Used this machete during New Years and my fam had a small fire pit to keep warm. We had trimmed our pecan tree a couple months before and just left the branches laying in a pile in the back yard. So I chopped them up for fire wood. 4ft branches roughly 3-5 in thick, no problem. 3 chops around the branch and in 20 min had enough wood for roughly 5 hours of burn time. Never had any serious use before that, and I have been in love with it ever since, performed well beyond my expectations, and for a beginner very easy to use.
I have only watched the first minutes and I can't agree more with you, that looks like the perfect tool in a tropical environment, I live in Guatemala.
Hehe..it was originally being used in the rainforest of southeast Asia..meaning hard and very hard wood and as main tool too..what can we expect except an excellent tool 😁😁
Nice Video. I have that exact same Condor Tear Away pouch in multicam. I have it set to my small Camel-Back backpack kit which is nice because I have 3 liters of water to start off with. It's awesome for all the storage and organization. I keep a lot of knife maintenance and fire kits into it.
Nice video on the parang & I agree on the Condor water bottle pouches. Mrs. Firemano and I both have them on our gear bags and the extra pouch is pretty awesome to have on there as well.
I picked one of these up largely on the basis of this excellent review. After spending an afternoon turning a bunch of large downed limbs into firewood, I like it. It has a pretty nice profile that bites deeper than you expect it to for something so light. After hours of beating on it, the edge still looks great and the factory edge was excellent. It isn't a miracle, you will work a bit harder on thicker limbs than if you had a good hatchet with you, just because of the weight disadvantage. But for backpacking I think it is going to be awesome. Basically you are getting something that works almost as well as a hatchet but weighs more like a big survival knife. It also has the advantage that it looks more like a tool than a weapon, so it is a bit less likely to freak people out.
I bought this machete, in part because of your review. When I held the unopened box my immediate impression was exactly the same as yours... too light. How wrong I was! I've used this all day on thick brambles, heavily established ivy, ash, beech and oak branches up to an inch thick and have been hugely surprised at how effective a tool this is. This is a world-class boxer punching way above his weight. A fantastic tool which is a true machete while being incredibly kind to its user. As you say, THIS is the bushcraft parang. Perhaps Condor should call this the Light and the green-handled one, the Heavy. Excellent review, thanks for posting.
TheRunereaper the parang was invented by the natives of south east Asia region as a day to day usage in the rain forest ..we used to go into the jungle with only a parang as our cutting tool that's why it's so versatile..we can use it for things like shelter building..making traps..making firewood..scaling fish..cut vegetables etc and ohh..we used it for self defense too. In our traditional martial art like silat, we are taught how to use it in defending ourself😀..parang is a time tested tool for generations to come.
love love the video and the bounce clip... what i liked about this video and all your other video's is that you show us what u think of a tool when u first get it out of the box no matter how many video's u see u don't know until u take it out and play with it yourself and like at first u didn't know how u felt 50\50 about it then u used it and really liked it thank u keep it up thank you
Chris I'm wondering if you could do a comparison video of the eco parang and the condor Mini duku parang. I am trying to determine which one I should purchase the price of them appear in Canada after shipping is just over $70 Canadian so I would preferred to just purchase one. I am having a hard time determining which one would be more suited to my needs. Wood processing fire starting small wood tasks outdoor camping tasks tent pole making tent peg making. Processing wood for outdoor furniture. Ie amazing winderness camp chair. I would love to see that video
+THENEWWRANGLER i was thinking the same exact thing stuck on which one would be more suitable for me it would be awesome if cris made a video comparing the two.
THENEWWRANGLER Yeah, sounds great. I saw a video from Condor at 2016 Blade Show. They showed an Eco Bolo Machete with the handle removed to show it is full tang all the way and said the Eco Parang is like that too. So, i could always remove it and make custom scales. Just a thought. Let me know what you think.
Whenever I hear Parang, I think jungle or tropical environment. I do like carrying my Gerber Gator axe with me because I feel like it can get the job done. However, this parang looks like it can be used for a multitude of things. I will look into this product. Thanks for sharing and great first impressions! Got me convinced.
