All good points. But I personally feel that these video's do help the consumer learn what is out there to buy & what are some important points to consider: - what are the specifics: i.e. hikers, campers, youth, etc. want lightweight tools so that might rule out the Condor Bushcraft Parang (CBP). - My comments like: "It has a very wide grind" might help a newbie know if he has to spend more cash to sharpen it for real use. - As in this video I always try to show what a real blade of the type is.
Thanks for commenting Joe Flowers. I like the design of your Condor Bushcraft Parang. I also get the idea behind it. For me personally it's just too heavy for camping & hiking for all members of the family. But does split well. Traditional Parangs are lighter and handles can be large or small. So how about a "Mini" Condor Bushcraft Parang?. That would be a better Parang for those who have small hands & are weaker like teens and grandpa, etc. Also it would be easier to carry than the full size.
Mr. Flowers, I have a Condor Bushcraft Parang, and I love it. I sanded the black coating off the bade, and did a vinegar forced patina. I sharpened the edge with a Smith's carbide sharpener. I wasn't thrilled with the nylon sheath, but after spraying the blade with silicone, it slides in with ease. I also have a Condor Bushlore, and after a little twealing, it is an awesome knife also.
Just found this gem! I thought your test was fair, even though I am a fan of the Condor bushcraft parang. Like you mentioned in one of your replies regarding the Condor eco parang, it would be much closer to what you may like. I also have the eco parang and a Bidor parang with a wooden handle, but I’ve never tested them against each other. They are closer in weight to one another I believe and may provide a better experience. Love your videos!
My CBP arrived today and I found the handle to be an unpleasant surprise. The blade shape and weight are great for what I want to do. It will flick off hard green cherry wood up to 35mm in one hit. You're right about the CVP being too heavy too carry about all day. There is definitely a technique to develop. Aim to hit at 35 deg to the horizontal at the end - not the middle of the blade . Use Chosera stones to sharpen, 400 and 800 are enough. They will put a smile on your face - promise :-)
Yes, in Anchorage. I am very happy to be here because of all the hiking and camping opportunities Alaskans have. This is an outdoorsman's paradise. Sounds like your living here too.
The Condor Bushcraft parang is a parang, so it is designed to be more of a chopper, but with a pinch style grip. I'm going to make a video highlighting the bushcraft parang, I feel once you find how to use it, you will find that it outdoes everything the gerber parang wants to do.
My Condor Bushcraft Parang is a beast. I did reprofile the edge on a 1x30 Harbor Freight belt sander.This is a great parang for processing wood. or bushwacking in general.
Oh, I got it. In using the Condor & Gerber in my field test above I don't see how another video that Joe says: "I feel once you find how to use it, you will find that it outdoes everything the gerber parang wants to do." Am I using the Parangs in the wrong way? My video shows the opposite of the statement above from stock, factory grind Parangs. The only exception is splitting & that where a heavy blade with a wide edge bevel should work better. A Parang shouldn't just be a chopper (IMO).
not going to lie man your form is incorect. Now Im not hatin cuz i don't have much experience either. but seeing these parangs in action, by those who originally made them is truly inspiring.
+Mr.Medic No problem brother. I had and always do have fun using tools outdoors so my form is fine for that (I am regularly working on my form anyway). Its a good thing the videos about the Parang and not my form. If it were I would have gotten 100% thumps down, N'est ce pas.
Hey AlaskanFrontier1, I just want to correct Joe Flowers a little in that the traditional Parang's main job is jungle chopping but it is also for splitting, can do detailed work, debarks, & de limbs. It's a multi purpose tool.. So besides the terribly wide grind on the Condor Bushcraft Parang it's Achilles heel is it weight. At 24.40 (692 grams) this limits it as an all round tool. IMO a belt axe would be more useful in that weight range. So I agree with you, Joe made a bold clam here.
You might be right but this is my first large Condor (I love my Bushlores). So I have no gauge. My Condor Bushcraft Parang's (CBP) edge is the widest of all my big blades not extremely just wider. This makes it "bounce off" the wood instead of bite. It would be good to see if the normal CBP has a thinner/better edge than the one I had. That would made it more useful and save energy for sure.
I'm glad you said the BG Parang is only for light to medium use. The blad is thin, but way to hard, not enough flex for a good "Machete" As for getting the blade profile fixed. I have a guy who does that for me, for less then ten dollars a blade. I have three Condor knives and I've had them all reprofiled to a flat grind, much easier to keep sharp. I even had my BG Parang, yes I have one, reprofiled giving it a much more durable edge. But the BG Parang, I wont use on anything bigger around then say 3 inches. The Confor on the other hand is built to chop your way through a jungle. But in the end, use the right tool for the job. A small folding saw or small axe is much better on larger pieces of wood.
Hi TheRunereaper. You said:"think you should start with a sharp blade & sharpen with a shallower convex than factory supply". I agree 100% with you assessment but as I explained Condor's steel is heated so well & is extremely hard to re-bevel for anyone but pros w/the right equipment. People, including myself will not buy this equipment & then take time re-beveling that long blade. The cost would cover 2 or 3 tradition Parangs. We agree the Axe is want logical people use for heavy duty jobs.
You're spot on there Sweet. I have NO experience of traditionally made parangs, I don't want to take the chance! Any sharp, heavy blade that I swing must primarily be as safe as I can get it because I use them hard. Swinging a machete in the trees all day is dangerous - even when there is nothing wrong with the tool. So, full tang & known steel supply with traceable heat treatment for me - not $5 bits of recycled, rusty old buses with cheap, plastic handles that detach themselves after a while.
Sorry to hear your news on the Condor Village Parang (CVP). The Scandi (Sabre grind) is one of the best for wood but the 420 Stainless Steel of the Meyerco is not. Hope your new grind on the CVP works out.
The grind on the edge may be off (a possible lemon). The is what Joe Flowers thought & said he would send me another but has not yet. The interesting part is that Cliff Stamp had similar problems with his heavier Village Parang. In any case the grind is too wide on mine. Today I used the Cold Steel Jungle Machete (23.40 oz) and it's thinner grind just ate up wood. I was surprised at it's power. So I do believe that if you have a thinner edge than my Condor Bushcraft Parang it would work well.
Part Two 1) Use a small 3 to 4 inch knife 2) Use a roughly 1 pound Parang for light to medium Bushcraft activates. 3) Use a 2 to 3 pound Axe for heavier wood work. Experience will teach you that an axe makes simile any activity a large knife like a Parang, Kukri, Bolo, etc would fine hard.
I just got a Village parang, and I have to agree. The convex edge is just not wowing me. I shoulda checked with you first. The meyerco machete axe with its scandi grind ate up everything around Fairbanks, until the inferior steel failed. I'm going to reprofile this Village parang with a belt sander, and reduce the handle some as well. Thanks for the review.
Smart move using a stick to hold what you’re chopping. I wasn’t using one and nearly chopped off my left index finger when my knife glanced. Lesson learned.
You are the first person that I've met that wasn't blown out of the water by this parang, so I'm thinking that for some reason, you got one that didn't have a thin edge. The edges are much thinner than the Bidors, in retrospect. I'm going to arrange to make sure you get another one and see if it is the same.
Good observation Cliff. The handle is the best part of the Condor Bushcraft Parang Machete. I like it because it is solidly attached (like Mora's but harder polypropylene) and big. Also, you can use a Western or Asia type grip with it. Someone like you who knows about knife bevels, edges, sharpening, and how to work steel can make this big knife better. I waited for a lighter weight Condor Parang or Kukri unfortunately their new models are still too heavy for my style of hiking/camping :(
Thanks for commenting carpkai. I agree with you. When it comes to the Condor knives; the Bushlore, Bushcraft Basic, and and their Sapien are pretty good. They are affordable and work well in the woods. Great Job Joe!
It's OK. You are right about Condor blades & it is good we're talking about it for public knowledge. I have had the 1st Gen. Bushlore & tried to re-do the edge back to the beginning of the wood slabs and OMG that's extremely difficult. For the average person to re-profile the edge of a new Condor blade is, IMO not right. I have trad. Parang, Kukri, Golok, etc. made by 3rd world folks that are very sharp & have great edges. So it's hard for me to believe this is still common with Condor's blades.
Thanks for the tip. Working with sharp tools is always dangerous and you pointed out a great example. Personally in realistic camping/hiking I use a folding Silky saw to easily & untiringly cut through wood this thick and hard. But I chopped though that large brand like that to demonstrate the differences between these Parangs. Also, the wideness of that particular Condor Bushcraft Parang contributed to that bounce back at 4.52. Thanks again & have the best day The Sometests.
