Side by Side: Condor Mini Duku Parang vs Terava Skrama

Time for a side by side video. This one is a bit long but her it comes. Doing some chopping, batoning, feather sticks and some fire making. We take a closer look at the Condor Mini Duku Parang and test it out along withe the Skrama from Varusteleka.
two great larger knives, hard to choose one of them.
I tell you with one I like a bit more over the other.
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[@TheScoundrel70]

Very good review! I have both, and really, they are very similar in ability, but quite different in feel and handling. I have gone so far as to put a scandi grind on the mini duku at the base of the blade, like the Skrama has from the factory, and put a convex edge on both the Skrama and Duku for the middle and forward part of the blade. A couple of points and my own observations: Both blades have a chopping "sweet spot". The sweet spot is the section of the blade where you get the most power from your chop. The easiest way to tell where, and how big a sweet spot a blade has is to hold it lightly, and chop a 1" or so tough, dry branch. Put the branch on a log or something very solid, and chop straight down, and 90' to the branch. If you feel the handle come up into your hand, the sweet spot is further down the blade, towards the tip. If the handle tries to drop down from your hand, then you are past the sweet spot, and should chop closer to the handle. When you are in the "sweet spot", the handle should not kick up or down. Note: this applies mostly to chopping wood and other hard items where the blade is likely to be stopped in a cut, or considerably slowed down by chopping through the material in a single swing. Some soft, green foliage is better sliced by speed rather than inertia, and moving the strike farther towards the tip will give you more blade speed. Ideally, these green, soft targets would be cleanly cut with a single stroke. Using a pinch grip and adding a snap to the cut also helps, as well as cuts down fatigue. Make sure to follow through the swing, and not try and stop it short. Handle shock and vibrations will always be more noticeable with a full, exposed tang as compared to an encapsulated tang on a similar size, weight, and shaped blade. Most times, using the correct grip and swing for the type of cut being made (a slicing cut vs. a chopping cut & pinch grip rather than hammer grip) will help reduce the felt shock and vibration. Striking with the correct part of the blade and follow through also will help considerably. Gripping too tightly and with too much rigidity in the wrist will always result in more shock and vibration felt in the hand. There are many over-wraps for tennis rackets, tools, etc. designed to reduce shock and fatigue that can be wrapped around the Duku handle, though all will make it thicker in the process, though it can be filed down and sanded. Alternatively, there are shock dampening work gloves that will also work well. A synthetic handle like the Skrama adds in shock and vibration mitigation. Over time, it's possible they may degrade, particularly if exposed to things like DEET found in mosquito repellents, high heat conditions, and extensive use causing the material to lose it's elasticity and become hard and brittle. Keeping it clean, and applying a protective treatment (that does not cause it to become slippery) will help considerably. Like all things, there is always some sort of trade off in one area, to gain improvement in another. In the end, as you and many others have concluded, both are very capable blades with many similarities, and some distinct differences. Which is better is more a matter of how the tool will be used in both the type of materials being processed, and on the user's skill and technique.

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Thanks for the tips. It was a very long text 😁

[@rebelyell2741]

I think the Skrama is a better “ one tool” option with better handle ergonomics than most survival woods knives. But the form and feel of the mini Duku is something to be cherished. Especially where I go camping and hunting in the Everglades. It’s why I bought the mini Duku in stainless steel instead of 1075. It chops everything from Brush Oak and Sabo palm to catfish and gator tail. The Skrama is still on my list to buy for when I go deer hunting in Pennsylvania or North Florida where the Black Oak can be dense.

[@lalli8152]

I think if i would do mainly chopping i would definetly go with parang, and personally i often find the more traditional handles more comfortable, and this parang looks like it would be very nice to chop with. Skrama might be better for smaller tasks as well, but i think i would prefer to pair if i have either of these both with smaller handier knife

[@marveen6372]

Which is sharper

[@MrJayGoliath]

As a parang user, the Skrama looks like a hybrid of a parang with narrower tip and a seax tip. The Skrama’s handle does it for me- more versatile and better shock absorber with overmold handle. The Duku has more forward weight and excels in dispatching branches and smaller logs and Skrama could back up as a compact machete. Nice review from you and glad you like the parang.

