Help replacing a Gerber/BG parang with something decent

TheDandyLion

TheDandyLion

Joined
Mar 27, 2013
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I was recently given a Bear Grylls (it hurts to type that name) Parang Machete. I love the design but the handle sucks and I really despise the steel it's in. Do you guys know of any similar parang type machetes that are in a decent steel and aren't branded with a TV idiots name? I have looked at the condor Bushcraft Parang but I worry it's to thick. I like the lightness in hand that the BG offers and worry that a thicker blade will compromise that. I've also seen the Eco Parang by Condor but the 13" blade of the BG/Bushcraft is already cutting it short. What do suggest?
 
Have you used the BG Parang? I have one and it works really well. I don't think the plant matter that I have used it on had an opinion as to the steel type ;)
 
Actually I used it heavily, and I mean heavily and the edge was chipped out to hell while the other machete being used we're merely a little dull.
 
Since you'r talking about chipping I guess you're looking for a non-stainless Parang (so the FOX Parang is not for you then). Take a look at Condor I would suggest. And Ka-bar. Further I think you'd like the Aranyik Enep as well.
 
Tramontina.

KABAR Grass Machete

KABAR Paragatang.

Moose
 
Condor Duku Parang (full size), but you might consider it heavy. The Condor Village Parang and Pack Golok are both favorites of mine, but both have short blades. The regular Condor Parang has a much longer slimmer blade. I don't use it much as I tend to favor the more traditional El Salvador machete.
 
+1 on the Kabar Parangatang

Also (don't laugh) the Kabar Swabbie. The shape is there and its made from 1095CV if you get the US made version. I reckon it would make a sweet parang type device.
 
If you're looking for a lighter swinging machete, any of the Latin American makes should work well.

If you want a nicer version, TOPS makes their 0.170 and 0.230 machetes that have nice micarta handles and come with excellent sheaths. The 0.170 is my favorite lightweight chopper, the handle is comfortable and the sheath is perfect (hard plastic lined nylon with a retention snap and several pouches on the outside).
 
Yeah, stainless is what's killing me. I like the condors but the weight of the Bushcraft Parang makes it seem unweildly. That said I have not actually wielded one. That swabbie looks interesting although I would certainly want to grind off the guard. The Duku looks nice, the narrower blade might mean a but lighter swing, same for the parangatang. As far as the south american machetes go I have several tramontinas but I like the less flexible blade for chopping and the swept back nature of the Parang.
 
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If you shaped the Swabbie to look like this (top guard removed and lower guard reshaped) and added the black scales I reckon you'd not only have a good chopper but a blade that looks as classy as any of the above offerings. With good ol' 1095CV she'd hold an edge well and sharpen up real nice. I believe it's a good 3/16" thick too.

Some home made 'my'carta and a strip job and it'd look unreal! Damn, I think I've talked myself into getting a Swabbie now!
 
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