That is a good thing of course. I wish every manufactures did this but I see what you mean about the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang. I am worried by the thinnish edge bevel. How long will that last? Only time can tell us this.
I would respectfully suggest that any machete blade needs resharpening after a couple of hours hard use. You don't have to have Chosera stones (though they ARE delicious!). Any reasonably flat, wet rock will do. If you try to do a diagonal Skandi grind it will generally come out convex anyway! more so if you stand back a bit with your arms slightly extended . Try it out on of those cheap parangs. What do use the pocket on the sheath for? This 1075 makes great sparks with a ferro rod!
About buying a Kukri I have tried many and recommend highly Tora Blades (I have the most experience with them). But they are slighty hard to get right now. They are taking pre-orders now. HI has some great traditional blades in the KLVUK and Tamang Knives. There other Kukris (which they do sell alot of) are export/tourist style. Those are too heavy for me and my family for outdoors. But that's my opinion. Great Goloks can be found at Valiant Co. The Survival Golok is a popular model. God Bless.
I really like your vids, and channel.I didn't mean they weren't helpful. I just meant that when you buy a Condor product, you get some real quality materials. but they do require some tweaking to make them optimal for your purpose. I just don't like celeb endorsed mall-ninja type gear.I'm an old man and gimicky gear turns me off. Keep up your good work.
This is a layman's opinion. You're much more experience than I. The Condor Bushcraft Parang (CBP) is very simular to the 12" Bidor Duku Chandong (BDCD). Of course yours is unexposed full tang and it's a hidden tang. In performance with the BDCD your CBP would destroy it (& the Gerber BG Parang). That is if the edge profile was thinner & had an edge that bites. The major problem is the same most Americans have & that's weight. It hard to see (IMO) a useful big knife over 25 oz for real wood work.
It's not about being able to handle heavy knives it is about performance. In SE Asia Parangs weigh anywhere from 10 to 21 oz. You saw a real Malaysian Parang in this video that weighed 17.4 oz. which is on the heavy side for a Parang. I also recommended you watch the CZcams Vid: "design by picture vs design by performance" by Cliff Stamp for the Condor Village Parang. Did you see it? This Condor Bushcraft Parang looks like a Parang but doesn't act like it. Q: Why? A: Weight, balance, & edge.
Yes, it seems Western manufactures design their production Parangs, Golok, Kukris, etc. to have similarities to the real thing but mix & match traditional creations into a knife & call it an interesting name to sell it. Example: The Cold Steel Jungle Machete is really a heavy Bolo with a slight down angle to it. The Cold Steel Kukri Machete is a mix of the Kukri and Bolo cut from sheet metal. The Cold Steel Heavy Machete is really a corn machete in thicker sheet metal. Many others do this too.
Thanks for the greetings and respecting my point of view. Some people like this type of blade. It just needs some more work to make it really good. Enjoy your day chanekazo.
I reckon, instead wasting time/energy for "hard" chopping, wood should be held in vertical position and spinned / twisted every 3-4 hits, than you have maximum efficiency and job is much more joyful. I use Condor village parang for home fire burner and its almost effortless...Anyway thanks for reply, good blade it is :)
Thanks. I try to listen to the people who know about these things and really focus on telling the truth even if it hurts. Also, I camp with the things I test to see if they work. To tell the truth we Americans have forgotten how to survive in the wilderness. I hope we don't have another Katrina or other serious disaster. We should be fine though, at least in our life time. It is just good to be prepared.
No problem, I see what you mean. I have some Condor small blades and am going to try their machetes. Much of he Bear Grylls and Les Stroud stuff is average, some real good but you are right their names are used to sell things with and not really to get the best tool to the citizen. Have a great day carpkai.
No pre-ordering I saw Going Gear dot com had them in stock. As I write they have three (3) in stock. Also, if you type: "Condor Bushcraft Parang" in the search box eBay has one on auction (ends Tues., June 11th, 2013).
Not trying to ruffle your feathers. Its just that every Condor blade I have ever seen has had to have the edge reprofiled before it was any good. Once the edge has been redone the blades Condor makes are borderline awesome. Should a person have to reprofile an edge on a brand new knife I would say no, but when you buy a Condor anything reprofiling the blade is automatically assumed YMMV.
I think with Condor it's more about quality control ( as it is with the Bear Grylls Parang as we know). I have the Condor Bushlore (came razor sharp with no need to reprofile) and the Bushcraft Parang (came hair splitting sharp, sharper than the knife). I've handled a friend's Bear Grylls Parang and found it to be very poorly made (for a parang not a regular machete). Maybe it's also up to each person's personal experience as well. Out of all my knives the Bushlore and the Parang are my main blades when going out for longer trips. They're strong, durable (not made of mystery steel like the bear grylls parang) and cheap so it's not heartbreaking if I lose them or if something happens (but I really doubt anything will). Weight is an issue though because I usually hike about 20 miles, but I like the motto: If its too heavy, get stronger.
Good observations Mihai Milan especially on the quality control. Although Condor Parangs and many of their other blades are know to have very thick edges. The thing is this: the Parang is a traditional 1 pound (455 gram) heavier duty big knife. It is the Malay equivalent of the machete but for bamboo and the more woody jungles of SE Asia. The blade lenght of parang is about 12 inches (30 cm). Another form of big knife identical with parang is Indonesian Golok. In turn the Indonesian golok and very similar to the Filipino bolo. So what we have here is Western manufacturers ideas of what will sell to their western customer bass using the above traditional SE Asian designs. In reality and IMO both the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang & the Condor Bushcraft Parang fail the original idea of the Parang. But the Gerber BG Parang works the best for light to medium duty applications that a real Parang was designed for. The Condor is a heavy duty Parang that is very heavy for this kind of tool. And so it fails the purpose of the Parang and at it's factory weight a hatchet or light axe would/does work better for wood chopping and energy saving. This is the details on why I gave the Gerber a pass and the Condor a fail.
sweetcostarica Fair comments. I suppose it all comes down to using the blade and figuring out what works. For my area ideally I should use an axe not any type of machete, like you mentioned, but with a heavy machete (in this case really heavy) I can do more than with an axe. I must admit that I would have loved an original Malaysian parang from Outdoordynamics, but it's just that little bit out of my price range with the shipping and taxes (as I mentioned, I keep my kit cheap enough to be functional). Glad to have a reasonable debate with someone about these tools. You've got yourself another subscriber! Best of luck!
Thanks for subscribing. You have reminded me that I have to do some videos on the machete and unique types of small axes. I guess it is all relative what tool you use if you know it really well you can overcome it's weaknesses and magnify it's strong points successfully enough to get your work done. Stay Frosty Mihai MiIan.
I always enjoy your vids but this time I am a lil perplexed. I own the Bushcraft Parang and it chops through lumber like crazy I would suggest trying a different one and see if you get a different outcome. Not trying argue with you but after owning one for myself I really wonder if something was not kosher with yours.
Once we were riding 4-wheelers, and a 12 inch tree had fallen, blocking the trail. We could have either turned back and went another way, or try and chop it in half with (all i had taken with me that day), my BG parang. We did not know how it would do on such a big job, but In about 3 or 4 mintutes, it was in half, and moveable. Everyone there was suprised, including me. Having said that, there's a lot to be said about chopping wood, including if the wood is loose, or solid, which affects how well anything will chop. This tree was solid (wasn't moving around, or flexing) and the BG parang did fine. If it had been a limb that would "give"under chopping, it would not have done as well. Then there are other ways, like chopping at a slant, to counter act the "give". Chopping properly makes all the difference in the world. Yes, if i would had my axe with me, I would have used that, and never knew what the BG parang was capable of. We just use it mostly for clearing low hanging limbs on the trail. I'm happy with mine, but then again, I do not try and kill it every time I use it.
Your too late I sold that Condor Bushcraft Parang (CBP) on ebay.. You sound very knowledgeable on the CBP above saying: "it (the Condor's wide blade) was meant to be". Maybe you know something I don't or Cliff Stamp missed in his CZcams commentary on the similar Condor Village Parang : "design by picture vs design by performance" Please explain in detail the comment: "being tired" made no sense? Since I was tired. I don't understand. And please be specific. Thanks Paracorder for your help.
Oh, I usually spin my wood too for the best effect (check my other videos) but I often test two knives against each other so I want to keep things simple. If you like the heavier Condor Village Parang that's is a good thing. If you have never tried a traditional blade you will be surprised at how good they are in comparison to a western factory made Parang. It really is something that will impress you.
I don't own a Condor Village Parang so I don't really know. I watched "WeAllJuggleKnives" review of the Village Parang and the edges look alike. There is diffidently not a secondary bevel. I think some hard work on the edge could make a better cutting/chopping blade but for me I'll move on.