[@redsorgum]

I think for Europe and North America, the Skrama is a better all around knife. The Duku has the better jungle blade. Obviously, both can be used if needed in both environments. The Duku is definitely a good looking knife/machete.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I have the Condor pack golok and would take it over the skrama any day

[@davidleasure9138]

Good review and very fair comparison. Both knives are capable of the tasks. As you concluded it is personal preference.

[@6x-phoenix77]

I really appreciate your video style. Thank you for an excellent review of these two knives.

[@u.a.3542]

Рубил совсем по разному. Кондор поднимал для замаха значительно ниже, соответственно и удар был слабее. И рубка происходила основанием клинка, а не правильной частью на расстоянии 2/3 от рукояти

[@d.vochoc6501]

Very good review! Skrama has two different grind angles, therefore better for feathers. I would go for skrama if you will face lower temperatures while from the design point of view I prefer mini duku.

[@goingroguenow]

My friend, a single grind is much better for feather sticks, which is why the old bushcrafters like the Scandi grind for feathers. same with parangs.

[@edxamador]

@@goingroguenow he meant that the skrama has on the edge two grinds. One steeper near the handle (better for feather) one thicker for chopping towards the edge.

[@mikeh8228]

7:14 in he finally starts to use the Condor Duku Parang.

[@martyoutdoors6172]

Yes, couldn't wait for it, thank you so so so so much bro, thanks friend, keep growing and growing, and more and more, thx

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Enjoy it's a long video hahaha 🤣

[@martyoutdoors6172]

I prefer the Skrama, it is thicker tougher, more edge holding( 80crv2 is not the most expensive or the best knife steel in the world, just my personal opinion that it is a good steel for this kinda knife style,shape,look). The duku really is beautiful more then the skrama, but I like more thicker and uglyer knifes, but I am sure it wouldn't break and it is a real bad boy work horse. I like the 80crv2 better and the 1075 from condor, but these are you're knifes and you choose whats fiting you "better over the other one" like you say. Thanks again for the nice video, hope for the 1000k special to come up soon, thanks

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@Mind Freshener if you want even better as great as the Condor village parang is the Condor Bushcraft parang is better

[@nathan8418]

Very nice edge you’ve put on the Duku.

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Thanks

[@lucianbrad4291]

Hi there, a really honest versus ! I really appreciate that ! Both are really great knives, both are really great value knives ... Of course, choosing one over another would be a matter of personal taste 😊 I would pick the Condor as well 😊😊😊

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Thanks 😉

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

Enzo Necker! Such an underrated knife. My sheath was totally non-functional however. Got a leather one made.

[@mikeh8228]

He is used to the Skrama so it performs slightly better for him. I think it is a toss up for both chopping and splitting wood. Either work well. He did mention the grip on the Skrama was not as comfortable as on the Mini Duku.

[@simonbleach-wood9235]

I think the best comment on which one you preferred is that you used the duku to make the baton!

[@madedigital]

Varusteleka Skrama IS THE BEST MY PERSONAL OPINION AND MOST OF THE WORLD TOO

[@eriklorentzen6510]

I made it to the chopping test and had to stop. Constructive criticism, when using a large chopper like this, use the tip (distal) portion of the blade for chopping, instead of the middle or near portion of the blade. Also your grip seems incredibly loose. The blade simply flops over and you’re not getting a good bite. As the owner of a skrama, believe me, you’re not using it to it’s potential. It seems counter intuitive, but proper form even with a heavy swing will waste less energy than the form you’re using in the video.

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Thanks for the inputs.