Glad to see that bonus clip. I already had the bottle bag in my amazon cart (b/c the button on the molle straps on my pathfinder bottle bag broke off). This attachment really helps make this a compact multi-purpose GTFO of dodge kit that is easier to cart around in the car than my BOB. Great find.
Call it the Bushcraft Machete Lite? Youth Model? I've been looking at packs like the Condor Rip-Away EMT Pouch, the Vanquest FAT Packs, etc. I use the currently use the 4 x 6 for prescriptions and minor cuts and scrapes. I was thinking about getting the 5 x 8 for a "real" medical / first aid bag until I saw that Vanquest is coming out with a 7 x 10 FAT Pack. I may end up going with the larger one once it comes out.
Ah man! I hope you are able to find your other Parang soon. I know what it feels like to not be able to find a knife in your house and fear that it's lost forever. Good luck and fortune my friend! 8-(
That looks like a pretty handy tool. I don't know how your woods are in Ohio but here in PA they are full of vines and thorns. That looks to be about perfect for that kind of bushwhacking.
I'd want something longer for clearing in the woods. But like I said, I think THIS one should be called the Bushcraft Parang, not the larger one. This is a really good crafting tool. Does a lot of finer things really well so you can save your primary knife. And you aren't going to think twice about beating on this. It really is a TOOL.
PREPAREDMIND101 I ordered one today. I have in mind to use it as a big knife in my kit, if it's light enough in the back pack. But from what you've shown us, Chris, it may be just the tool to do the trick.
Not related, but did want to thank you for the review you did on the dark timber custom knife. Sent in an email the other day got a quick response, talked to him(peter) on the phone today and now I'll happily be receiving what i truly hope and believe to be an amazing blade. My first custom knife, hopefully not my last.
If you like the eco parang, and you like the 18-inch tram. . .I wonder how you'll feel about the tram bolo. Because in my testing, the 14inch bolo beats the 18inch latin in wood chopping.
I like the condor Pouches while they may not be up to the standards of maxpedition or vanquest they give good value for the money. I also have been using the condor rip away pouch as one of my main medical kits and even though I have it stuffed to the brim it has functioned perfectly.
Thanks for another awesome video Chris! Love the dump pouch. I was wondering if you would be interested in doing a roll-up/dump bag comparison video? There are so many out there. Condor, Maxpedetion, and Vanquest would be awesome though.
Ive watched a lot of your videos... one of which got to buy a tops shango. But I would like to know if it is possible to do a generic rundown of knives, axes, parangs, ect... for general purpose use as a tool. I feel this will help alot of beginners, like myself, in the bushcraft field. Thx!! And keep them coming!!
3:33 "Specialty tool"????!!!! No, it is not a specialty tool, in fact, in Malasya is a "do it all tool", you just have to know the specific techniques to operate it.
OK, you made up my mind for me. I'm going to have to get one of those. I've been looking at getting one for awhile now, either that one or the Bushcraft Parang, but I really like the orange handle on that one. I'm a big proponent of high visibility handles on survival tools, and that one qualifies. I only recently began getting interested in parangs having always been more of a kukri guy (love my Cold Steel Magnum Kukri Machete!), but the parang is the more versatile tool I think. The kukri is one hell of a chopper, but it's less useful in other areas. I think the Eco Parang is going to be joining my tool kit sometime soon!
This is why birch is the best firewood. Perhaps others give more heat or burn longer but for handling per energy output, birch. Where I come from firewood=birch. Birch does not throw sparks like firs do.
Chris this was a well made video. I liked the fact you changed your mind and stated so. I would consider not wearing the hat you did as it hides your face. Even when you looked directly at the camera to add emphasis your eyes were at least partially obstructed. Don't get me wrong, I love Cabela's, just not that hat. I am looking forward more informative videos with 101.
Parang was originally made and used in southeast Asia region..it is not from central america or something 😁 and we used it as the main tool whenever we go venture out in the rainforest of southeast Asia..rainforest = hard wood..other type of jungle wood means nothing for this beast 😆
This is off topic, however I was just wondering, why is it that whenever Will goes to shape something during an impressions and use video, It seems like he takes a minute to think about it, yet he always goes with a spoon? Is that just something that is a good test for a blade? Or does he just really enjoy spoons? lol
Taxes are bullshit. This Parang costs 90€ (over 100 Dollar) in germany, because of freakin shipping and taxes. This price doesn`t change if I order from america, cause Taxes are still added when the packet goes through Costumes. I hate it >:(
Figure out how deep/thick your spoon needs to be. Cut a slab of wood that thickness and start carving from there. Or start carving on a log. I guess if the knife is doing all the work it doesn't matter but then that doesn't look like an electric turkey carving knife. On a more serious note though that parang is impressive. I almost stopped watching the vid but glad I watched it.