Maybe Condor listened to your analysis and designed the Eco-Parang. On my scale my Eco-Parang shows a weight of 15.9 oz. (my Condor Bushcraft Parang weighs 1.63 lbs.). I measure the blade to be 11.5 inches (9.5 inches sharpened), and a thickness of approx. 3mm.
I think you are right TheZeno4444. I just looked at the figures too: - Overall length is 18 inches (45.7cm), - 11 inch (27.9cm) blade, - 7 inch (17.8cm) handle, - A weight of 15.9 oz! That is a very traditional weight for real parangs. - Easy to see orange polypropylene handle. - Large handle that will fit my XL hands. I also like the non-expose tang. In below zero weather metal freezes to your hand. This is just perfect on paper for cold dark Alaska. So I will have to get one and review it. Thanks for the tip!
TheZeno4444 what I think is that he was not taking full advantage o the convex edge and the weight of the Parang because he was on his knees so he wasn't getting a full enough swing and using more energy that's why they call it chopping not hitting
jacob peters Thanks for your comment. But you have to listen to everything that is said before giving an opinion. Whether a person is using the safe technique of chopping on his/her knees or not, is not the point. Accuracy is much more important than strength anyway. What we a talking about is: - weight - balance - edge design - traditional vs non-traditional - and if you're a good listener; a crowbar vs good craftsmanship
Also TheRunereaper said: "I'd NEVER use a Malaysian made parang - not full tang..." Not tying to tell you how to do bushcraft but I think you lack experience with real traditional Parangs & are mostly concerned with the toughness of the big knife's handle & steel. Just like HI Kukris with stick tangs the Trad. Parang has a strong enough handle when used correctly, has good 5160 steel, & great heat treat. It's light enough to carry/use all day & easy to replace a hidden tangs handle in the bush.
Looks like you are not following your own advice. So I recommend you read all the comments & replies here before you give advice. About the 15 inch, 22.8 oz Ontario SP8. This SP8 has been used before and was out chopped by the 18.1 oz (516gram) Cold Steel Kukri Machete easily.
So take a 50 dollar knife spend 10 more on it for reprofiling the edge and you have a great knife that you won't feel bad about beating the snot out of for 60 bucks. As far as the Parang itself goes I have never had one, and I am considering it or a Kukri for my next chopping blade. Since I live in an arid climate and the wood around here is tough I think the Kukri might work better for my environment. Who knows I might get both because I like knives.
Where did u find these in stock? Im guessing u pre ordered. I want one just because im a fan of the parang mostly ... As far as chopping, my bolo blows my bidor parang out of the water. Im guessing this would be similiar to the bidor parangs? Thnx
Thanks for your comments. They help me to improve these reviews/tests. Some folks after fixing the edge bevels say this Condor Bushcraft Parang chops much better. That's good if you have the ability or extra money to fix the blade. IMO the weight is also a problem. At 24.40 ounces that's a lot of weight for a Parang and this limits it's mutli-functional use. So the Condor Bushcraft Parang is mainly a heavy chopper. An axe is much better in that area. So even though I tried to like this really tough big blade it just wasn't the best from Condor.
Update: check out Cliff Stamp's CZcams video: Condor Village Parang : design by picture vs design by performance In this recent report he explains the problem with the blade and it's grind better than I. It seems to be the same design fault I have with the Condor Bushcraft Parang, 2013 model.
well i mainly ment that for all the reasons you stated and the bold claim that it will "out-dothe gerber parang" not saying i love the gerber parang either but never using the tool im not going to nay say it
I guess every one different. The problem with sharpening the CondorBushcraft Parang is that it's blade is long & has extremely tough steel. That tough steel is hard regrind as anyone who tried to regrind the edge of the 1st Gen. Bushlores would know. So the consumer needs the Condor to at less make this blade with a thinner bevel & as sharp as possible for the buyer who isn't knowledgeable at doing regrinds or working with their steel. The Village Parang is way too heavy for hiking/survival IMO.
These chopping tests, though entertaining and appreciated, are like pistol accuracy tests. There are way too many variables to give them any weight towards making a purchase decision.. I have a Condor Bushcraft Parang, that I did putt a thinner edge on, and it's a chopping demon. I like Bear Grylls show, but I thing his parang is for weeds, not wood. The first releases were breaking at the handle. Watch Preparedmind101's video. That guy is a big blade freak, and he loves his Condor B.P.
The comments you made, made no sense, all of those comments were good about the condor except being tired. I'll gladly take that fully functioning blade for $5 plus shipping if you don't like that type of blade, but it's like that because it was meant to be.
yp erit said: "Měl by jste víc pracovat rukama a také hlavou. Takto se přece s mačetou neseká. Pozdrav z České republiky. Ať se daří." In English is: *"You should work more hands and head. This way you do with a machete mowing. Greetings from Czech Republic. All the best."* sweetcostarica anwsers yp erit: Díky za komentář. Mají velký den. Which is in English: *Thanks for the comment. Have a great day.*
I have not heard from you Oregonbushcrafter. I thought since you don't care for Rocket Scientist Cliff Stamp's advice on big blades, how about junglecrafty. In his video he anwsers: What is a Parang used for? What to look for in a Parang? What's the best Parang? How to use a Parang? Please watch CZcams video: The best parang ... ever? IMO this will help see where I & others are saying about heavy, too wide bevels on Parangs. & if you can always go traditional. If not get the closest thing.
he visto muchas imagenes de machetes parang BG rotos y hechos pedazos, mas nunca he visto una imagen de un condor roto, respeto su punto de vista... mi condor bushcraft parang está en camino. saludos desde mexico.
They used to say that about Japanese knives. Now Japan makes some of the best mass produced knives in the world. Today, with technology & the International Community no longer can we say: "I buy only American" or "El Salvadore (or Malaysia) produces excellent Parangs.". American flags & Levis are made in China. VWs are made in the USA & Mexico. Japanese cars are made in Ohio. And on and on. In fact China & Taiwan are now making some great knives. We should now look at quality & not nationality.
The axe is a wonderful tool in boreal forest, far better suited than the parang. It can double up as a hammer which no machete can do well. I'd NEVER use a Malaysian made parang - not full tang, single pin attachment through the handle, doubtful steel source & dubious heat treatment. Weight of the blade is dependent on the job in hand. Ref your "bouncing off" problem, think you should start with a sharp blade & sharpen with a shallower convex than factory supply, losing the micro bevel. Cheers.
"How much did you say those Chosera stones cost sir ?!?1! Ouch, I thought so." I do see what you are saying TheRunereaper but a better, cheaper, and I think more efficient method of going about our Bushcraft activates is to do what the native people of Malaysia/Indonesia do today: (see part two)
Oh, I see. The way you use your blades does sound like it is hard use & not the way I use mine. Too bad you are missing out on some great Traditional tools that are use differently from the way you do. Anyway I think you & I are talking about different things as far as the Condor Bushcraft Parang (CBP). This blade needs major re-profiling not simple sharping.This is an unacceptable factory condition of the CBP (IMO). In my video I explain this, I have told you twice so I'll end that topic here.
I really like the design of this parang. It doesn't arrive shaving sharp but like all edged tools it will need sharpening anyway after a couple of hours of useful work. I DO have a problem with one aspect of it - the handle is wrong for me. It's NOT comfortable, too narrow with no palm swell so allowing the parang to move in the hand. Got by, using gloves but my bare hand slipped twice on the polyprop surface. Even a Martindale handle is better than this! Wish now I'd bought the Village Parang.
I seriously doubt it. Why should people buy a big knife for $50 USD and have to do major re-profiling to it in order to use it? Plus it is on the heavy side for my taste & too heavy for my camping group (teens and females). If you have used a traditional Parang you would see what I mean about weight, balance, & edge design. To get a better idea what I'm saying please see Cliff Stamps CZcams video on a similar Condor product: "Condor Village Parang : design by picture vs design by performance."
I wanted to like this one but it's short comings are too apparent. Yes, it truly needs a regrind but I hear that about many of the big Condor blades. A shame. Anyway, this one isn't a keeper.
