Parang Machete – Best Chopping Tool?

The popular Parang machete is 1 type of 11 popular machetes available on the market today. This article is part of a series in which we try to explain which is the best machete for different uses by comparing all types. Make sure you also check out the Kukri, Bolo, Golok, Panga, Latin, Billhook, Cane, Barong, Bowie and Tapanga machetes in order to have a complete view of all that’s out there.

What is a Parang machete?

A Parang Machete is a type of machete that is characterized by a curved blade that looks like a scimitar, with a curve on the spine and the edge. The curved shape gives Parang machetes more power to cut through harder wood without the blade getting stuck on the material being chopped. When compared to other machetes, Parang machetes have a thicker blade, making them ideal for clearing thick brush or woody vegetation. Parang machetes are believed to have originated from Indonesia.

What are some of the best Parang machete brands?

Some of the top Parang machete brands include:

• Condor Tool and Knife
  Condor Tool and Knife has been producing quality parang machetes for over 225 years. The company is based in Solingen, Germany.
• Schrade
  The company is known for its quality, long lasting products for those who use them. Schrade Parang machetes are commonly used as a standard survival tool.
• Gerber
  Gerber makes a large variety of knives and tools, and if you are looking for the best Parang machete for camping, hiking or bushcrafting, this is one of the brands you should consider.

Best Parang Machetes on Amazon

Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete

If you are looking for a heavy duty survival machete, then the Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete is a perfect option. The machete comes with a heavy angled blade that is designed for hard tasks in the jungle. This machete is ideal for exploring the outdoors. It can be used for chopping, hunting, clearing branches or limbs.

The blade of this superb, uniquely designed machete is made with a high carbon steel blade to ensure maximum strength, corrosion resistance, and ease in sharpening. The full tang construction boosts durability while the ergonomic textured rubber grip handle enhances control in any condition. The Gerber also has a nylon sheath that is lightweight and mildew resistant. The machete includes SOS rescue instructions to assist you in getting home safely.

Pros & Cons of the Gerber Bear Grylls

Pros

• Perfect for chopping, hunting, clearing branches or limbs
• Has a heavy angled blade for performing hard tasks in the jungle
• High carbon steel blade for maximum strength and durability
• Full tang construction boosts durability of the machete
• Ergonomic textured rubber grip handle for maximum comfort and easy control
• Nylon sheath for safe storage and easy transportation

Cons

• The sheath is made of nylon that is as durable as leather
• Requires sharpening after purchase to regain an ultra-sharp cutting edge

CRKT Halfachance Fixed Blade 18-inch Parang Machete

Whether you are looking for a survival, hunting or camping machete, the CRKT Halfachance Fixed Blade 18-inch Parang Machete will prove to be very beneficial. The machete comes with a thick, carbon steel blade with a black powder coat that makes it strong and durable, even in extreme environments. Its modern ergonomically designed handle gives you maximum cutting power, minimal hand fatigue and reduced slippage.

The multiple lanyard holes on the beautiful handle offer you various grip options, allowing you to select where and how to attach your machete. The machete also comes complete with a reinforced nylon sheath with a multi-position belt loop system that can be changed between two positions: snug or dangling against the belt.

Pros & Cons of the CRKT Half a Chance Fixed Blade

Pros

• Black powder coated carbon steel blade makes the machete strong and durable
• Ergonomically designed handle for maximum cutting power and minimal hand fatigue,
• Multiple lanyard holes
• Ideal for use as a survival, hunting or camping machete
• Excellent rust and corrosion resistance properties
• Highly durable
• Designed by Ken Onion in Kaneohe, Hawaii
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Nylon sheath for easy storage and transportation

Cons 

• The blade is dull and requires sharpening after purchase

Condor Tool and Knife Village Parang Machete

The Condor Tool and Knife Village Parang Machete is another top-rated machete on the market. It is designed after the classic Duku Chandong Style parang. The machete comes with a 12-inch blade that is forged using 1075 high carbon steel for maximum strength, durability and excellent corrosion and rust resistance properties. The blade is thicker and heftier to withstand rough use when dealing with thick brush and vegetation. You can use the Village Parang machete for a wide range of cutting, splitting, chopping and shaping tasks.

Just like other Condor machetes, the village machete is unsurpassed in quality and craftsmanship. It comes with a heavy duty leather sheath for safe storage and transportation of the blade. The two snap closures help to keep the Parang in place when it is not in use. On the back of the sheath, there is a swiveling belt loop that will accommodate large belts.

The triple riveted handle is made from hardwood and is curved at the end to provide you a firm grip and prevent possible slippage. The triple rivets ensure that the handle lasts a lifetime.

Pros & Cons of the Condor Tool and Knife Village Parang

Pros

• Overall, the machete is made from the highest quality materials
• The blade features the Condor classic finish to enhance its corrosion and rust resistance properties.
• The triple riveted handle is curved at the end to provide a firm comfortable grip and prevent the machete from slipping out of hand while at work
• The 5mm 1075 high carbon steel blade material gives the machete excellent durability and strength
• Comes with a heavy duty leather sheath for safe storage and transportation of the blade

Cons 

• The wooden handle feels slippery in wet conditions
• Requires sharpening immediately after purchase

Elk Ridge ER-280 20-Inch Parang Machete

If you are looking for the best machete for clearing brush without injuring yourself, then the Elk Ridge ER-280 20-Inch Parang Machete is a perfect option. The machete comes with a longer and thicker blade that allows you to clear a large area in just a single swing. It boasts an ergonomic handle that specially made to provide a firm grip and prevent the machete from slipping out of hand while in use.