Hi Preparedmind101, becourse of that very informativ video I bought my selfe this wanderfull Parang. Thank you very much for the film. I also tried the Parang out and I made a film too about that aktion if you like check it out on my channel. Best greatings from Germanya Your Tribe
Ill never understand why so many people mess around with those ferrorods. They're just a mess and waste time, and both a Bic lighter and a ferro rod will light around 1000 fires before there both trash. You can get a lighter wet, and it'll dry in 5 mins inside a pocket, so moisture isn't a concern. The wind will blow the sparks away from a ferro rod just as fast as it will blow out a lighter, so both require shielding. A bic weighs half of what a ferro rod weighs. And a bic costs 98 cents at the local gas station vs 8-10 bucks for the ferro rod at REI.
I'm thinking you should get out more and you'll figure it out. Someone else can explain it because I get tired of it. You go ahead and wait for your lighter to dry out after getting soaked in the winter. I'll use my 6" ferro rod.
I'm thinking you're a bit biased. In 20 years I've never gotten so wet that a lighter I was carrying wouldn't light. Nothing shy of falling in a river is going to stop it. To test absolute worst case scenario, I just threw my lighter in the kitchen sink underwater for 10 minutes. I was able to ignite it 4 minutes 30 seconds after taking it out. You can use that 4 minutes to get your tinder ready and collect up some fuel, and still use less effort/time than that ferro rod.
So use a lighter. Doesn't bother me what you do. And when it runs out of fluid? Flint breaks? I know... buy another. If you want to be dependant on an item with multiple parts and fuel, have at it. In an emergency, light your quick start firestarter with a lighter first. If that fails, a 6" ferro rod will ALWAYS work.
How many strikes is that 6" ferro rated for? I saw one advertising that it could last for 8000 strikes, like it was special, so I'm guessing your everyday rod lasts roughly the same amount, or less. But that doesn't mean 8000 fires, most people I see striking 20+ times to get a spark to land in the spot they wanted it. So realistically 400 fires until you use up all the fuel (magnesium) in your rod, all while dulling the useful 90 degree spine on your knife. Both of our fire tools are depletable. The only thing that will always work is spit+spindle.
I have not used a parang until recently, and I have to say that it is becoming my new favorite tool for outdoor use.
Used this machete during New Years and my fam had a small fire pit to keep warm. We had trimmed our pecan tree a couple months before and just left the branches laying in a pile in the back yard. So I chopped them up for fire wood. 4ft branches roughly 3-5 in thick, no problem. 3 chops around the branch and in 20 min had enough wood for roughly 5 hours of burn time. Never had any serious use before that, and I have been in love with it ever since, performed well beyond my expectations, and for a beginner very easy to use.
I have only watched the first minutes and I can't agree more with you, that looks like the perfect tool in a tropical environment, I live in Guatemala.
Hehe..it was originally being used in the rainforest of southeast Asia..meaning hard and very hard wood and as main tool too..what can we expect except an excellent tool 😁😁
Man!!! Your new Logo Animation and sound effects ROCKS.
Nice Video. I have that exact same Condor Tear Away pouch in multicam. I have it set to my small Camel-Back backpack kit which is nice because I have 3 liters of water to start off with. It's awesome for all the storage and organization. I keep a lot of knife maintenance and fire kits into it.
Thanks for testing all this gear and thanks for your opinions. It saves time and money. Keep the vidios coming.
man, that parang made some crazy sound on that birch. Trippin me out big time.
Nice video on the parang & I agree on the Condor water bottle pouches. Mrs. Firemano and I both have them on our gear bags and the extra pouch is pretty awesome to have on there as well.