[@rebelyell2741]

I think he’s using a technique to pry chunks of wood. I’ve seen the technique warp(bend) blade edges on knifes. And role edges on hatchets. I don’t do it. As far as the loose grip. I loosen my grip just before contact to avoid shock in my hands, as well as to not fatigue the steel where it meets the handle. A part of the knife where the steel is usually softer. It helps prevent catastrophic failure in wood hatchet handles too.

[@supernova1976]

Excellent comparison 💪

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Thanks

[@bojanpijunovic6143]

Imagine Skrama blade and duku handle with slightly modification like just little thiner (or flat on side) than duku and finger guard like skrama. Man that would be perfect tool!

[@nihadmemmedov8355]

Assalam aleykum. Eski insanlar yüz yillar boyu parang, kukri, tahra kanca vs gibi aletleri hayatları boyu geliştirmişlerdir ve en iyi geometriyi bulmuşlardir o yüzden Parangi diyoruz👍

[@patriceb26]

Bonjour So which one is the best ?

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

TOPS BASECAMP PARANG IS SO MUCH BETTER...QUITE A FEW BARK RIVER "BIG CHOPPERS" ALSO

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

With regard to your handle preference when chopping, do you think that has to do with the texture of the rubber versus the texture of the wood? Obviously different shapes to the handles, but I’m curious if the wood is better against the skin when doing high shock work like that chopping. [I realize this is an older video so not sure if I’m talking to myself here 😕]

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Yes older video but I do see you 😉. I'm no expert but I do think I has more to do with the shape of the handel. Then it's all different if you like the rubber a bit more soft or the wood a bit more harder and slipry.

[@bujanginin9971]

Bro..its not the correct way to hold Duku for chopping wood..Duku is still the most friendly machete..

[@mansuomi]

very good video,,

[@marveen6372]

Condor parang seemed to do very well here but how sharp does it come out of the box

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Not as sharp as I like it. Did sharp it up.

[@joannekeefe426]

I have the condor. Got it before I heard of the skrama. Its way big enough for me. I have the martini timberjack knife. So now I need one in the middle. Definitely like this tera brand. Maybe the puukko 140. What do you think?

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Nice. I think for the money the puukko 140 is an excellent choice.

[@ArmandoRodriguez-pu6pr]

What do you think is better for clearing brush?

[@ifishjgja8414]

mini duku parang, or maybe bark river golok

[@geektarded]

Thanks for the great review. What hammock is that?

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Its the one from Snugpak

[@GRockBlues]

I like the way you put the names in the handle...how did you do it?

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Thanks. I use a electric wood burner.

[@GRockBlues]

@@DGOutdoorLife thank you...very nice job

[@elwha6025]

Very good review!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

You should check out the my parang duku chandong!!!

[@kennywheelus6857]

Hey where did you get your pants,I like them.

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Local store Fjällräven pants check my video of them kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnKzkHiioLqJsLc

[@kennywheelus6857]

@@DGOutdoorLife ,are they durable out in the bush an are they water resistant

[@mikeh8228]

So.....the only significant improvement he made on the duku was to sharpen the back of the spine for easier spark throwing with the ferro rod, and for generating tinder with the pine stick. Otherwise, he early on stated he sharpened the blade, but in other reviewers videos, they did not and it performed just fine.

[@puroritmo9540]

The Skrama is the 200 or 240 model?

[@DGOutdoorLife]

240 longer handel. Wood like to have the 200 instead more practical to bring out.

[@morganmuller5169]

Cuál es el ángulo de inclinación de la punta de ese machete???

[@shirazkerawalla8274]

Lovely review. Can i ask a question please...What is the width at the widest part of the blade? 3 inches?

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Thanks. If you thinking of the condor its 5.9 cm or 2.3 inches.

[@shirazkerawalla8274]

@@DGOutdoorLife Awesome. Thank you

[@relaxeful]

What pants are you wearing? looks perfect for outdoor stuff, great video!

