parangatang

I just came back from 15 min in the the backyard. I used the Parangatang for weeds and a few seedling evergreens, that were no more than a couple of feet high and perhaps 1/4" thick. I like the size and balance, but I did get some chipping out on the edge after this light use. I easily removed the chipping with a couple of light passes on each side of a 400 grit 1X30" belt on my belt sander.

The softer steel of the cutlass machete actually held up better than this.

I suspect that the factory edge was too thin, and I will know after my next couple of uses. The alternative is that the steel is too hard, but I think that the more likely explanation is that the factory edge on my copy is just too thin for a machete. The edge ground off very quickly with no pressure, and this is not consistent with a very hard edge.
 
Next time take a picture of the chips before you go about removing them, so we can see what you're talking about.
 
It is possible that the blade had a wire edge. I didn't check for that, and just took it out and used it.
 
Used mine today to tame the back yard. Honestly, I don't go back there. I've just let it get wildly out of control. A couple hours in the rain and mist and it was shaping up. Now for a little light weed eating/ edging to complete the chore. The Parangatang did a fantastic job! Some small trees (3-4 ft tall), lots of large stalky type plants and a couple rose bushes. It all came down. I wore gloves and as always, used a lanyard. The Parangatang was the only tool used. Took this shot during a hydration break.

 
How did the edge look afterwards? I have been systematically cutting back some pines on a slope in my backyard, whenever I get a chance. At first, I used a kukri to chop stuff. It worked better than a small axe. I found that it was faster to use a loper, but I still needed something for heavy weeds. The Kabar Cutlass did the job, but the blade was too short and it required too much bending too low. I found some edge rolling on the Cutlass, but it was easy to resharpen on a belt sander.
I never use the backyard either.
The Parangatang worked fine, except for some chipping out of the edge on smaller saplings. I sharpened it, but I think mine needs an edge that is not as fine. The original edge angle on mine was so acute that it was more like what you would expect on a pocket knife blade. It has been too wet out here lately for much yard work, but I hope to cut out more trees later in the week...if the rains ever stop.
 
arty said:
How did the edge look afterwards? I have been systematically cutting back some pines on a slope in my backyard, whenever I get a chance. At first, I used a kukri to chop stuff. It worked better than a small axe. I found that it was faster to use a loper, but I still needed something for heavy weeds. The Kabar Cutlass did the job, but the blade was too short and it required too much bending too low. I found some edge rolling on the Cutlass, but it was easy to resharpen on a belt sander.
I never use the backyard either.
The Parangatang worked fine, except for some chipping out of the edge on smaller saplings. I sharpened it, but I think mine needs an edge that is not as fine. The original edge angle on mine was so acute that it was more like what you would expect on a pocket knife blade. It has been too wet out here lately for much yard work, but I hope to cut out more trees later in the week...if the rains ever stop.
Click to expand...

I've had zero chipping. I looked after most every rock I hit and then an over check after all was completed. I wasn't really chopping hardwood, just younger more green type stuff. They were all under 1-1.5".
 
I didn't hit any rocks, and was careful with that. I am pretty sure that I have too thin an edge, and will regrind it if I get the same results with the next use.
 
I took the Parangatang out to the backyard yesterday to clear some weeds, and I didn't get any chipping out. I think that the blade came with a wire edge from the factory, and the first sharpening fixed the problem. I didn't use it on any saplings, but that will be a possible use next time around. I managed to dull the point by hitting the ground once, but that is no surprise.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top