Condor Parang Review HD: metallica and machetes

Spoken review at 2:00
Cutting demo's at 0:54

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Mr, Yeah, Because of you, I got my 2Hawks Warbeast, We'll I actually got the Trappers Double Bit Hatchet which is almost a identical Double Bit to Nessmuk. I think you had a great influence on my Himalayan M-43 Khukuris. Infact I just had a knife made to team up with the smaller Khukuris that has White Handle. I got a Battle Horse Attitude but I had it slightly curved and I had them lower the Drop Point. It's a little pointer but has a nice belly. I got a white handle with blue Liners, I got it in O1 for the ease of sharpening especially in a survival situation. It's so nice to see you again, It has been along time. Job well done.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

Morning CliffStamp - my apologies for taking so long to respond. I was following your bill hook series with a keen eye. There are many, many bill hooks around here for sale for really rather small sums of money, but I have never pulled the trigger on one. Now I have plenty of time to enjoy them, and I shall be on the lookout at the local markets. Cheers as always for taking the time to watch sir.

[@peterolsovsky]

you're spot on. i got condor parang today and it is going right back. This is fancy looking tool good for nothing frankly. You can't do brush with this before it flies out of your hand or bounces back, risking terribly injuring yourself. Chopping wood? why not use axe or saw rather? Again you're spot on.

[@cuauhtliastorga7869]

If it's flying out you're hand and bouncing while you try to chop something you should not be using one you are not capable of using a working tool you are just going to hurt you're self.....

[@CliffStamp]

Nice over and comparison. It is interesting that they changed the blade in three ways which are very traditional for that type of knife; large section in front unsharpened, partial tang, and tapered blade. These are intentional aspects which provide versatility in grip mechanics, cutting dynamics and balance points (CoM and sweet spot). It is like they are designing blades by pictures without a real understanding of how they actually work and why they have the elements they do.

[@apachewolfscout]

Couldn't agree more. I really respect Ray Mears, but he favours a thick bladed parang, whereas years of pretty daily work, super varied, from roughing out fine carving, to cutting seasoned oak ( would have been better to have had an axe obviosuly-but it does it), to coppicing, to cutting grass for sleeping bags/mats and thatching, roughing out woomeras and axe handles wow, I have fallen in love with my Imacassa machete, similar to the machete you display. Imacassa/similar; never let down!

[@blueridgebushcraft8294]

I usually use the cane cutter type of machete or the Collins 24".

[@samanthasmith174]

how can I pass up watching a vid called Metallica and machetes, two of my fave subjects! nice review \m/\m/

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

They do have a vast range of designs, but I get the impression that many may be designed from images of such blades, rather than from actual practical useage of such tools - this was a point raised by another commenter, and one I think has merit. I would only pick up a traditional Indonesian parang if I get a chance to actually go to Indonesia. I certainly want to visit the country, thus I can indeed see myself acquiring a parang in the not too distant future. Cheers

[@stxrobstar]

Great review. I had the same problems with the Condor parang's weight & funky balance. I gave mine away & got a Golok, which was only a marginal improvement...Better balanced, but still too weighty for work of any practical duration. Love the idea of them: well-made, & beautiful in their simplicity but they could stand to thin the blades out & use a more springy steel to transform them into practical tools...I'd buy a dozen of each then.

[@MrLeonidas0001]

I just realized - my bro the TenaciousZ - he just got in a Condor blade the other day! Those El Salvadorian knives are beast! Imperfect, but perfect for a good beat up blade! In my opinion, still can't beat something the size of your Khukri or my Armageddon - smaller, easier to carry and fast to work with! But forclearing serious brush, those Parangs would be invaluable. You did good comparing weights - great review my friend :)

[@walllballl]

Great review, You hit all the key points and excellent advice

[@phishst1cks]

Nice review, good to see a comparison from a man that uses them,nice thick steel in them,you have a nice collection of edge tools..

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@stonybrokebushcraf Thank you sir - I appreciate the kind words. It certainly is better looking than some of those plastic parangs you see around. They do look splendid as a pair crossed in a skull and crossbones-like manner. Might even mount them on the wall.