Apon more use of my bushcraft parang it is quite tip heavy and can be abit cumbersome and unwieldy for long cutting tasks think of it like a heavy hatchet but I do recommend the condor duku parang I own the large one with the 15.5 inch blade it feels light in the hand and can be used all day and not make you tired I mainly use my bushcraft parang for battoning and some light heavy duty chopping tasks and try to let the blades weight do the brunt of the work
*It is good you have a tool you like to use.* Any tool, good or bad can be used to do a job. What I personally look for in my tools is basic effectiveness. For me, as you saw in the video The Condor Bushcraft Parang is neither effective in cutting or weight i.e. it is too heavy for a parang & it's edge is completely inadequate. UPDATE to the Condor Bushcraft parang is the Condor Tools & Knives *Eco Parang.* This one might be closer to a practical & effective tool IF the edge is better but I am sure you still need to re-profile it some. Again, do not take my response to you as a criticism against you. This is just my opinion from listening to jungle crafty and Simon Hengle on CZcams, my personal collection/use of the tools, and comparisons of real traditional parings & kukri. Stay frosty.
ya if youtake the condor bushcraft parang and the v the edge alittle and get it nice and sharp you won't believe the difference it doesn't come very sharp from the factory because they put machete edges on there knives alot of times to keep costs down
+coolsly64 Yes, that is part 1 of a two part answer. The blade needs major reprofiling and then sharpening. part 2 is this is a very overweight parring.
are you sure it weighs alot cause some people have said that about dundee bowie I just bought and once I customized the handle it was very well balanced and more like a fighting knife then just a heavy chopper I would like to know cause this was going to be one of my next condor purchases it is between the discord, the warlock, and the bushcraft and I don't know what one to get I know that the dundee bowie and the bushcraft parang have the same handle so I figured I'd give it the same fix I gave the dundee
coolsly64 My frame of reference for the weight is original or traditional parangs which typically weight any were from 13 oz to 18 oz. Parangs made in the West or for Westerners are more like tourist blades and so are heavy or as I said overweight. These kind of blades would tired you out fast like in my video above. But this is my opinion. If you like big heavy knives there is not a problem here.
ok good cause 20+ ounces in a big blade isn't nothing to me I'm a big dude so traditional parangs (less then 20 ounces) would feel more like a machete then a big knife to me I also us the techniques shown for big blades rather then trying to put your power into the strike everytime I let the weight of the blade do most of the work so the only thing my arms really working on is the lift of the blade and let most of the weight of the blade do the cutting... so I'm not exerting to much energy out in the woods
No, I am in Alaska now but have live in the past in Costa Rica for a short time. I did handle and shop there for Costa Rican machetes. They use mainly Imacas but Tramontinas are very similar. Their machetes often are in thick leather sheaths with decoration. Today, I get my machetes from Machete Specialist or Amazon.com. I only use the machete in Summer in Alaska though. In winter I use mainly the axe/hatchet and sometimes a Kukri or Parang.
Cliff Stamp? The guy who got banned off of multiple forums due to being a Busse nut and never being happy with any knife? Yes. Listen to him. I watched the video. This isn't the bushcraft parang. I have both, I love BOTH. The Bushcraft parang destroys the bear grylls parang HANDS DOWN. If it doesn't, you don't know how to use it.
To skjoyner, That's fine I love to hang Excalibur-ish swords on the basement walls of my home in Ohio. But now I am in Alaska and I only endorse gear that works for camping, hiking, and survival. The Condor failed my tests and my needs because it's has a badly wide edge grind and it's just too heavy IMO.
All Condor knives have a Scandi grind. I have three Condor blades and I've had all three reprofiled with a flat grind, much easier to keep sharp. As for the weight, its a chopper. I'd rather have a heavier blade that impacts more, then a light blade that you have to swing harder.
James Hart Yes, I believe most if not all of the Condor creations like the Village Parang (2.09 lbs), the Bushcraft Parang (1.5 lbs.), the Engineer Bolo (2.54 lbs.) are very heavy knives for what they are and have wide convex grinds. In my opinion the customer should have the proper grind on the big knife he/she is buying and not have put a grind on or to pay someone to do it right later. If you are into common sense bushcraft and chopping efficiency a hatchet or axe is much better than the above heavyweights (as mentioned by you James). Something to think about if you are a serious hiker and/or bushcrafter. If you are buying these Condors Parangs, Bolos, Goloks for fun then please disregard the above advice.
@Re nato Wow, that Condor Bushcraft Parang video was years ago and are not you the guy *Sakkara1331* called frisky due to your communication with her. Not judging but just want to know who I am talking to. Anyway: UPDATE to now, 2019/2020 - Condor Bushcraft Parang $ 63.73 USD (Amazon.com) - Tramontina Machette -$15 to $25 USD - Gransfor Bruks $130 to $150 USD - Fiskars Axe $25 to $50 USD - Silky saw $40 to $50 USD - Traditional Kurkri $70 to $200 USD (depending on a tourist one or real one) - etc. The best advice: Forget about weight - *get what you can afford and go buy what REAL PROFESSIONAL people use outdoors.* Personally I, sweetcostarica would never take expensive gear into the woods as a serious camper/bush crafter. - a $15 to $35 USD Mora fixed knife - a $15 USD Tramontina machette or a $30 USD Fiskars axe - a $40 USD Silky saw equals about *$100 USD* total in cutting/chopping gear that is as effective as: - a $150 USD Gransfer bruks axe with - $450 USD a Ray Mears Woodlore knife about *$500 USD* total. YOUR CHOICE, YOUR LIFE But the gear you use *is your choice* so there are no wrong choices *if you use common sense & wisdom.*
@Re nato Due to your profanity & character I have to end our conversation(s). Have an excellent life sir. God bless. *EDIT:* If you are American __HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!__
Haaaa Gerber.....have to show you a picture of its bended blade after one day of garden brush clearing....try bending the condor one by cutting branches in your back yard....really you have no idea what you are talking about....
From here, it does not look like you put a proper edge on the Condor ... I have seen several reviews where the Condor fared just fine. ... I would recommend that you try the ONTARIO SP8 before you come to any conclusions.
50% agree. That's why the Condor performed badly in the chopping part and well in the splitting. In my why of thinking, if I buy a piece of gear (in this case for $50 USD) I expect it to work properly without the customer having to modify it. 50% disagree. It's 24.4 ounce weight is heavy for a Parang. But like I said it's a good truck knife but for Bushcraft or hiking there are a lot of better choices. Not hating just being real since I don't market the Condor or receive freebees.
the grind on the condor is tapered too thin I even bent my edge on my first outing but I took a file and convexed the edge a little and omg what a diffrence. Personally I wouldn't recommend any Gerber products ever I've seen that parang break.
+Northern BushCrafting This video was made in June of 2013. If your Condor Bushcraft Parang's grind was in your opinion too thin that is a good thing for what a true Parang is designed for: cutting bamboo & utility work. I'm glad Condor fixed that problem. The other major issue of weight is still ever present with the Bushcraft and most Condor products actually. Note: nothing beats a real traditional parang for real traditional parang duties. Hence everyone copying their version of The Parang. The Gerber BG Parang? - For the price ($27 USD) the Gerber is a great performer. IMO if you don't spend $100 to $150 US dollars on your large cutting tool then don't expect too much on a whole. The issue of the Gerber BG Parang breaking has been fixed a while ago. *My take on Gerber* Gerber products (a sub-division of Fiskars of Finland) are a middle of the road product line with a few items being really great. OF KEY significance - For the money they are outstanding. As I said not the best tool but the best for the budget minded or poor outdoors person.
All good points. But I personally feel that these video's do help the consumer learn what is out there to buy & what are some important points to consider:
- what are the specifics: i.e. hikers, campers, youth, etc. want lightweight tools so that might rule out the Condor Bushcraft Parang (CBP).
- My comments like: "It has a very wide grind" might help a newbie know if he has to spend more cash to sharpen it for real use.
- As in this video I always try to show what a real blade of the type is.
Thanks for commenting Joe Flowers. I like the design of your Condor Bushcraft Parang. I also get the idea behind it. For me personally it's just too heavy for camping & hiking for all members of the family. But does split well.
Traditional Parangs are lighter and handles can be large or small. So how about a "Mini" Condor Bushcraft Parang?. That would be a better Parang for those who have small hands & are weaker like teens and grandpa, etc. Also it would be easier to carry than the full size.
Mr. Flowers, I have a Condor Bushcraft Parang, and I love it. I sanded the black coating off the bade, and did a vinegar forced patina. I sharpened the edge with a Smith's carbide sharpener. I wasn't thrilled with the nylon sheath, but after spraying the blade with silicone, it slides in with ease. I also have a Condor Bushlore, and after a little twealing, it is an awesome knife also.
Just found this gem! I thought your test was fair, even though I am a fan of the Condor bushcraft parang. Like you mentioned in one of your replies regarding the Condor eco parang, it would be much closer to what you may like. I also have the eco parang and a Bidor parang with a wooden handle, but I’ve never tested them against each other. They are closer in weight to one another I believe and may provide a better experience. Love your videos!
