Gear Review: Gerber Parang

[izzyscout21]

I picked this little jewel up last gear run I made with Lunchbox.

Figured now was as good a time as any to dust it off and do a review.

This is the Gerber Bear Gryllis Parang.
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4941.jpg
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4942.jpg
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4943.jpg

While technically considered a machete, I wouldn't put this into any normal category. It's not a knife, but it's not really a machete either.

First impression was that this thing is built tough. It is not flimsy like most machetes on the market. Try to flex the blade......it's not happening.

Handle is a combination of hard plastic and rubber, held very securely by 2 star bits on each side of the handle.

It is very comfortable to hold, but because of the curved blade design, it feels a little odd at first.

That odd feeling went away very quickly.

I figured that as it is marketed as a machete, I would try a few machete tasks.

Taking some swings at branches and vines around the homestead, I quickly became bored. SO bored, I didn't even take pics. This thing just mowed right through them.

Let's try something different.

I started the real testing by trying something machetes are not designed to do....... chop thick branches.

Lucky for me (and you) I had a fresh, green pine branch that dropped from the tree last night. Wet wood is much more resilient than dry, so I gave it a go.

[izzyscout21]

1st test.) Tree branch approximately 1 inch diameter.

Butter. One swing was all it took.

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4944.jpg
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4945.jpg

Okay....so it can chop kindling.......pretty cleanly, I might add.....

let's try something bigger.......

[izzyscout21]

2nd Test.) 1.5 inch diameter branch

Again, like butter. 2 good whacks was all it took.

Look how clean the cuts are

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4947.jpg
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4946.jpg

[izzyscout21]

Test 3.) 2 1/2 diameter branch

This was interesting.......

As you can see, it took me a few good hits. After all, it is a machete, not a hatchet. I'm sure the tool was not designed to do this........

1st swing....nice and deep.....
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4950.jpg


after a few more......
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4951.jpg

done.....


http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4952.jpg


By George, it did it.......

[izzyscout21]

To say that I was pleasantly surprised was an understatement.

If I were without a hatchet, I would not feel bad about only having this tool. It takes a few extra swings, but it can definitely perform.

It seems that the sturdiness of construction and the unique curvature of the blade really helped give it that extra power needed to cut the thick branches.

I am very confident in this tool as a brush clearer and firewood procurement tool.

It has an MSRP of $43 (per Gerber's website), but can be found at better prices elsewhere on the net.

I would recommend this piece of gear to anyone, whether you use it for brush clearing, firewood, or zombie head choppin'.

Gerber thought this one out, and it shows.

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4953.jpg


Izzy

[Gunfixr]

Nice.
It might be time to retire the old school machetes.

[izzyscout21]

I was absolutely amazed at how much power you could get out of a swing.

[bacpacker]

I've got an old POS machete I use for choppin corn. Works OK for that, but no way I'd put it to the test you did. May have to pick up one of those. I think I saw one at Dick's or Gander Mountian. Can't remember the cost, but I'm thinking $30 or a little more best I recall.

[The Stig]

It looks like an old cavalry saber had sex with a Gurkha knife.

How heavy is this thing? Also, what sort of sheaf did it come with?

Wondering if this could be lashed to the side of a pack without much hassle or weight penalty.

[izzyscout21]

It's not very heavy at all.

Per the Gerber website:



Weight (with sheath): 25.4 oz.
Weight (no sheath): 19.4 oz



The sheath is *okay*......

it's different. opens from the side and the toll snaps in. I'm not all that impressed with the construction materials.....but I do work with kydex....................

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4954.jpg
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4955.jpg
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4962.jpg
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/Gear%20Reviews/Gerber%20Parang/DSCF4960.jpg

[IDTANDY]

Great review.The parang blades are great,Good in thick bush and jungle,and as a weapon.My introduction of this style blade was in the Philippines ,the Bolo Knife. I taught at the U.S.A.F. Jungle Survival School 67/68.

[Sniper-T]

It always surprises me, that so many people turn to machete's or Parang's to get away from hatchets and axes, only to turn around and use them as if they were an axe.

Here's another experiment for ya Iz, Grab another ~3" log like you had, but this time stand it up. Hold it in your bad hand, and hack downwards with your good hand at about the same angle that you hit it with above. But then turn the wood! 1/4...1/2...1/5... doesn't matter! Hack and repeat. If you give it an honest go, you'll find it takes less hits, and less effort, to bust off stovelengths.

If you want to further reduce the hits, after two or three, put your foot up against the cut, and push, it'll most often break quite easily.

If you are cutting a living tree, then you turn around the tree, instead of viceversa.

T.

[IDTANDY]

For me less weight,and bulk than an ax.Great hacking tool.The vid is a little long or go 4:27.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUXQ25gvQAg

[Optimist]

A very nice piece of gear. I'll have to check my steel pile....

[Grumpy Old Man]

I like parangs, and goloks and barongs.....well you get the picture. I've used a Condor Tool golok for a couple of years now and like it a lot, which says a lot when you consider how many Cold Steel machetes I have. Condor has a nice line up as well.

Condor Tools & Knives :: Knives (http://www.condortk.com/products.php?type=9)

Here's CS

Special Projects (A Division of Cold Steel® Knives). Machetes : Cold Steel Knives (http://www.ltspecpro.com/category/52-machetes.aspx)

The only criticism I would have is that it is a "Bear Grylls"! Do you have to drink urine before you use it? LOL.

Seriously though, Asian and African types of machetes are really dual (or is it duel?) purpose tools- they have to be in poor countries where iron and steel are very pricey. So these types of design are very old and have shown their worth to many generations and are no slouch in the deadly weapons department (See Snipers Thread on Cops and shootings). Good review Izzy!! And really, how does urine taste? ROFLMAO

[izzyscout21]

Good review Izzy!! And really, how does urine taste? ROFLMAO

1.) Thanks. I really am trying to post up some useful reviews

2.) Urine tastes terrible. Trust me, I know. Long story for another time.

[Metrocruiser]

I just ordered a two handed Katana from LA
http://www.lapolicegear.com/coldsteel-97thk-twohanded-katana.html

Ill be sure to post a review :)

I did like the parang review and it made it hard to choose the kat. If the kat suxxors ill get a gerber parang and keep the kat as a zombie decapitator.
I thought id get something I could have a little fun with hehe,

[greg48]

izzy, i've been looking at a cold steel, two handed katana machete, any thoughts? i've got a couple of bear's fixed blade knive, they seem well made, priced reasonable as well.

[izzyscout21]

izzy, i've been looking at a cold steel, two handed katana machete, any thoughts? i've got a couple of bear's fixed blade knive, they seem well made, priced reasonable as well.


Looks like a good piece of kit, but I can't really place an opinion on it until I get hands on with one. Maybe one of our members can help

[Gunfixr]

I just had to click on that link ............................

[Jimmy24]

Great reviews Izzy. The Parang is Gerbers top of the line hybrid machete. I’m sure you understand why it cuts so well. Using the time tested Golok design, along with some Bolo too. The angle of attack makes it happen. Though all in milliseconds. The cut starts with only a portion of the blade engaging the wood and as the swing continues more and more of the edge engages the wood. That angle is what does it.

I have wanted one also. I may spring for one now. I have two of the Gerber Gators. They are pretty much a heavy duty design of the regular machete. They work ok, but nothing like your parang.

Thanks again for a great review.

Jimmy