[@DietBroccoli]

The tip is kept quite sharp, and it is used for dressing game. The middle, which is near the "sweet spot", is kept only moderately sharp so that it is not damaged in chopping. The part near the handle is kept sharpest for wood carving. Also, it is perfectly acceptable to grip the blade when shaving wood, carving wood, or dressing game. The parang is fantastic if the wielder knows what they're holding. (2/2)

[@CliffStamp]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 The same thing happened when they made the clone of Ray Mear's knife. If you took a picture of both, they looked the same from the side, but if you tried to cut something with the Condor then the difference was obvious because while it looked like it, it didn't act like it. They changed the thickness of the blade but didn't raise the height of the single bevel grind to compensate and ended up with a 25+ degree bevel.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

Oh, now those damasucs ones featured on Old Jimbo's site are purdy! Concisely written up too, thank you for the heads up. I believe I may, in certain situations, use the sabre stroke. By no means consistently though, as the terrain in which I was chopping (swampy and very uneven) meant I rarely got a stellar foothold - this may of course have influenced the performance of the tool, but even on firm land, it wasn't great either. I shall have a go with the sabre stroke this weekend. Many thanks

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

MrWiggs - thank you for the kind and respectful comment. I very much appreciate it. In terms of size, you are quite right, it'd be daft to take a machete and kukhuri together in a situation where travelling large distances is involved. The Nepalese's use of the kukhuri of course is as a general farming tool, for use across a vast range of applications, so the machete in such a situation would be effectively redundant. I ought to do a tomahawk vs. kukhuri comparison for chopping. Cheers MrWiggs

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@hitter1 I think certain Parangs might be good for a jungle, but in this particular case, a slim machete, such as that shown at 6:13 - a far more lightweight tool, enabling greater control and speed, but sacrificing chopping power. Cheers

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@ITHINKUREALESUK Thank you sir, and I appreciate you taking the time to stop by. I'm feeling perhaps a Redrum door episode with this one!

[@twilcox50]

Thank you so much for your advice! I have contacted a local seller and received the information, I am currently debating on whether to get it or not, I am in need of a new "Work Horse" machete.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@JBBRUTAL Hey man, cheers for stopping by. I'm not its biggest fan either! It doesn't perform as well as it could in my book - but it is an improvement on their previous model. Heck even your MOD Survival Knife chops better than the old one man. Cheers

[@Logan.Ninefingers]

They've gone back to the old version, though with a full tang now. It weighs 1lb 7.2 ounces. I guess it is meant to be a light slasher again.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@phishst1cks Thank your sir - yes these should really be used, even if they don't do a top notch job of the tasks they are supposed to! A quarter inch stock can work well, but only with a decent grind, which I think might be lacking on these. Alas. Thank you for stopping by sir

[@CliffStamp]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 A properly made parang, with the as-noted features can actually compete with the machete on light brush using the distal tapered tip, compete with the khukuri chopping in the sweep spot, and even be more than decently functional for precision cutting using a heavy forward grip. They are really quite versatile blades when properly made.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@CliffStamp Ahh yes - the blacksmith who made my Dao over in Nepal made something very similar to a billhook. He was splitting small logs with just a heavy strike - looked like a beastly thing. I have fancied one ever since! They do look like just my sort of tool. Cheers for the suggestion sir

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@SurviveToLife Absolutely man, and thank you for pretty much summing up what I had to say in just a few concise sentences! I sometimes think pictures do not always say 1000 words, but rather make you say more things than need to be said. I tried streamlining this one down, but it just didn't quite work. It needed some babbling! Combination tools certainly can be an issue, by doing most things ok, but nothing well. Some strike a better balance, but Condor hasn't.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

It could certainly do with being reground. It is possible though, that the edge may not be able to be more acutely ground due to the poor heat treat that at least their earlier version had. It all comes down to time though - I'd personally rather spend a little more and get a superior tool in the first place, than a poor one which needed so much regrinding. But to each their own. I can imagine regrinding this tool to one's own specification could be a thoroughly rewarding exercise. Cheers

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

The weight on the newer version has its uses, and enables superior performance in certain applications. Neither are brilliant though. Cheers

[@Bladereviews]

Excellent vid man. Big Metallica fan here (well, the old stuff at least). The Condor parang looks interesting, especially this improved version, but I totally see the wisdom to bringing both a brush clearer and heavy chopper instead of a "do it all knife" that has tons of compromises to it.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@stxrobstar I've always liked the look of the Golok, but that is where my interest ended! After having used the old version of this parang for quite some time, I just wasn't that interested in dealing with Condor's other products really. Amen on thinning the blades down - or they could just raise the height of the grind, and that'd help I'd think. They just seem a little botched the way they are. They have improved on the old version though, which says something. Cheers for watching man

[@CSGraves]

If you DO get the chance to go there, bon voyage, and happy parang-shopping!

