horrible, with protubering screws! It’s the only one I saw so far, and I just can’t recommand them.
It was at 25-30RM I guess.
Where did you find the orange plastic of your lightweight Parang?
Thank you
Hi Wawa,
Glad to hear you found the parang you were looking for – sounds like a good project to tidy it up and get it looking right.
The orange plastic sheet I used for the lightweight parang comes from the plastic cable trays that are used when cables are buried underground. Next time you see road works, check to see if they’re laying cables and, if they are, ask them if they’ll give you a tray or two…it’s very strong stuff!
Cheers!
Paul
I have a bear grylls mini parang(laugh if you want)but im actually very happy with it.have an axe and wanted something smaller so got the compact parang.cuts like an axe for half the weight though I thinl I will wrap the handle as I get blisters after a while with bigger logs small limbs don’t stand a chance mine is very sharp have a scar on my thumb to prove it still sore after 3 months and only bumped it.was thinking about getting another parang maybe bigger but at the momeny I am happy with this one and don’t think I need it yet
Hi Paul-c.
Many thanks for the comment and good to hear you are getting so much out of the Bear Grylls parang – I’ve never tried one myself and only seen it in pictures: the blade shape looks fine and my only worry would be the handle shape which isn’t what I personally prefer. But then I think that a lot of parang choice is down to personal preference anyway. Certainly the Orang Asal (local tribesmen in Malaysia) don’t seem to worry too much about what sort of parang they’ve got and can use more or less use any of them with equal skill – to them it’s just a tool and as long as it does the job they’re not too fussy.
A cheap but sharp parang can outperform an expensive one with a dull edge, particularly in the hands of someone who is skilled.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
I notice that there are some comment on the weight of the parang. One thing to consider is that parang is a jungle multi purpose tools, as the people who is using them is staying in the jungle for a few days or weeks. As such, they need a tools for clearing the ways, build shelters and for gathering firewood. A light parang is good for short jaunt in the jungle, but if you are going to build a jungle shelters, a heavy duty parang is a must.
Hi Yosri,
Many thanks for the comment and I understand exactly what you mean when looking at short vs longer term use of the parang. What’s interesting is that the Orang Asli (who usually do build shelters when camping and stay long term in the jungle) almost always have bog standard parangs (nothing fancy or particularly heavy duty) – however they understand the limitations of the parang and don’t try to use it for a task that is going to seriously damage it – a good example is splitting large logs (using a baton) when, instead, you can use gluts to do the hard work (or even burn throughout them by putting them on the fire) and thereby save the parang. Certainly a heavier parang is better for chopping but not so good for clearing whereas lighter parangs are better for clearing but not so good at chopping. Horses for courses, I guess.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hey Paul
It’s very true that you’re probably better with a smaller and lighter parang and I like how you say you’ve been putting a slightly sharper edge on yours lately. Definitely better to be more delicate with a little short parang then wildly thrashing about with a big 20 inch that weighs a ton. It’s fun & feels powerful at first but I reckon downsizing is part of maturing into a more sensible trail clearer. LOL
Hi Grayson,
Thanks, as always, for the comment and interesting point. I think the key thing with the parang is to get one that suits your own way of cutting – some people like longer parangs which give a long sweeping action, others like shorter ones …a lot is down to personal preference. The time you really start to feel the difference between the different types is when you have to do a lot of clearing as it gets tiring to use a parang through the day.
Cheers!
Paul
I was watching your “Best Parang Ever” video again recently, interesting that guy resorted to using small garden clippers and a folding saw. With that idea in mind you could even have a guy trail clearing up front in the group using big hedge clipping shears. Might be heavy but possibly another alternative.
Hi Grayson,
Many thanks for the comment and apologies for my slow reply but I’ve been away over the Christmas period.
I thought it was interesting that the writer used clippers too and I think the point it makes is that often it’s not necessary to clear as extensively as many people think. I once went on a trip into the jungle with someone who didn’t even bring a parang – he simply ducked and dived through the jungle without cutting anything! Personally, however, I think a parang is the best tool suited for the job.
Cheers!
Paul
Hey Paul
How are you? Recently I had the pleasure of seeing blacksmiths making Buffalo horned machete handles; both partial tang and full tang. The horn handles get harder and turn completely black with age; tough as nails they last forever. I know you’ll enjoy the video!!! Our latest work!
http://youtu.be/oxc77xE0_po
And hope you’re enjoying the jungle 🙂
Grayson
Hi Grayson,
Great to hear from you a I loved the video – very nice looking handles and not something I’ve ever seen done before. As always it’s amazing watching these guys carve a handle using a long parang (how they don’t chop their fingers off!)…a real skill.