My CBP arrived today and I found the handle to be an unpleasant surprise. The blade shape and weight are great for what I want to do. It will flick off hard green cherry wood up to 35mm in one hit. You're right about the CVP being too heavy too carry about all day. There is definitely a technique to develop. Aim to hit at 35 deg to the horizontal at the end - not the middle of the blade . Use Chosera stones to sharpen, 400 and 800 are enough. They will put a smile on your face - promise :-)
Yes, in Anchorage. I am very happy to be here because of all the hiking and camping opportunities Alaskans have. This is an outdoorsman's paradise. Sounds like your living here too.
The Condor Bushcraft parang is a parang, so it is designed to be more of a chopper, but with a pinch style grip. I'm going to make a video highlighting the bushcraft parang, I feel once you find how to use it, you will find that it outdoes everything the gerber parang wants to do.
I baught a Condor mini Duko, im seeing the difference between my Tora kukri and Ontario kukri. The mini Duko looks beautiful hopefully it performs.
My Condor Bushcraft Parang is a beast. I did reprofile the edge on a 1x30 Harbor Freight belt sander.This is a great parang for processing wood. or bushwacking in general.
Oh, I got it.
In using the Condor & Gerber in my field test above I don't see how another video that Joe says:
"I feel once you find how to use it, you will find that it outdoes everything the gerber parang wants to do."
Am I using the Parangs in the wrong way? My video shows the opposite of the statement above from stock, factory grind Parangs. The only exception is splitting & that where a heavy blade with a wide edge bevel should work better. A Parang shouldn't just be a chopper (IMO).
not going to lie man your form is incorect. Now Im not hatin cuz i don't have much experience either. but seeing these parangs in action, by those who originally made them is truly inspiring.
+Mr.Medic No problem brother. I had and always do have fun using tools outdoors so my form is fine for that (I am regularly working on my form anyway).
Its a good thing the videos about the Parang and not my form. If it were I would have gotten 100% thumps down, N'est ce pas.
Czy można scan obrysu maczety?
I love your style, your voice is sweet
I appreciate your opinion, fells like you know alot
Hey AlaskanFrontier1,
I just want to correct Joe Flowers a little in that the traditional Parang's main job is jungle chopping but it is also for splitting, can do detailed work, debarks, & de limbs. It's a multi purpose tool..
So besides the terribly wide grind on the Condor Bushcraft Parang it's Achilles heel is it weight. At 24.40 (692 grams) this limits it as an all round tool. IMO a belt axe would be more useful in that weight range.
So I agree with you, Joe made a bold clam here.
You might be right but this is my first large Condor (I love my Bushlores). So I have no gauge.
My Condor Bushcraft Parang's (CBP) edge is the widest of all my big blades not extremely just wider. This makes it "bounce off" the wood instead of bite.
It would be good to see if the normal CBP has a thinner/better edge than the one I had. That would made it more useful and save energy for sure.
I'm glad you said the BG Parang is only for light to medium use. The blad is thin, but way to hard, not enough flex for a good "Machete" As for getting the blade profile fixed. I have a guy who does that for me, for less then ten dollars a blade. I have three Condor knives and I've had them all reprofiled to a flat grind, much easier to keep sharp. I even had my BG Parang, yes I have one, reprofiled giving it a much more durable edge. But the BG Parang, I wont use on anything bigger around then say 3 inches. The Confor on the other hand is built to chop your way through a jungle. But in the end, use the right tool for the job. A small folding saw or small axe is much better on larger pieces of wood.
Hi TheRunereaper. You said:"think you should start with a sharp blade & sharpen with a shallower convex than factory supply".
I agree 100% with you assessment but as I explained Condor's steel is heated so well & is extremely hard to re-bevel for anyone but pros w/the right equipment.
People, including myself will not buy this equipment & then take time re-beveling that long blade. The cost would cover 2 or 3 tradition Parangs.
We agree the Axe is want logical people use for heavy duty jobs.
You're spot on there Sweet. I have NO experience of traditionally made parangs, I don't want to take the chance! Any sharp, heavy blade that I swing must primarily be as safe as I can get it because I use them hard. Swinging a machete in the trees all day is dangerous - even when there is nothing wrong with the tool. So, full tang & known steel supply with traceable heat treatment for me - not $5 bits of recycled, rusty old buses with cheap, plastic handles that detach themselves after a while.
Sorry to hear your news on the Condor Village Parang (CVP). The Scandi (Sabre grind) is one of the best for wood but the 420 Stainless Steel of the Meyerco is not.
Hope your new grind on the CVP works out.
The grind on the edge may be off (a possible lemon). The is what Joe Flowers thought & said he would send me another but has not yet.
The interesting part is that Cliff Stamp had similar problems with his heavier Village Parang. In any case the grind is too wide on mine.
Today I used the Cold Steel Jungle Machete (23.40 oz) and it's thinner grind just ate up wood. I was surprised at it's power. So I do believe that if you have a thinner edge than my Condor Bushcraft Parang it would work well.
Part Two
1) Use a small 3 to 4 inch knife
2) Use a roughly 1 pound Parang for light to medium Bushcraft activates.
3) Use a 2 to 3 pound Axe for heavier wood work.
Experience will teach you that an axe makes simile any activity a large knife like a Parang, Kukri, Bolo, etc would fine hard.
I just got a Village parang, and I have to agree. The convex edge is just not wowing me. I shoulda checked with you first. The meyerco machete axe with its scandi grind ate up everything around Fairbanks, until the inferior steel failed. I'm going to reprofile this Village parang with a belt sander, and reduce the handle some as well. Thanks for the review.
Smart move using a stick to hold what you’re chopping. I wasn’t using one and nearly chopped off my left index finger when my knife glanced. Lesson learned.
You are the first person that I've met that wasn't blown out of the water by this parang, so I'm thinking that for some reason, you got one that didn't have a thin edge. The edges are much thinner than the Bidors, in retrospect. I'm going to arrange to make sure you get another one and see if it is the same.
Good observation Cliff. The handle is the best part of the Condor Bushcraft Parang Machete. I like it because it is solidly attached (like Mora's but harder polypropylene) and big. Also, you can use a Western or Asia type grip with it.
Someone like you who knows about knife bevels, edges, sharpening, and how to work steel can make this big knife better.
I waited for a lighter weight Condor Parang or Kukri unfortunately their new models are still too heavy for my style of hiking/camping :(
Thanks for commenting carpkai. I agree with you. When it comes to the Condor knives; the Bushlore, Bushcraft Basic, and and their Sapien are pretty good. They are affordable and work well in the woods.
Great Job Joe!
It's OK. You are right about Condor blades & it is good we're talking about it for public knowledge. I have had the 1st Gen. Bushlore & tried to re-do the edge back to the beginning of the wood slabs and OMG that's extremely difficult. For the average person to re-profile the edge of a new Condor blade is, IMO not right.
I have trad. Parang, Kukri, Golok, etc. made by 3rd world folks that are very sharp & have great edges. So it's hard for me to believe this is still common with Condor's blades.
Yes, I think a saber grind will fix it. Its really well made, especially for the price. A regrind and a new sheath, I bet it does fine. Thanks Sweet.
Thanks for the tip.
Working with sharp tools is always dangerous and you pointed out a great example. Personally in realistic camping/hiking I use a folding Silky saw to easily & untiringly cut through wood this thick and hard. But I chopped though that large brand like that to demonstrate the differences between these Parangs.
Also, the wideness of that particular Condor Bushcraft Parang contributed to that bounce back at 4.52.
Thanks again & have the best day The Sometests.
That is a good thing of course. I wish every manufactures did this but I see what you mean about the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang. I am worried by the thinnish edge bevel. How long will that last? Only time can tell us this.
I would respectfully suggest that any machete blade needs resharpening after a couple of hours hard use. You don't have to have Chosera stones (though they ARE delicious!). Any reasonably flat, wet rock will do. If you try to do a diagonal Skandi grind it will generally come out convex anyway! more so if you stand back a bit with your arms slightly extended . Try it out on of those cheap parangs. What do use the pocket on the sheath for? This 1075 makes great sparks with a ferro rod!
About buying a Kukri I have tried many and recommend highly Tora Blades (I have the most experience with them). But they are slighty hard to get right now. They are taking pre-orders now.
HI has some great traditional blades in the KLVUK and Tamang Knives. There other Kukris (which they do sell alot of) are export/tourist style. Those are too heavy for me and my family for outdoors. But that's my opinion.
Great Goloks can be found at Valiant Co. The Survival Golok is a popular model.
God Bless.
I really like your vids, and channel.I didn't mean they weren't helpful. I just meant that when you buy a Condor product, you get some real quality materials. but they do require some tweaking to make them optimal for your purpose. I just don't like celeb endorsed mall-ninja type gear.I'm an old man and gimicky gear turns me off. Keep up your good work.