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@BladeReviewscom 100% agreed on your last sentence man - absolutely. I'm always wary of tools that are touted as doing everything alright, but nothing too well. Some tools achieve doing some things excellently, and other things not so well, but these Parangs are at the lower end of that scale! Excellent to hear you're into Metallica man - I've only just recently got into them, and boy is their old stuff bloody good. Pantera is growing on me also. Slowly, but surely. Cheers man

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@Snicke22 Thank you for stopping by over here again Snicke! I appreciate it. Tak

[@Mr.SociallyAwkward]

What you need to get is the Condor mini duku Parang that should solve your problem it's got the chopping power of the big parang but it's the same size as the Khukuri I hope I spelled that right thanks for the video though

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@MrLeonidas0001 Thank you man, I appreciate it. I'd certainly take my kukhuri and cheapass machete anyday, but I see where you're coming from. They're a lot of steel for the money, and seem pretty well made, just a shame they weren't well designed. Cheers for watching man

[@GunCollector007]

Awesome looking blades! I have to get one now! Just got the Condor Nesmuk a week ago,(did a vid on it) they make nice knives for very low prices. Music was great btw!

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

+Gun Collector007 I really wouldn't get one of these - it's not well designed for the tasks it gets put up against. If you have lots of brush that needs clearing, buy a cheap, very thin bladed spring steel machete. If you need something for heavier tasks, get a large kukhuri from the Khukri House or Himalayan Imports (there are lots of reviews online about their products and shipping to the US etc.).

[@GunCollector007]

Thank you, I will look into those places. Thanks!

[@stxrobstar]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 Hmmm...Scandize it. Great idea on the regrind...Gonna try that, though I've got some concerns about the edge turning. On the other hand, maybe that could salvage an otherwise handsome machete.

[@CliffStamp]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 You might want to see if you can find a traditional bill hook. You can pick up used ones for $5, as long as you don't mind regrinding an edge and epoxy filling a grip then they are usually perfectly functional. It is a completely different style of use and uses a completely different body mechanic, when done right it can work but not everyone is going to like it. There are lots of knife makers who for example design completely against it.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@CliffStamp Apologies, I am not wised up on Parangs - so usually, traditional Parangs have an unsharpened portion just forward of the handle, a partial tang, and a tapering blade? If that is so, then their previous model followed along those lines, but was a terrible tool. The newer one is an improvement, but certainly nothing to write home about. Your knowledge is very much appreciated, so please elaborate Cliffstamp! Cheers

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

You can't ignore the heat treatment - if the steel cannot support the finer edge, then it'll end up being even more useless, by likely rolling out and possibly even taking a chunk out the next time it is given a good hard whack. I do think though that these could be slimmed down a little to a slightly finer edge, as at the moment they are pretty steep. I would not take them too far though, for the above reasons. If I had an angle grinder, then I would have a crack! Alas, I do not. Cheers

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Machetes and parangs should cut with the force of a snap, much of it coming from the wrist. That is easiest with the lighter blade. Many novices think you swing them like an axe or a baseball bat, with the mass of the swung metal doing the work. That will soon wear you out.

[@honorb4glory606]

You must also swing at the correct angle to cut properly, rather than hacking away and wasting swings.

[@CliffStamp]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 Yes, the unsharpened portion is to allow a forward grip for precision work, the partial tang is to shift the sweet spot forward (plus the weight in the tang doesn't do anything positive), and the tapering blade produces a tip which is more capable of shearing light vegetation. However the execution has to be proper, again it looks like it was made by someone who tried to copy a blade without understanding it.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@CliffStamp You see I really didn't like that sensation of simply using the weight in brush clearing! It felt very uncontrolled and potentially dangerous - I suspect I may have to improve my technique. I just prefer a lighter, thinner-bladed machete - much faster and more controlled, at least in my use. It may not clear through the thicker stems of certain scrub types as easily, but I feel I can use it with more confidence, than these here parangs. Cheers once again man

[@HoldThePickle800]

you can't go ape shit in the woods with a parang without some kick ass tunes. right on my english friend.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@CliffStamp Interesting that - I did get the impression that they tend to copy blades, rather than trying to make their own blades, or indeed try to improve them. This new one, despite removing the details usually associated with a parang, is certainly an improvement on the previous one. It certainly doesn't seem to be a Parang anymore, if those details are crucial to the definition, which I imagine they might be. It's more of a heavy machete I suppose.