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Fjällräven vidda pro pants

[@relaxeful]

@@DGOutdoorLife thank you

[@deanoboland]

👍👍👍👍

[@scottharris6423]

30 strokes...GEE get a damn AX!!!

[@renanreyes8242]

Where can I buy this online????

[@DGOutdoorLife]

You need to Google it to se where you can get them depending where you live.

[@ROLLENBILONG]

Tidak pandai.. Pegang parang macam pegang apa saja...

[@zuhairzainal]

potong kayu pun tak reti dia ni. malu la

[@2ATimothyHarper]

Who makes the pants you are wearing?

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Fjällräven. Check my video of them kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnKzkHiioLqJsLc

[@proactivex]

think I'm going to order the Skrama blade and make a wood handle more like the parang.... actually, I'm going to make a wooden knob to sort of replicate the parang, and fix it to the Skrama by putting a bolt through the lanyard hole. boom!

[@DGOutdoorLife]

Nice man go for it.

[@kevola5739]

proactivex - I believe you can order the Skrama without the handle if you want to design your own handle that fits your specific needs.

[@Nepravilniy_Obzorschik_Nozhej]

у меня есть... даже два... два Scrama 240 и два Duku один мини один просто... Condor Mini Duku прекрасен, но Scrama универсальнее практичнее и дешевле... ножны можно от английского штыка использовать, стоят они 5евро... а в том году был убилея магазина травакактотам и Scrama продавали по 50евра... шара... халява... фас-фас... смысл покупать оригинальные ножны к Scrama только если вы будите спарку делать... а так вполне себе можно сэкономить... а вот с Mini Duku сэкономить сложно стоит оно 100-120Евро и все... дешевле ни разу не видел... штука прикольная отлично рубит, приятно лежит в руке... кто тащится по классическим формам приробным материалам натуральной коже... ну это для них... конешно есть и негатив, и это не только высокая цена, но и трудности заточки линзы такого размера... а еще этот нож требует ухода... чтоб лезвие не ржавкало, кожа не трескалась, дерево надо переодически пропитывать чтоб врагу не набирало и вообще рукоятка на клепках, неразборная, чуть что с ней случится просто починить не получится... вообщем по всем понятиям Mini Duku не особо практичная штука, но эстетичная до одури, красивая епт... Scrama это просто лучший лагерный нож на рынке... вот просто лучший... и думать не надо... а у меня есть из чего выбрать... например Silky Nata 240... казалось бы тот же размер... такое же лезвие со спусками в нуль, плюс у Nata есть свои фирменные плюшки типа сменных накладок рукояти... да и весит она больше что для ручного топорика тоже важно... но все равно блин Scrama 240 это топчик... удобная рукоятка, рубящая геометрия лезвия, надежность и качество... вообщем Scrama 240 это ванлав... один нож навсегда

[@shafiqsamsudin367]

21:26.."the mosquito eating my back!"...ha ha which one its used? Parang or skrama?...wkwk

[@Smithwesson65]

I can tell you have no experience in the woods or using any type of machetes… good try!!!

[@user-rn2sh8bj6b]

Кто дал криворукому рукожопу острые предметы ?

[@sloanIrrigation]

Skrama has a better steel

[@John..18]

Too many adverts on your channel,, that's why I don't subscribe,,,,

[@GRockBlues]

Maybe use a saw on such large logs?...more quiet and discreet in the woods

[@DGOutdoorLife]

I do use it all the time but this is more for the video and for all of you that want to chop chop 🔪🤣

[@GRockBlues]

@@DGOutdoorLife awesome video...awesome channel...thanks so much

[@escapetherace1943]

No contest, parangs are quite useless compared to any other machete/large knife

[@madedigital]

Varusteleka Skrama IS THE BEST MY PERSONAL OPINION AND MOST OF THE WORLD TOO