This is a layman's opinion. You're much more experience than I. The Condor Bushcraft Parang (CBP) is very simular to the 12" Bidor Duku Chandong (BDCD). Of course yours is unexposed full tang and it's a hidden tang.
In performance with the BDCD your CBP would destroy it (& the Gerber BG Parang). That is if the edge profile was thinner & had an edge that bites.
The major problem is the same most Americans have & that's weight. It hard to see (IMO) a useful big knife over 25 oz for real wood work.
It's not about being able to handle heavy knives it is about performance.
In SE Asia Parangs weigh anywhere from 10 to 21 oz. You saw a real Malaysian Parang in this video that weighed 17.4 oz. which is on the heavy side for a Parang.
I also recommended you watch the CZcams Vid: "design by picture vs design by performance" by Cliff Stamp for the Condor Village Parang.
Did you see it?
This Condor Bushcraft Parang looks like a Parang but doesn't act like it.
Q: Why?
A: Weight, balance, & edge.
Yes, it seems Western manufactures design their production Parangs, Golok, Kukris, etc. to have similarities to the real thing but mix & match traditional creations into a knife & call it an interesting name to sell it.
Example: The Cold Steel Jungle Machete is really a heavy Bolo with a slight down angle to it. The Cold Steel Kukri Machete is a mix of the Kukri and Bolo cut from sheet metal. The Cold Steel Heavy Machete is really a corn machete in thicker sheet metal. Many others do this too.
Thanks for the greetings and respecting my point of view. Some people like this type of blade. It just needs some more work to make it really good.
Enjoy your day chanekazo.
I reckon, instead wasting time/energy for "hard" chopping, wood should be held in vertical position and spinned / twisted every 3-4 hits, than you have maximum efficiency and job is much more joyful. I use Condor village parang for home fire burner and its almost effortless...Anyway thanks for reply, good blade it is :)
Thanks. I try to listen to the people who know about these things and really focus on telling the truth even if it hurts. Also, I camp with the things I test to see if they work. To tell the truth we Americans have forgotten how to survive in the wilderness. I hope we don't have another Katrina or other serious disaster.
We should be fine though, at least in our life time. It is just good to be prepared.
thats a pretty bold claim my friend just like that shango notch
No problem, I see what you mean. I have some Condor small blades and am going to try their machetes. Much of he Bear Grylls and Les Stroud stuff is average, some real good but you are right their names are used to sell things with and not really to get the best tool to the citizen.
Have a great day carpkai.
Handle looks decent, they usually don't do much with the blades though.
No pre-ordering I saw Going Gear dot com had them in stock. As I write they have three (3) in stock. Also, if you type: "Condor Bushcraft Parang" in the search box eBay has one on auction (ends Tues., June 11th, 2013).
Not trying to ruffle your feathers. Its just that every Condor blade I have ever seen has had to have the edge reprofiled before it was any good. Once the edge has been redone the blades Condor makes are borderline awesome. Should a person have to reprofile an edge on a brand new knife I would say no, but when you buy a Condor anything reprofiling the blade is automatically assumed YMMV.
Thanks for the comment. Glad you like the Condor.
I think with Condor it's more about quality control ( as it is with the Bear Grylls Parang as we know). I have the Condor Bushlore (came razor sharp with no need to reprofile) and the Bushcraft Parang (came hair splitting sharp, sharper than the knife). I've handled a friend's Bear Grylls Parang and found it to be very poorly made (for a parang not a regular machete). Maybe it's also up to each person's personal experience as well. Out of all my knives the Bushlore and the Parang are my main blades when going out for longer trips. They're strong, durable (not made of mystery steel like the bear grylls parang) and cheap so it's not heartbreaking if I lose them or if something happens (but I really doubt anything will). Weight is an issue though because I usually hike about 20 miles, but I like the motto: If its too heavy, get stronger.
Good observations Mihai Milan especially on the quality control. Although Condor Parangs and many of their other blades are know to have very thick edges.
The thing is this: the Parang is a traditional 1 pound (455 gram) heavier duty big knife. It is the Malay equivalent of the machete but for bamboo and the more woody jungles of SE Asia.
The blade lenght of parang is about 12 inches (30 cm). Another form of big knife identical with parang is Indonesian Golok. In turn the Indonesian golok and very similar to the Filipino bolo.
So what we have here is Western manufacturers ideas of what will sell to their western customer bass using the above traditional SE Asian designs. In reality and IMO both the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang & the Condor Bushcraft Parang fail the original idea of the Parang.
But the Gerber BG Parang works the best for light to medium duty applications that a real Parang was designed for. The Condor is a heavy duty Parang that is very heavy for this kind of tool. And so it fails the purpose of the Parang and at it's factory weight a hatchet or light axe would/does work better for wood chopping and energy saving.
This is the details on why I gave the Gerber a pass and the Condor a fail.
sweetcostarica Fair comments. I suppose it all comes down to using the blade and figuring out what works. For my area ideally I should use an axe not any type of machete, like you mentioned, but with a heavy machete (in this case really heavy) I can do more than with an axe. I must admit that I would have loved an original Malaysian parang from Outdoordynamics, but it's just that little bit out of my price range with the shipping and taxes (as I mentioned, I keep my kit cheap enough to be functional). Glad to have a reasonable debate with someone about these tools. You've got yourself another subscriber! Best of luck!
Thanks for subscribing. You have reminded me that I have to do some videos on the machete and unique types of small axes. I guess it is all relative what tool you use if you know it really well you can overcome it's weaknesses and magnify it's strong points successfully enough to get your work done.
Stay Frosty Mihai MiIan.
I always enjoy your vids but this time I am a lil perplexed. I own the Bushcraft Parang and it chops through lumber like crazy I would suggest trying a different one and see if you get a different outcome. Not trying argue with you but after owning one for myself I really wonder if something was not kosher with yours.
Once we were riding 4-wheelers, and a 12 inch tree had fallen, blocking the trail. We could have either turned back and went another way, or try and chop it in half with (all i had taken with me that day), my BG parang. We did not know how it would do on such a big job, but In about 3 or 4 mintutes, it was in half, and moveable. Everyone there was suprised, including me.
Having said that, there's a lot to be said about chopping wood, including if the wood is loose, or solid, which affects how well anything will chop. This tree was solid (wasn't moving around, or flexing) and the BG parang did fine. If it had been a limb that would "give"under chopping, it would not have done as well. Then there are other ways, like chopping at a slant, to counter act the "give". Chopping properly makes all the difference in the world.
Yes, if i would had my axe with me, I would have used that, and never knew what the BG parang was capable of. We just use it mostly for clearing low hanging limbs on the trail. I'm happy with mine, but then again, I do not try and kill it every time I use it.
+Barry Jordan For $31 USD it is hard to beat the performance of the Gerber BG Parang (Owned by Fiskars Inc. of Finland).
Nice personal experience.
Your too late I sold that Condor Bushcraft Parang (CBP) on ebay..
You sound very knowledgeable on the CBP above saying: "it (the Condor's wide blade) was meant to be". Maybe you know something I don't or Cliff Stamp missed in his CZcams commentary on the similar Condor Village Parang :
"design by picture vs design by performance"
Please explain in detail the comment: "being tired" made no sense? Since I was tired. I don't understand.
And please be specific. Thanks Paracorder for your help.
Oh, I usually spin my wood too for the best effect (check my other videos) but I often test two knives against each other so I want to keep things simple.
If you like the heavier Condor Village Parang that's is a good thing. If you have never tried a traditional blade you will be surprised at how good they are in comparison to a western factory made Parang. It really is something that will impress you.
Yea. They sent me a new one no problem. Good company.
I don't own a Condor Village Parang so I don't really know. I watched "WeAllJuggleKnives" review of the Village Parang and the edges look alike. There is diffidently not a secondary bevel.
I think some hard work on the edge could make a better cutting/chopping blade but for me I'll move on.
Maybe Condor listened to your analysis and designed the Eco-Parang. On my scale my Eco-Parang shows a weight of 15.9 oz. (my Condor Bushcraft Parang weighs 1.63 lbs.). I measure the blade to be 11.5 inches (9.5 inches sharpened), and a thickness of approx. 3mm.
I think you are right TheZeno4444. I just looked at the figures too:
- Overall length is 18 inches (45.7cm),
- 11 inch (27.9cm) blade,
- 7 inch (17.8cm) handle,
- A weight of 15.9 oz! That is a very traditional weight for real parangs.
- Easy to see orange polypropylene handle.
- Large handle that will fit my XL hands.
