Parang vs Kukri

I don't think you should compare the two as they are perfected for different functions in their native lands.
Khuks are thicker and meant to chop heavy and dryer woods.
Parangs are thinner and are better for greener woods, brush, rattan and crop harvesting. A native parang will also be sharpened differently depending on front, middle or hilt area.

Not all parangs are the same, and not all kukris are the same. One is not inherently better than the other--it depends on what YOU are doing that will determine what make/model is best for you.

I was going to comment on this old post but these posts pretty much sum it up. Having made a post above with preference in curved blades, my Bladeducations enabled me to appreciate both in respective way.
Not to mention there are a handful of khukuri designs as well as parangs made for every state in Malaysia. What's commercially available/copied are just tip of iceberg.
 
So then which will work better for hard/dry woods? Kukri or parang? Or should I get a $40 estwing from home depot just to see what I prefer?
 
So then which will work better for hard/dry woods? Kukri or parang? Or should I get a $40 estwing from home depot just to see what I prefer?

Depends on the specific models being compared. Both styles have many examples that are superb for that use. Again, it all depends. Your aforementioned Village Parang does murder on dry hardwood targets, for instance.
 
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