Anyway, thanks again for the link…really enjoyed watching it.
Cheers!
Paul
Hey Paul,
Love your film set. Looking at your machete videos and your fancy ~ 12″ machete made from the land rover spring, you say you are making the blades sharper in recent times, do you mean that you are making the cutting edge more acute? Can you talk a bit more about the geometry of the blade, particularly the balance between an edge that works for chopping the dry bamboo that also works for the lighter vines?
What sort of angle are you sharpening to at the cutting edge?
Appreciate you speaking with real world experience.
Thanks, Gus
I’m in temperate east coast of Australia. Our bush is dense and varied, and I have bamboo woodlots growing on my property.
Hi Gus,
Many thanks for the comment (and support) and questions on sharpening and I’m planning to do a video on knife sharpening in the future and address some of these questions (in particular how sharp a nice needs to be).
I freehand sharpen my parangs so I’m not entirely sure what angle I’m using but I would guess somewhere around 30 degrees (but that’s really just guess). I don’t sharpen in a different way for different uses but I think the thing with parangs that is important is the realisation that you have to keep sharpening them (more than once a day if using heavily) as the blades are relatively soft (which has the advantage that they are easy to sharpen quickly). I had one parang that I was a using to cut some super hard wood that I wanted to use for a craft project and managed to buckle the edge of the parang so that it folded over itself, so they are not as strong as something like an axe edge.
I think the difference when cutting bamboo vs vines is that in the latter case you really want the sharpest edge you can get on the parang otherwise it gets tiring have to take multiple swipes at the vines. Whereas cutting bamboo you could get away with a slightly less sharp edge. So, what I mean is that if I had a lot of vines to clear I would certainly stop and sharpen up the parang first but if I was just chopping a piece of bamboo I might not bother.
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
Following on – I only have one machete, it’s the smaller Cold Steel Kukri: blade ~ 13″, total length ~18″. The blade is 2mm thick in 1055 steel and is too soft, the cutting edge rolls quite easily. Even at this size it weighs nearly 0.5 kg. i have not found the pointed tip to be useful, not is the kukri shape useful as a draw knife at this length. Anyway, that’s why I’m looking for a parang and your videos have been really useful in convincing me to stick with the smaller size. It’s a matter of balancing the blade thickness and edge geometry for chopping sharpness and durability.
I’d be grateful for any suggestions.
See: http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/97KMSZ/Kukri_Machete_With_Sheath.aspx
Hi Gus,
Thanks for follow up and I agree with your comments on weight and the pointed tip issue. Some of my parangs do have a pointed tip but I don’t use it often as I always have a small knife as well and find that easier to use for tasks that require a pointed tip. I think the issue a lot of people forget is how tiring it is to use a heavy parang for any length of time as for most they don’t have to do that much real trail clearing. Of course, there isn’t much doubt that a heavier parang will chop better but how much chopping do we really need to do?
I remember watching one of those survival programmes where a contestant was trying to chop through a fallen tree trunk with a parang and getting very tired in the process and thinking why on earth doesn’t she just use gluts to split the log instead?
But, as with lots of gear, it really comes down to personal preference and what you are used to. In the Philippines everyone uses the bolo style and I’m sure that had I been raised there I would do the same simply because that’s what I’d be most used to.
Learning to sharpen a parang quickly and to use it with the minimum amount of effort are probably more important factors than the exact type of parang you choose and certainly the Orang Asal I’ve been in with never seem to worry about what type of parang they have and can use them all very effectively.
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
Can you do a review of the CRKT Halfachance Parang? Thanks for the talks about parangs.
Hi Tain,
Thanks for the comment and, as chance would have it, I’m about to load up a new video reviewing some parangs I’ve picked up over the last year.
I’ve never used the CRKT parang but had a quick look at a picture on the internet and it reminds me of one of the problems I have with the Bear Grylls parang – namely the handle. I talk about this a bit in the video but the handle should be able to move around in your hand slightly and having those finger indentations is not something that I would want on a parang.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
A great wealth of information you have here.
I’ve learned a lot just from your videos.
Keep up the great work!
May I know the length of the light weight parang in this article?
I agree with your idea of going light weight. Sometimes we get burdened by all the offerings in the market that we lose sight of what’s really needed to add value to our life. The problem of choice.
Hi Kenny,
Many thanks for the comment and support – much appreciated. If I remember correctly that lightweight parang is 10 inch blade length and I picked it up from Outdoordynamics Malaysia. If you check the latest videos I’ve done there’s one called ‘Parang review 2016’ which you might find interesting.
I’m definitely a convert to lightweight gear especially as I’m getting older and less fit than I used to be!
Cheers
Paul