I also like the non-expose tang. In below zero weather metal freezes to your hand.
This is just perfect on paper for cold dark Alaska. So I will have to get one and review it.
Thanks for the tip!
TheZeno4444 what I think is that he was not taking full advantage o the convex edge and the weight of the Parang because he was on his knees so he wasn't getting a full enough swing and using more energy that's why they call it chopping not hitting
jacob peters Thanks for your comment. But you have to listen to everything that is said before giving an opinion. Whether a person is using the safe technique of chopping on his/her knees or not, is not the point. Accuracy is much more important than strength anyway.
What we a talking about is:
- weight
- balance
- edge design
- traditional vs non-traditional
- and if you're a good listener; a crowbar vs good craftsmanship
Well that's settled.
Have a great day Oregonbushcrafter.
What did you think of it in comparison to the bidors of similar size?
Also TheRunereaper said:
"I'd NEVER use a Malaysian made parang - not full tang..."
Not tying to tell you how to do bushcraft but I think you lack experience with real traditional Parangs & are mostly concerned with the toughness of the big knife's handle & steel.
Just like HI Kukris with stick tangs the Trad. Parang has a strong enough handle when used correctly, has good 5160 steel, & great heat treat. It's light enough to carry/use all day & easy to replace a hidden tangs handle in the bush.
Looks like you are not following your own advice. So I recommend you read all the comments & replies here before you give advice.
About the 15 inch, 22.8 oz Ontario SP8.
This SP8 has been used before and was out chopped by the 18.1 oz (516gram) Cold Steel Kukri Machete easily.
So take a 50 dollar knife spend 10 more on it for reprofiling the edge and you have a great knife that you won't feel bad about beating the snot out of for 60 bucks. As far as the Parang itself goes I have never had one, and I am considering it or a Kukri for my next chopping blade. Since I live in an arid climate and the wood around here is tough I think the Kukri might work better for my environment. Who knows I might get both because I like knives.
Where did u find these in stock? Im guessing u pre ordered. I want one just because im a fan of the parang mostly ... As far as chopping, my bolo blows my bidor parang out of the water. Im guessing this would be similiar to the bidor parangs? Thnx
Great review and comparison... the music is a bit loud to hear you @3:15.
Thanks for your comments. They help me to improve these reviews/tests.
Some folks after fixing the edge bevels say this Condor Bushcraft Parang chops much better. That's good if you have the ability or extra money to fix the blade.
IMO the weight is also a problem. At 24.40 ounces that's a lot of weight for a Parang and this limits it's mutli-functional use. So the Condor Bushcraft Parang is mainly a heavy chopper. An axe is much better in that area. So even though I tried to like this really tough big blade it just wasn't the best from Condor.
Joe, is the grind on the Village Parang similar to the Bushcraft Parang?
always like to watch your vids...very nice review as always Thanks from kansas :)
Update: check out Cliff Stamp's CZcams video:
Condor Village Parang : design by picture vs design by performance
In this recent report he explains the problem with the blade and it's grind better than I. It seems to be the same design fault I have with the Condor Bushcraft Parang, 2013 model.
well i mainly ment that for all the reasons you stated and the bold claim that it will "out-dothe gerber parang" not saying i love the gerber parang either but never using the tool im not going to nay say it
I guess every one different. The problem with sharpening the CondorBushcraft Parang is that it's blade is long & has extremely tough steel. That tough steel is hard regrind as anyone who tried to regrind the edge of the 1st Gen. Bushlores would know.
So the consumer needs the Condor to at less make this blade with a thinner bevel & as sharp as possible for the buyer who isn't knowledgeable at doing regrinds or working with their steel.
The Village Parang is way too heavy for hiking/survival IMO.
These chopping tests, though entertaining and appreciated, are like pistol accuracy tests. There are way too many variables to give them any weight towards making a purchase decision.. I have a Condor Bushcraft Parang, that I did putt a thinner edge on, and it's a chopping demon. I like Bear Grylls show, but I thing his parang is for weeds, not wood. The first releases were breaking at the handle. Watch Preparedmind101's video. That guy is a big blade freak, and he loves his Condor B.P.
Is it a convex blade, like Condor village parang, or it has a secondary bevel?? Cheers!!
The comments you made, made no sense, all of those comments were good about the condor except being tired. I'll gladly take that fully functioning blade for $5 plus shipping if you don't like that type of blade, but it's like that because it was meant to be.
yp erit said: "Měl by jste víc pracovat rukama a také hlavou. Takto se přece s mačetou neseká.
Pozdrav z České republiky. Ať se daří."
In English is: *"You should work more hands and head. This way you do with a machete mowing.
Greetings from Czech Republic. All the best."*
sweetcostarica anwsers yp erit: Díky za komentář. Mají velký den.
Which is in English: *Thanks for the comment. Have a great day.*
I have not heard from you Oregonbushcrafter. I thought since you don't care for Rocket Scientist Cliff Stamp's advice on big blades, how about junglecrafty. In his video he anwsers:
What is a Parang used for?
What to look for in a Parang?
What's the best Parang?
How to use a Parang?
Please watch CZcams video: The best parang ... ever?
IMO this will help see where I & others are saying about heavy, too wide bevels on Parangs. & if you can always go traditional. If not get the closest thing.
he visto muchas imagenes de machetes parang BG rotos y hechos pedazos, mas nunca he visto una imagen de un condor roto, respeto su punto de vista... mi condor bushcraft parang está en camino.
saludos desde mexico.
They used to say that about Japanese knives. Now Japan makes some of the best mass produced knives in the world.
Today, with technology & the International Community no longer can we say: "I buy only American" or "El Salvadore (or Malaysia) produces excellent Parangs.".
American flags & Levis are made in China. VWs are made in the USA & Mexico. Japanese cars are made in Ohio. And on and on.
In fact China & Taiwan are now making some great knives.
We should now look at quality & not nationality.
Exactamente (exactly).
Oh man, that's bad and documenting it on video would have been good for figuring out the reason why that Parang broke.
The axe is a wonderful tool in boreal forest, far better suited than the parang. It can double up as a hammer which no machete can do well. I'd NEVER use a Malaysian made parang - not full tang, single pin attachment through the handle, doubtful steel source & dubious heat treatment. Weight of the blade is dependent on the job in hand. Ref your "bouncing off" problem, think you should start with a sharp blade & sharpen with a shallower convex than factory supply, losing the micro bevel. Cheers.
you have truely no idea what you are talking about, the condor is so much better at everything
+Sem Dijkstra Sorry you disagree. Have an excellent day.
God Bless.
"How much did you say those Chosera stones cost sir ?!?1!
Ouch, I thought so."
I do see what you are saying TheRunereaper but a better, cheaper, and I think more efficient method of going about our Bushcraft activates is to do what the native people of Malaysia/Indonesia do today:
(see part two)
Oh, I see. The way you use your blades does sound like it is hard use & not the way I use mine. Too bad you are missing out on some great Traditional tools that are use differently from the way you do.
Anyway I think you & I are talking about different things as far as the Condor Bushcraft Parang (CBP). This blade needs major re-profiling not simple sharping.This is an unacceptable factory condition of the CBP (IMO). In my video I explain this, I have told you twice so I'll end that topic here.
I really like the design of this parang. It doesn't arrive shaving sharp but like all edged tools it will need sharpening anyway after a couple of hours of useful work. I DO have a problem with one aspect of it - the handle is wrong for me. It's NOT comfortable, too narrow with no palm swell so allowing the parang to move in the hand. Got by, using gloves but my bare hand slipped twice on the polyprop surface. Even a Martindale handle is better than this! Wish now I'd bought the Village Parang.
I seriously doubt it. Why should people buy a big knife for $50 USD and have to do major re-profiling to it in order to use it? Plus it is on the heavy side for my taste & too heavy for my camping group (teens and females). If you have used a traditional Parang you would see what I mean about weight, balance, & edge design.
To get a better idea what I'm saying please see Cliff Stamps CZcams video on a similar Condor product:
"Condor Village Parang : design by picture vs design by performance."
Thank ya very much (in Elvis voice).
Where can I buy the last parang in the video, the one from Borneo?
+ogarzabello Outdoor Dynamics . com
do you live in alaska
I wanted to like this one but it's short comings are too apparent.
Yes, it truly needs a regrind but I hear that about many of the big Condor blades. A shame.
Anyway, this one isn't a keeper.
Apon more use of my bushcraft parang it is quite tip heavy and can be abit cumbersome and unwieldy for long cutting tasks think of it like a heavy hatchet but I do recommend the condor duku parang I own the large one with the 15.5 inch blade it feels light in the hand and can be used all day and not make you tired I mainly use my bushcraft parang for battoning and some light heavy duty chopping tasks and try to let the blades weight do the brunt of the work
*It is good you have a tool you like to use.* Any tool, good or bad can be used to do a job. What I personally look for in my tools is basic effectiveness.