I picked one of these up largely on the basis of this excellent review. After spending an afternoon turning a bunch of large downed limbs into firewood, I like it. It has a pretty nice profile that bites deeper than you expect it to for something so light. After hours of beating on it, the edge still looks great and the factory edge was excellent. It isn't a miracle, you will work a bit harder on thicker limbs than if you had a good hatchet with you, just because of the weight disadvantage. But for backpacking I think it is going to be awesome. Basically you are getting something that works almost as well as a hatchet but weighs more like a big survival knife. It also has the advantage that it looks more like a tool than a weapon, so it is a bit less likely to freak people out.
Thanks for the review. Pleasant surprises are always a wonderful thing.
I would certainly pick that up if I needed it. Nice to see the flaming carpet flashback!
That is an awesome pouch! Thanks for that bonus clip.
I bought this machete, in part because of your review. When I held the unopened box my immediate impression was exactly the same as yours... too light. How wrong I was! I've used this all day on thick brambles, heavily established ivy, ash, beech and oak branches up to an inch thick and have been hugely surprised at how effective a tool this is. This is a world-class boxer punching way above his weight. A fantastic tool which is a true machete while being incredibly kind to its user. As you say, THIS is the bushcraft parang. Perhaps Condor should call this the Light and the green-handled one, the Heavy. Excellent review, thanks for posting.
TheRunereaper the parang was invented by the natives of south east Asia region as a day to day usage in the rain forest ..we used to go into the jungle with only a parang as our cutting tool that's why it's so versatile..we can use it for things like shelter building..making traps..making firewood..scaling fish..cut vegetables etc and ohh..we used it for self defense too. In our traditional martial art like silat, we are taught how to use it in defending ourself😀..parang is a time tested tool for generations to come.
love love the video and the bounce clip... what i liked about this video and all your other video's is that you show us what u think of a tool when u first get it out of the box no matter how many video's u see u don't know until u take it out and play with it yourself and like at first u didn't know how u felt 50\50 about it then u used it and really liked it thank u keep it up thank you
Thanks
Chris I'm wondering if you could do a comparison video of the eco parang and the condor
Mini duku parang. I am trying to determine which one I should purchase the price of them appear in Canada after shipping is just over $70 Canadian so I would preferred to just purchase one. I am having a hard time determining which one would be more suited to my needs. Wood processing fire starting small wood tasks outdoor camping tasks tent pole making tent peg making. Processing wood for outdoor furniture. Ie amazing winderness camp chair. I would love to see that video
+THENEWWRANGLER i was thinking the same exact thing stuck on which one would be more suitable for me it would be awesome if cris made a video comparing the two.
Yeah, I still can't decide between the both, so I haven't got one yet.
I have both now ...I prefer the eco parang for hiking/camping, less weight
THENEWWRANGLER
Yeah, sounds great. I saw a video from Condor at 2016 Blade Show. They showed an Eco Bolo Machete with the handle removed to show it is full tang all the way and said the Eco Parang is like that too. So, i could always remove it and make custom scales. Just a thought. Let me know what you think.
Maybe But I am quite happy with the stock handle, I did add tennis racket handle tape for extra grip as mentioned by Chris @ Preparedmind 101
I've had one for 4 years, love it.
Any tips or tricks u learned along the way?
Thank you Joe Flowers!
Real good first impressions vid guys.
Thanks
Whenever I hear Parang, I think jungle or tropical environment. I do like carrying my Gerber Gator axe with me because I feel like it can get the job done. However, this parang looks like it can be used for a multitude of things. I will look into this product. Thanks for sharing and great first impressions! Got me convinced.
I have the Eco parang and love it! Looking forward to getting the new Duku parang soon!
Nice Parang especially if looking for something to strap to the pack for a little heaver work than a main knife
Awesome lil blade
Glad to see that bonus clip. I already had the bottle bag in my amazon cart (b/c the button on the molle straps on my pathfinder bottle bag broke off). This attachment really helps make this a compact multi-purpose GTFO of dodge kit that is easier to cart around in the car than my BOB.
Great find.
I kinda like the parang and the size suits me I think thanks for sharing Brother
Call it the Bushcraft Machete Lite? Youth Model?