[@ElJibaroBravo]

Great video. I appreciate your review. May I state an opinion? Machetes/parangs and the like are better suited for a jungle environment whereas axes/hatchets are better suited for the woodlands. I understand the comfort and feel of a machete. It's usually what lures people to buy them. For that reason, perhaps a Fiskars Brush Axe would be a good substitute. You would be getting the ergonomics of a machete with the power of an axe. All in all, keep up the good work.

[@CSGraves]

I hear mixed reviews about Condor's wares... though admittedly they've got an intersting variety of patterns. Any plans to get your hands on a traditional Indonesian parang lading?

[@thomaswillows306]

I am using Ontario cutlass/ Tramontina 18'' machete for preparing my fire wood... It chops allright across 5 inch logs, no probs at all!! Split it with Condor Village Parang. I will get newer version of Parang from Heinnie.com (all my knives are comming from them)... Good vid, thanks!

[@Gunnarsguns]

Great review....very comprehensive

[@Logan.Ninefingers]

Thanks for your review. Very helpful. I have noticed that the newest Condor Parang has gone back towards the older model with a taper to the tip. I wonder if you could compare it too at some point? Perhaps it is a good compromise between the weight of the newer and the uselessness of the first one (according to you).

[@chapiit08]

Still, you could improve on the cutting ability of your Parang by regrinding regardless of heat treatment. You don't need to own a belt grinder but can use a 4-1/2 inch angle grinder with 60 or 80 grit flap disc to perform the stock removal. Make smooth long passes pouring water over the blade for cooling every two passes or so. Finish with 120 or more grit disc and voila!

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

Please do share your wealth of knowledge on the design of a parang. I freely admit I know virtually nothing about the design of such a tool. However, I am experienced in these Condor versions' use. No matter whether they are 'parangs' or not. They are not a very good tool, in any application.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@oldhairpin Wow - thank you for such a kind offer, I'll shoot you over a PM now. It is such a splendid song this one - simply badass. I was considering having ACDC's TNT at the end, but I couldn't trim it down to where it sounds as good as it deserves. With regards the kukhuri - she's dynamite!

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

Thank you babouchek2 - I appreciate the kind words. My apologies for taking so long to respond - I have been away from youtube for quite some time. Cheers

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

Thank you very much indeed for such a kind comment walllballl - I really do appreciate your kind words.

[@geocubano]

You also have to realize that though Condor calls it a machete, this style of Parang in the Philippines is considered a Sword. You should try the Condor Bushcraft or Village Parang which is more akin in size to your Kukri.

[@battousai555]

Constructive criticism is good. Explaining why it's bad would actually be useful.

[@Bladereviews]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 Oh yeah! Pantera is another classic as well. Great music for the gym - or hacking away at some office furniture! ;)

[@chapiit08]

I insist on this thick blades the bevel edge has to be reground convex and higher up into the blade, especially from mid-lenght up towards the point.

[@CliffStamp]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 There are traditional very heavy blades of that style, used pretty differently though, it becomes more of a heavy bill hook. You hit the description pretty much dead on in the characteristics, slow heavy swing to make the full use of the weight.

[@stonybrokebushcraf]

awesome stuff man good points made but the parang still looks cool as hell

[@cyberjack]

very nice tool, i would be tempted to cut down the blade a little tho

[@paintballmagnet]

I certainly hope yours lasts longer than mine. The blade snapped off about an inch above the handle the first time I used it. Not a big loss, not a very well balanced machete anyhow.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@SurviveToLife That means a lot to me man, I really do appreciate it. The amount of waffle I cut out is quite astounding...! But thank you man, that's very kind of you to say

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

Sorry for the delay in responding. For some reason your comment has been flagged as spam by some viewers, and for that, I apologise. I shall endeavour to remove the spam label. My best advice would be to ask the sellers which they have, and if they do not know, ask whether the blade spine tapers (if yes, old version, if no, new version). You can also tell from images by the grind - the old version's grind starts higher up the blade than the newer. Other differences are noted from 2:00 onwards.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

You are correct - an annotation was added to correct my mistake. Cheers

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@BladeReviewscom Oh yes, they provide splendid furniture destruction music. Cheers man

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

I'm unsure as to why your comment has been marked as spam InTheSticks0001 - I shall try and remove that. I do not have any experience with the US GI machete - I can't say I've seen one over here for sale too often, thus I cannot comment on it. Your question is a very interesting one, and one that requires further thought. I shall have a dig around as to the typical terrain and surroundings one would be most likely to find oneself in and get back to you. Cheers

[@corensam]

I've been trying to get into the Parang style blade, but i'm just not really digging it

[@nedgey]

Somone on Amazon said that the new version is the thinner one. Weird.