For me, as you saw in the video The Condor Bushcraft Parang is neither effective in cutting or weight i.e. it is too heavy for a parang & it's edge is completely inadequate.
UPDATE to the Condor Bushcraft parang is the Condor Tools & Knives *Eco Parang.* This one might be closer to a practical & effective tool IF the edge is better but I am sure you still need to re-profile it some.
Again, do not take my response to you as a criticism against you. This is just my opinion from listening to jungle crafty and Simon Hengle on CZcams, my personal collection/use of the tools, and comparisons of real traditional parings & kukri.
Stay frosty.
@Re nato Which ever you pick, is the right choice for you.
God bless & __Happy Thanksgiving sir__
Don't be fooled Gerber puts and amazing diamond edge on all of their products. It is easy to be impressed with it at first.
ya if youtake the condor bushcraft parang and the v the edge alittle and get it nice and sharp you won't believe the difference it doesn't come very sharp from the factory because they put machete edges on there knives alot of times to keep costs down
+coolsly64 Yes, that is part 1 of a two part answer. The blade needs major reprofiling and then sharpening.
part 2 is this is a very overweight parring.
are you sure it weighs alot cause some people have said that about dundee bowie I just bought and once I customized the handle it was very well balanced and more like a fighting knife then just a heavy chopper I would like to know cause this was going to be one of my next condor purchases it is between the discord, the warlock, and the bushcraft and I don't know what one to get I know that the dundee bowie and the bushcraft parang have the same handle so I figured I'd give it the same fix I gave the dundee
coolsly64 My frame of reference for the weight is original or traditional parangs which typically weight any were from 13 oz to 18 oz.
Parangs made in the West or for Westerners are more like tourist blades and so are heavy or as I said overweight. These kind of blades would tired you out fast like in my video above.
But this is my opinion. If you like big heavy knives there is not a problem here.
ok good cause 20+ ounces in a big blade isn't nothing to me I'm a big dude so traditional parangs (less then 20 ounces) would feel more like a machete then a big knife to me I also us the techniques shown for big blades rather then trying to put your power into the strike everytime I let the weight of the blade do most of the work so the only thing my arms really working on is the lift of the blade and let most of the weight of the blade do the cutting... so I'm not exerting to much energy out in the woods
Have a handmade Malaysian Bidor parang. Made a nice handle instead of the plastic one. It eats wood!
Hey I was looking to your channel name, do you happen to be located at Costa Rica? Where did you find those machetes here?
No, I am in Alaska now but have live in the past in Costa Rica for a short time. I did handle and shop there for Costa Rican machetes. They use mainly Imacas but Tramontinas are very similar. Their machetes often are in thick leather sheaths with decoration.
Today, I get my machetes from Machete Specialist or Amazon.com. I only use the machete in Summer in Alaska though. In winter I use mainly the axe/hatchet and sometimes a Kukri or Parang.
sweetcostarica Thank you sir. I hope you enjoyed your time here. Definetly a nice move to Alaska.
Cliff Stamp? The guy who got banned off of multiple forums due to being a Busse nut and never being happy with any knife? Yes. Listen to him. I watched the video. This isn't the bushcraft parang. I have both, I love BOTH. The Bushcraft parang destroys the bear grylls parang HANDS DOWN. If it doesn't, you don't know how to use it.
To skjoyner,
That's fine I love to hang Excalibur-ish swords on the basement walls of my home in Ohio. But now I am in Alaska and I only endorse gear that works for camping, hiking, and survival. The Condor failed my tests and my needs because it's has a badly wide edge grind and it's just too heavy IMO.
All Condor knives have a Scandi grind. I have three Condor blades and I've had all three reprofiled with a flat grind, much easier to keep sharp. As for the weight, its a chopper. I'd rather have a heavier blade that impacts more, then a light blade that you have to swing harder.
James Hart Yes, I believe most if not all of the Condor creations like the Village Parang (2.09 lbs), the Bushcraft Parang (1.5 lbs.), the Engineer Bolo (2.54 lbs.) are very heavy knives for what they are and have wide convex grinds. In my opinion the customer should have the proper grind on the big knife he/she is buying and not have put a grind on or to pay someone to do it right later.
If you are into common sense bushcraft and chopping efficiency a hatchet or axe is much better than the above heavyweights (as mentioned by you James).
Something to think about if you are a serious hiker and/or bushcrafter. If you are buying these Condors Parangs, Bolos, Goloks for fun then please disregard the above advice.
@Re nato Wow, that Condor Bushcraft Parang video was years ago and are not you the guy *Sakkara1331* called frisky due to
your communication with her. Not judging but just want to know who I am talking to. Anyway:
UPDATE to now, 2019/2020
- Condor Bushcraft Parang $ 63.73 USD (Amazon.com)
- Tramontina Machette -$15 to $25 USD
- Gransfor Bruks $130 to $150 USD
- Fiskars Axe $25 to $50 USD
- Silky saw $40 to $50 USD
- Traditional Kurkri $70 to $200 USD (depending on a tourist one or real one)
- etc.
The best advice: Forget about weight -
*get what you can afford and go buy what REAL PROFESSIONAL people use outdoors.*
Personally I, sweetcostarica would never take expensive gear into the woods as a serious camper/bush crafter.
- a $15 to $35 USD Mora fixed knife
- a $15 USD Tramontina machette or a $30 USD Fiskars axe
- a $40 USD Silky saw
equals about *$100 USD* total in cutting/chopping gear that is as effective as:
- a $150 USD Gransfer bruks axe with
- $450 USD a Ray Mears Woodlore knife
about *$500 USD* total.
YOUR CHOICE, YOUR LIFE
But the gear you use *is your choice* so there are no wrong choices *if you use common sense & wisdom.*
@Re nato Due to your profanity & character I have to end our conversation(s). Have an excellent life sir.
God bless.
*EDIT:* If you are American __HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!__
Haaaa Gerber.....have to show you a picture of its bended blade after one day of garden brush clearing....try bending the condor one by cutting branches in your back yard....really you have no idea what you are talking about....
Měl by jste víc pracovat rukama a také hlavou. Takto se přece s mačetou neseká.
Pozdrav z České republiky. Ať se daří.
If you reprofile the edge on the Condor you might change your mind.
OK.
From here, it does not look like you put a proper edge on the Condor ... I have seen several reviews where the Condor fared just fine. ... I would recommend that you try the ONTARIO SP8 before you come to any conclusions.
I meant that your body has to get used to a heavier parang...
mine broke during some batonig i wish i was taping but i wasnt.
Those Condors need to be sharpened a bit befor using them and then they are GREAT
50% agree. That's why the Condor performed badly in the chopping part and well in the splitting. In my why of thinking, if I buy a piece of gear (in this case for $50 USD) I expect it to work properly without the customer having to modify it.
50% disagree. It's 24.4 ounce weight is heavy for a Parang. But like I said it's a good truck knife but for Bushcraft or hiking there are a lot of better choices.
Not hating just being real since I don't market the Condor or receive freebees.
I understand I have a condor Warlock and it didnt come very sharp either. But once i sharpened it it became one hell of a blade.
Rawdog550 I'm sorry but your missing my point.
In any case as long as your happy with your tools that's what it's all about.
the grind on the condor is tapered too thin I even bent my edge on my first outing but I took a file and convexed the edge a little and omg what a diffrence. Personally I wouldn't recommend any Gerber products ever I've seen that parang break.
+Northern BushCrafting This video was made in June of 2013. If your Condor Bushcraft Parang's grind was in your opinion too thin that is a good thing for what a true Parang is designed for: cutting bamboo & utility work. I'm glad Condor fixed that problem.
The other major issue of weight is still ever present with the Bushcraft and most Condor products actually.
Note: nothing beats a real traditional parang for real traditional parang duties. Hence everyone copying their version of The Parang.
The Gerber BG Parang? - For the price ($27 USD) the Gerber is a great performer.
IMO if you don't spend $100 to $150 US dollars on your large cutting tool then don't expect too much on a whole.
The issue of the Gerber BG Parang breaking has been fixed a while ago.
*My take on Gerber*
Gerber products (a sub-division of Fiskars of Finland) are a middle of the road product line with a few items being really great.
OF KEY significance - For the money they are outstanding. As I said not the best tool but the best for the budget minded or poor outdoors person.
I had a bear grills perand stood on it accidentally and it snapped at the handle
That can happen. Fiskars will send you another one for free - just write with a photo the damaged tool.