I've been looking at packs like the Condor Rip-Away EMT Pouch, the Vanquest FAT Packs, etc. I use the currently use the 4 x 6 for prescriptions and minor cuts and scrapes. I was thinking about getting the 5 x 8 for a "real" medical / first aid bag until I saw that Vanquest is coming out with a 7 x 10 FAT Pack. I may end up going with the larger one once it comes out.
have you had a chance to test it on any black bamboo?
Ah man! I hope you are able to find your other Parang soon. I know what it feels like to not be able to find a knife in your house and fear that it's lost forever. Good luck and fortune my friend! 8-(
That looks like a pretty handy tool. I don't know how your woods are in Ohio but here in PA they are full of vines and thorns. That looks to be about perfect for that kind of bushwhacking.
I'd want something longer for clearing in the woods. But like I said, I think THIS one should be called the Bushcraft Parang, not the larger one. This is a really good crafting tool. Does a lot of finer things really well so you can save your primary knife. And you aren't going to think twice about beating on this. It really is a TOOL.
PREPAREDMIND101 I ordered one today. I have in mind to use it as a big knife in my kit, if it's light enough in the back pack. But from what you've shown us, Chris, it may be just the tool to do the trick.
Not related, but did want to thank you for the review you did on the dark timber custom knife. Sent in an email the other day got a quick response, talked to him(peter) on the phone today and now I'll happily be receiving what i truly hope and believe to be an amazing blade. My first custom knife, hopefully not my last.
If you like the eco parang, and you like the 18-inch tram. . .I wonder how you'll feel about the tram bolo. Because in my testing, the 14inch bolo beats the 18inch latin in wood chopping.
Great video Chris keep up the good work.
Once i save up some extra money, I am definitely buying this thing.
How would you compare the eco parang to the speed bowie. Same handle, similar length. I remember that you weren’t keen on the speed bowie.
I like the condor Pouches while they may not be up to the standards of maxpedition or vanquest they give good value for the money. I also have been using the condor rip away pouch as one of my main medical kits and even though I have it stuffed to the brim it has functioned perfectly.
Thanks for another awesome video Chris! Love the dump pouch. I was wondering if you would be interested in doing a roll-up/dump bag comparison video? There are so many out there. Condor, Maxpedetion, and Vanquest would be awesome though.
Another great video! Good Job Chris!
I like it thank's Chris for the vid.
I'm sold on it.How's it with grasses and brush?
I would like to soo this compared to the Terävä Skrama as they seem to have very similar specs
Awesome vid as always Chris!
Ive watched a lot of your videos... one of which got to buy a tops shango. But I would like to know if it is possible to do a generic rundown of knives, axes, parangs, ect... for general purpose use as a tool.
I feel this will help alot of beginners, like myself, in the bushcraft field.
Thx!! And keep them coming!!
Lots of stuff in the playlists
now who would have thought this! I would. the Eco rocks :)
ATB Markus
Like the parang and would fit my needs. Any of you know how far the stick tang goes up the handle?
Full tang
3:33 "Specialty tool"????!!!! No, it is not a specialty tool, in fact, in Malasya is a "do it all tool", you just have to know the specific techniques to operate it.
OK, you made up my mind for me. I'm going to have to get one of those. I've been looking at getting one for awhile now, either that one or the Bushcraft Parang, but I really like the orange handle on that one. I'm a big proponent of high visibility handles on survival tools, and that one qualifies. I only recently began getting interested in parangs having always been more of a kukri guy (love my Cold Steel Magnum Kukri Machete!), but the parang is the more versatile tool I think. The kukri is one hell of a chopper, but it's less useful in other areas. I think the Eco Parang is going to be joining my tool kit sometime soon!
I agree that it's a great blade, but I already have a few Kukris.
The marpat jacket you are wearing in video, can you tell me more about it?
thanx
USMC ECWCS goretex. I got lucky. Bought it off a guy before he knew what they were charging him. He sent them all back
+PREPAREDMIND101 Is the front zipper on the jacket "two way"?
You need to review the Cold Steel Trailmaster. 9 inch blade, 5/16 inch thick sk5 carbon steel, great secure-ex sheath. Indestructible.
do like that rolly pouch
Nice Condor Eco product !!
If they ever want to expand to Africa, just give me a call.
Thanks for the review guys.