[@mwmiller1985]

just for the record 1.5 lbs is the same as 1 lb 8oz. ...so the weight isn't that far off from their ad. as you originally stated.

[@mrbuildabomb]

Mettalica was my favorite part, nice vid

[@jackitfast]

don't you just hate when this person ask you a question that you covered but they just weren't paying attention? I think you missed the difference in the tools. I have several machete's & 2 different Kukri's. That parang was improved on with the new model & the others are made for different purposes. My machete I use for brush the kukri I use for limbs & heavier branches. Been using them for over 40 years & I have a machete that is that old. Works like new + it's a cheap one old Ontario.

[@twilcox50]

Hey, how can i tell the difference between the old model and new model when ordering, could you perhaps give me the website that you ordered your off of, i am afraid i will order the older, thinner model. Thank you.

[@DietBroccoli]

Gladly. They're primarily from Malaysia and other regions of southeast Asia. The woods in this region are much harder than other forests, so the sweet spot is farther forward on the blade for a better chop, which the OP stupidly complained about. The original parang by condor was garbage because it was untrue to all of the original specs. The new parang is much closer to an actual parang, including the convex ground. Traditionally, however, the parang has 3 different parts of the blade.(1/2)

[@freddiemjames]

great review, i really wan one!!!!!

[@stonybrokebushcraf]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 the would look great on the wall buddy

[@sylviamoodie8948]

In my part of the world a PARANG is associated with people getting together to produce beautiful, enjoyable festive music especially at Christmas time.The word evolved from the Spanish word PARRANDA. I dislike knives and other similar sharp objects. So I got the greatest shock when I saw the word PARANG referring to such a thing as a machete!!!!

[@andreacakeringle8543]

could it cut meat?

[@Traderjoe]

Have you tried the Condor Golok? Which would you feel goes through vines better? Which through 4 inch longs better?

[@DIXIECONFEDERATEDAWG]

MAYBE YOU HAVE THEM MARKED WITH VERY HEAVY TAPE!!! GREAT VID.... TAKE CARE

[@Grahamo98able]

metallica and machetes is a good combo

[@oldhairpin]

I've got a couple fo knives that you might like to try out and review; the Chris Caine Survival Tool and the Ontario R-TAK2. I know what I think of them but I imagine you'd enjoy trying them out. Let me know and I can arrange to get them to you via PM. Sleep with one eye open ;-)

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@freddiemjames Thank you man, I appreciate it. Personally, I'd save a little more and get yourself a half decent kukhuri. But to each their own my man

[@silverfd]

from the cutting demos, you need to sharpen those edges a bit.

[@babouchek2]

nice !!!

[@apachewolfscout]

People in the rich countries waste hundreds-thousands on sub-standard fancy sounding and looking tools! Sure it's nice and 'meaningfull' to have a hand made tool; some are great, but truthfully, from someone who has used tools constantly in heavy and light work in Britain and in many jungles and other environments world wide, I can only say that some of the mass produced South American/Central American Machetes are incomparable; given 1 tool to live discluding fire arms, such a machete=Best!Pt1

[@kulyon]

Metallica should be played on all machete videos

[@corensam]

Kukris are badass though

[@fraudioc]

the old version is WAY a better parang and tool. more balanced, more light and no fancy weight for americans.

[@izmanatan2627]

Traditional malay weapon👍

[@sharkok72]

dafaq u do just show me how it kills

[@gavindabishinda1460]

I bet that cheap machete lasted long.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

It's still very much going strong - not much that can go wrong with it, and it's enjoyable to use unlike the Condor parangs, so I take care of it.

[@gavindabishinda1460]

@@TheEnglishRedneck45 a parang does the work of an axe as well as the work of a machete. It’s heavy for that reason. Also if you use a parang correctly by flicking the wrist rather than swinging when chopping or clearing it’s much less tiring, the weight of the blade does the work, not your arm.

[@Bushchannel]

You just like chopping stuff. lol

[@Snicke22]

+++++

[@davidbeal8054]

This video had some good information. Thanks for that. Now, I'm really trying not to be an A-hole, but your videos could be vastly improved if you took great care to speak clearly, and to stop muttering. (When your sentences trail off, especially.). Sometimes it is hard to understand to understand what you're saying. It could partly be my post-colonial American ears. Still, the USA must be a big part of your intended audience. God save the Queen. Godspeed. Next time, could we hear a little Deep Purple?

[@TwilighT-975]

bad chop Technique.