The Elk Ridge ER-280 machete is made with the highest quality materials and is perfect for all cutting and chopping tasks. The machete has an overall length of 20.5 inches and has a blade thickness of 3mm. This makes it ideal for clearing thick brush.

The black and orange handle of this machete offers you with maximum cutting power and a strong grip during wet conditions. The lanyard holes allow for various grip options, which means you can choose where and how to attach a safety lanyard.

The Elk Ridge ER-280 20-Inch comes complete with a nylon pouch that is lightweight to allow for safe transportation and storage of the blade. You will also get free SOS rescue instructions once you buy this machete.

Pros & Cons of the Elk Ridge ER-280 20-Inch

Pros

• Made with the highest quality materials for optimal performance
• The long thick made blade makes ideal for clearing thick brush
• Black and orange handle offers you maximum cutting power and a strong grip during wet conditions
• Has a lanyard hole provide multiple grip options
• Comes complete with a nylon pouch for safe storage and transportation of the blade
• The machete is lightweight making it easy to carry around
• Include SOS rescue instructions to assist you get home safely.

Cons

• Some Amazon complained that the blade broke easily when used for tough cuts
• Screws may become loose in the handle

Kershaw Camp 12-Inch Parang

If you are looking for a Parang Machete to use in deep in the jungle, in a camp or in a zombie apocalypse, then the Kershaw Camp 12-Inch Knife is a perfect option. The machete comes with a full tang construction and a 12-inch fixed blade made with 65MN steel for maximum strength and durability. The blade features the Kershaw black oxide for enhanced corrosion and rust resistance properties. The blade is specially made to be weighted forward to allow for efficient cutting strokes.

The knife boasts a beautiful Glass Filled Nylon handle that is contoured and textured to give you a maximum cutting powder, with minimal hand fatigue. The handle is designed in such a way that it won’t slip out of hand while the machete is in use. The lanyard hole allows you to hang the machete safely in your garage while it’s not in use.

The Chinese steel used to make the blade is formulated and manufactured to offer maximum strength, toughness and resilience. This makes the 12-inch camp knife ideal for hard applications, such as making kindling, stripping bark, clearing brush, removing tough vines, trail maintenance and small tree removal.

Pros & Cons of the Kershaw 12-inch

Pros

• Durable handle made with textured and detailed rubber over-mold for a more secure, safe and non-slip grip
• The blade is coated with black oxide for an attractive and smooth surface
• The blade is made with 65MN steel and medium-high carbon steel for enhanced durability, strength and toughness
• Ideal for many cutting, slashing, hacking and splitting tasks
• Lanyard hole for optimal carrying versatility
• Lightweight blade making easy to carry around

Cons 

• Some customers complained the blade started chipping after prolonged use
• Requires to be sharpened frequently

Schrade SCHPR1CP 19.6-Inch

The Schrade 19.6-Inch Parang Machete is a perfect option for those looking for a trustworthy knife to use in all their outdoor adventures. Whether you are camping, hiking or executing bushcraft, this Parang will be a strong performing companion. The 13.7-inch blade is made of reliable stainless steel for an ultra-sharp cutting edge. The cutting edge is easy to sharpen using the best sharpening stones. The machete is ideal for cutting grass and should not be used for tough jobs to prevent the blade from breaking or bending.

The handle of the Schrade 19.6-Inch machete is made with a black textured thermoplastic elastomer for a firm comfortable grip. The handle is slightly curved at the end to prevent the machete from slipping out of your hand while in use. The lanyard hole at the end of the TPE handle allows you to hang your machete safely in your garage while it is not in use.

This Parang comes complete with a polyester sheath for safe storage and transportation. There is also a removable shoulder strap, leg strap and belt loop making it perfect for everyday carry.

Pros & Cons of the Schrade 19.6-Inch

Pros

• Polyester sheath, removable shoulder strap, leg strap and belt loop allow for easy transportation
• Ultra sharp cutting edge
• The blade is lightweight making easy to carry the machete with you
• Ergonomically designed TPE handle for a firm, comfortable grip
• The handle is slightly curved at the end to prevent possible slippages while at work
• Lanyard hole for safe storage of the machete
• Machete is specially designed for outdoor survival, camping and bushcraft

Cons 

• The machete is not ideal for tough cutting tasks as the blade can break easily or bend
• The blade loses its sharp edge fast and needs to be sharpened frequently

Condor Bushcraft 13-Inch Parang Machete

The Condor Bushcraft 13-Inch Parang Machete is beautifully designed machete with a stronger cutting power when compared to most of the machetes discussed above. It excels in creating a trustworthy knife for use in outdoor adventures. You can use the machete for hiking, bushcraft and camping. The blade is made of 1075 high carbon steel for maximum durability, strength and toughness. The 4.5mm thick blade makes this machete ideal for even the toughest cutting tasks.

The Condor Bushcraft 13-Inch machete boasts a high impact polypropylene handle that is ergonomically designed to provide a firm, comfortable grip while reducing chances of the blade slipping out of hand while at work. Like other Condor machetes, the Bushcraft 13-inch comes with a ballistic nylon sheath for safe storage and transportation of the blade.

Pros & Cons of the Condor Bushcraft 13-Inch

Pros

• Has a strong cutting power compared to other knives and blades
• Ideal for camping, hiking and camping
• Ergonomically designed polypropylene handle for a firm, secure, comfortable grip
• The blade maintains its cutting edge for long and does not need to be sharpened frequently
• The blade is forged from 1075 high carbon stainless steel for maximum strength and durability
• Extra blade thickness makes the machete ideal for tough cutting tasks

Cons 

• The blade is too dull out of the box and needs to be sharpened for an ultra-sharp cutting edge
• The does not feel balanced and is heavy