Fairplay, Will loves spoons!
Dnag i think i will have to get one Great review as usual
This is why birch is the best firewood. Perhaps others give more heat or burn longer but for handling per energy output, birch. Where I come from firewood=birch. Birch does not throw sparks like firs do.
Chris this was a well made video. I liked the fact you changed your mind and stated so. I would consider not wearing the hat you did as it hides your face. Even when you looked directly at the camera to add emphasis your eyes were at least partially obstructed. Don't get me wrong, I love Cabela's, just not that hat. I am looking forward more informative videos with 101.
Parang was originally made and used in southeast Asia region..it is not from central america or something 😁 and we used it as the main tool whenever we go venture out in the rainforest of southeast Asia..rainforest = hard wood..other type of jungle wood means nothing for this beast 😆
This is off topic, however I was just wondering, why is it that whenever Will goes to shape something during an impressions and use video, It seems like he takes a minute to think about it, yet he always goes with a spoon? Is that just something that is a good test for a blade? Or does he just really enjoy spoons? lol
I have one and I beat the hell out of it. Chopped up alot of hard wood some being 3-4 in thick. worked like a champ with no rolling or chipping
i did thin out the factory edge some
Chops that wood thin enough for shingles!
Taxes are bullshit. This Parang costs 90€ (over 100 Dollar) in germany, because of freakin shipping and taxes. This price doesn`t change if I order from america, cause Taxes are still added when the packet goes through Costumes. I hate it >:(
Yeah. But Mora knives are cheaper here :p Just kidding - that pisses me off too
Figure out how deep/thick your spoon needs to be. Cut a slab of wood that thickness and start carving from there. Or start carving on a log. I guess if the knife is doing all the work it doesn't matter but then that doesn't look like an electric turkey carving knife. On a more serious note though that parang is impressive. I almost stopped watching the vid but glad I watched it.
Just bought one, the sheath is junk. You can barely get the handle keeper snapped in hand must less on your waist.
Hi Preparedmind101,
becourse of that very informativ video I bought my selfe this wanderfull Parang. Thank you very much for the film.
I also tried the Parang out and I made a film too about that aktion if you like check it out on my channel.
Best greatings from Germanya
Your Tribe
Ill never understand why so many people mess around with those ferrorods. They're just a mess and waste time, and both a Bic lighter and a ferro rod will light around 1000 fires before there both trash.
You can get a lighter wet, and it'll dry in 5 mins inside a pocket, so moisture isn't a concern. The wind will blow the sparks away from a ferro rod just as fast as it will blow out a lighter, so both require shielding. A bic weighs half of what a ferro rod weighs. And a bic costs 98 cents at the local gas station vs 8-10 bucks for the ferro rod at REI.
I'm thinking you should get out more and you'll figure it out. Someone else can explain it because I get tired of it. You go ahead and wait for your lighter to dry out after getting soaked in the winter. I'll use my 6" ferro rod.
I'm thinking you're a bit biased. In 20 years I've never gotten so wet that a lighter I was carrying wouldn't light. Nothing shy of falling in a river is going to stop it. To test absolute worst case scenario, I just threw my lighter in the kitchen sink underwater for 10 minutes. I was able to ignite it 4 minutes 30 seconds after taking it out.
You can use that 4 minutes to get your tinder ready and collect up some fuel, and still use less effort/time than that ferro rod.
So use a lighter. Doesn't bother me what you do.
And when it runs out of fluid? Flint breaks? I know... buy another. If you want to be dependant on an item with multiple parts and fuel, have at it.
In an emergency, light your quick start firestarter with a lighter first. If that fails, a 6" ferro rod will ALWAYS work.
How many strikes is that 6" ferro rated for? I saw one advertising that it could last for 8000 strikes, like it was special, so I'm guessing your everyday rod lasts roughly the same amount, or less.
But that doesn't mean 8000 fires, most people I see striking 20+ times to get a spark to land in the spot they wanted it. So realistically 400 fires until you use up all the fuel (magnesium) in your rod, all while dulling the useful 90 degree spine on your knife. Both of our fire tools are depletable. The only thing that will always work is spit+spindle.
Welcome to South East Asia.
To bad it's discontinued
Its pronounce “par runk”