Parang or Khukuri ?

B

bladerique

Joined
Aug 31, 2010
Messages
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The parang is "weight back" while the Khukuri is "weight forward". What design do you prefer and why?


Parang:

parang-compare.jpg


Khukuri:

himalayan-imports-kuhkri.jpg
 
I have found the Khukri to be less intuitive to learn than a straighter blade.
 
I personally prefer the look of Parang like the bottom one in your pic. I have not used a Khukuri before, but I have used a Parang and it feels very utilitarian.
I envision the Khuk working more like an axe with the forward curve, where a parang works more like a knife I am more accustomed to using.
 
Depends on the work needed.

Khuks will chop hard woods easier but Parangs cans whip through lighter & green woods all day long.

Different designs, different tasks.
 
For a jungle type environment id take my jungle knife. Its works better on greener material like CWL says. And since I have use a machete since I was a boy, it just works better for me.

IMG155_Sophia_Cornered.jpg
 
CWL said:
Depends on the work needed.

Khuks will chop hard woods easier but Parangs cans whip through lighter & green woods all day long.

Different designs, different tasks.
Click to expand...

Yes, horses for courses.

Edwood7 said:
For a jungle type environment id take my jungle knife. Its works better on greener material like CWL says. And since I have use a machete since I was a boy, it just works better for me.

IMG155_Sophia_Cornered.jpg
Click to expand...

Dude, where'd ya get that?
 
I like the kukri better. Well made ones are very versatile and have the ability to be good med/heavy choppers as well as a machete and knife. I have limited experience with the parang but it is good for vegetation and lighter wood.
 
I have used both in a rainforest here, with parang as preference for cutting through light vegetation.
Khukuri for more versatile task.I would go for a Sirupati-esque light sabre for such job.

I've chipped the tip of the khuk cutting into things i don't see in the bush (pebbles)
With a parang (rounded tip, sheepsfoot or anything fits your descriptions) i don't worry too much.
The Winkler Jungle knife was modeled after a parang Chandung in Borneo, East Malaysia.
Really dig the sheath and the diamond stone.

Would pack a stainless knife with a 20" light parang on hand if i have to spend nights in jungle here.

That being said, the Bonecutter from HI is still amongst my fav chopper.
 
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FortyTwoBlades said:
I think that's a Winkler. :)
Click to expand...

Yep.

Patterned after an original from the jungles of Borneo, this design was added to the Winkler Knives II Collection at the request of a Tier 1 SOF Team. The hidden tang reduces overall weight and enhances forward balance for increased chopping power. The rear handle swell with a downward sweep provides secure indexed grip. The blade measures 12" from the front of the steel ferrule, with a 7 1/4" cutting edge. Overal lenght is 17 1/2". The kydex sheath (not pictured) has a pocket for the included rubber mounted DMT diamond sharpener. Shown with Maple handle and No Glare finish. Cost: $ 625.00
Click to expand...

:eek:
 
I like both but for different jobs. Parang for machete type stuff and kukri for knifey/hatchet type jobs. However, for zombies i prefer a 10 inch bowie. Ymmv
 
Both tools require some finesse from the user, and the parang is easier to use for most people.
I like kukris and in particular my sirupati but the parang is more versatile.

The parang is more machete like and you can easily choke up on the blade, as well as offering decent chopping performance. Generally the parang will not chop hardwoods as well as a kukri but its a decent compromise for me.

I would love to try the Winkler Jungle Knife!!
 
I might be doing some field work in a high desert are down here. I’m taking it to see how it works out for cutting brush and maybe do some shelter building and traps. I will post some pictures of all the fun.
 
I have a parang and several kukri. I strongly prefer the kukri design for chopping, but in most cases a good machete is superior to both for any woods excursion.

If you are ONLY going to chop, take an axe or hatchet. If you are going to do general tasks, all 3 will do them well, but a machete will generally do well at chopping and excel substantially at light brush cutting.
 
BePrepared said:
I have a parang and several kukri. I strongly prefer the kukri design for chopping, but in most cases a good machete is superior to both for any woods excursion.

If you are ONLY going to chop, take an axe or hatchet. If you are going to do general tasks, all 3 will do them well, but a machete will generally do well at chopping and excel substantially at light brush cutting.
Click to expand...

My thoughts as well. :) Parangs and kukris are both good compact choppers with kukris being better on wood and parangs better on vegetation. A full-sized "heavy" machete will handle brush cutting much better than either while still hitting woody targets like a ton of bricks.
 
I have one Khukuri and one Parang , generally prefer the Parang. Chopping with the Parang is easier/less stressful on the hand, also i find the traditional flared end of Khukuris to be an ergonomic disaster.
Perhaps if i had a Khukuri with a modern design handle i would like Khukuris more, still i think the parang shape is more versatile. YMMV.
 
tholiver said:
I have one Khukuri and one Parang , generally prefer the Parang. Chopping with the Parang is easier/less stressful on the hand, also i find the traditional flared end of Khukuris to be an ergonomic disaster.
Perhaps if i had a Khukuri with a modern design handle i would like Khukuris more, still i think the parang shape is more versatile. YMMV.
Click to expand...

Use a "handshake" grip so the pommel region comes to the interior of the wrist during the swing.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Use a "handshake" grip so the pommel region comes to the interior of the wrist during the swing.
Click to expand...
Thanks, yeah i know that trick. Regardless i still hate the handle ergos. Its not just Khukuris, there are some swords with flared pommels as well. They may be traditional but I just think thats a bad handle shape, traditional does not necessarily mean good or better. Its mostly the flare on the top of the handle thats the problem. A nice Khukuri with Becker-ish handle shape would suit me better.
 
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