View Full Version : Borneo Parang Passaround
JonathanD
27-12-2010, 21:54
Thanks to Ged I have another passaround. This time some native Borneo parangs. :D
There will be three or four in this passaround so bear that in mind as the postage to the next person will be £20 ish.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/dscf3271.jpg
In order to take part in this passaround you agree to the following ground rules :
All participants must be 18 years old or above and have a minimum of 100 posts and a years membership of BCUK.
You agree to use these knives in a manner that is both safe to you and the people around you. You are solely responsible for your own safety, so like any other sharp tool assure yourself that it is in sound working condition before you use it.
This passaround is aimed at letting people gain a feel of how these knives perform, they can be used hard, but are NOT to be “destruction” tested. If you do use the knife hard, please ensure the edge leaves in as good a condition or better than it arrived.
Each person is responsible for the knife until it reaches the next person on the passaround list. It must be sent Special Delivery with proof of posting and a tracking number.
Each person gets the knife for a full week starting from the time they received it. If there is a problem please notify me soonest.
It would be very helpful for me if each person could just post in the relevant thread when they first receive the knife, and then again when they post it on (thanks).
Please remember this is a £175.00 knife. Please ensure it's cleaned after use and lightly oiled and again before passing it on.
I require a postal address and a phone number of participants.
For now, it will be for 10 participants. Depending on how it goes and level of interest, it may get extended.
Please add your interest in participating.
1. JonathanD
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
British Red
27-12-2010, 21:59
1. JonathanD
2. British Red
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Might as well use these as a benchmark for testing the other two!
Thanks Ged & Jon
Might as well use these as a benchmark for testing the other two!
ditto!
1. JonathanD
2. British Red
3. Sargey
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Hey Jonathan, you posted the pic of the sheaths but not the one of the blades!
Hhm, four knives is a bit out of my posting budget, although as a suggestion it might be worth people looking at a courier service instead as it'll probably be cheaper.
Are these like the desgin we've been pm'ing about, Jonathan?
JonathanD
29-12-2010, 23:59
Hhm, four knives is a bit out of my posting budget, although as a suggestion it might be worth people looking at a courier service instead as it'll probably be cheaper.
Are these like the desgin we've been pm'ing about, Jonathan?
I will look into a courier service, or thin it down a bit.
Very similar to that design Stew.
split them up and post them. the cost for a couple of two kilo parcels is much less than one four kilo parcel.
cheers, and.
The Big Lebowski
31-12-2010, 02:40
I'm tempted as i have just been watching a RM tutorial on Perangs and they look very handy tools...
I would only be interested in trying one though really! so, not much help.
Check out interparcel as i just did a rough 90cm x30 x30 4kg parcel and the cheapest was £4.99 (+VAT) only downside is it can be a PITA with couriers (in genereal) not turning up and mon/friday daytime collections only.
If its a courier you seek, check them out.
al.
JonathanD
31-12-2010, 13:03
Cheers guys.
Ged is sending me all four, so I'll probably stick to two or three on the passaround and send one back to Ged just in case the zombies come. And maybe split them so that those that only want to try the one, can. They are all pretty similar looking at the pics, so I'll check it out once they are here and take it from there
Ged is sending me all four...
They should be with you on Thursday. The cost using Royal Mail as a carrier was £11.99 with a £200 value. You need to sign for the parcel. It was awkward to wrap them. :confused:
They are all pretty similar looking at the pics, so I'll check it out once they are here and take it from there
There's a big difference in weight between the lightest one and the other three. The blades are all sharpened in a similar way. I have no complaints about the sharpening, although when (if:)) I get some time to spend on them I'll modify the edges somewhat. There are three very different blade geometries. Two are very similar (the heaviest and the next-to-lightest) as you can see in the photo (http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/misc/dscf3272.jpg). I've given them all some work to do
http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/misc/dscf3275.jpg
http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/misc/dscf3276.jpg
and they've been well up to anything I'd ever want to do with them. I haven't sharpened the edges at all since getting them. Feel free to sharpen them if you wish, there's plenty of meat on them.
One thing I want to mention now is the sheaths.
The sheaths are all made of wood, two sculpted halves glued together. The fit is a bit variable. The wood moves with changes in moisture content and this can cause the blades to stick sometimes. When I bought them from him, Woody warned me that the sheaths can split. This could be dangerous if for example you were to hold the sheath in a way that would allow the blade to reach your fingers if the sheath suddenly let go.
One of the sheaths is already showing signs of distress. As a temporary measure to prevent possible injury I wound galvanized wire around all the sheaths and wrapped duct tape around the ends. The duct tape wasn't sticking too well as it was minus five in the shed at the time but the tape shouldn't actually be essential. It isn't pretty but it will hold the sheaths together if the wood does let go unexpectedly.
Finally these are stick tang blades, they seem to be glued into the handle with epoxy and I don't think there is any pin to hold the blade into the handle should the epoxy let go. You have been warned.
JonathanD
04-01-2011, 19:15
Nice one Ged. That isn't as bad as I would have thought re: the postage. Looking forward to testing them out.
Yeah, not bad cost considering sending the Chris Caine RMSD cost £8 something!!
JonathanD
04-01-2011, 19:34
Yeah, not bad cost considering sending the Chris Caine RMSD cost £8 something!!
Is that en route then Stew?
Is that en route then Stew?
Yep. Bad time of year to get to the PO with too many days off for them. :D
JonathanD
04-01-2011, 19:37
Yep. Bad time of year to get to the PO with too many days off for them. :D
Tell me about it. Luckily though, I have plenty of free time at the moment. Gonna be a splendid few days choppin' stuff.
No excuse then! :D Do you have the trueways yet?
JonathanD
04-01-2011, 19:42
Not yet. I'll give Tom a shout tomorrow and get a rough estimate. I know he's been really busy fulfilling orders for Christmas.
JonathanD
08-01-2011, 23:12
Well I got Geds package. Immediately I can say that every single one of these parangs is much more comfortable and weighted better than the Chris Caine I'm testing, which is amazing giving the difference in pricing and makers involved (large knife making company vs bloke in a hut on the edge of a jungle). Not had chance to test any of them yet but will do so in the next couple of days. They are all so similar though, that I will narrow the passaround down to two only.
British Red
08-01-2011, 23:18
Looking forward to these now that I dropped daughter back to uni today :)
JonathanD
08-01-2011, 23:22
Looking forward to these now that I dropped daughter back to uni today :)
Shall I send the CC with them Red?
British Red
08-01-2011, 23:29
Aye, that'd be good - thanks
... I will narrow the passaround down to two only.
Which two?
JonathanD
09-01-2011, 00:08
Which two?
Dunno yet, but will need your help when the time comes :D
JonathanD
09-01-2011, 16:16
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/09Jan20112.jpg
Just got back from the woods after testing these puppies....
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/09Jan20114.jpg
It might have been a tad unfortunate for the Chris Caine tool to arrive with me at the same time as these because it just couldn't compete. These native parangs have a natural balance and precision in use that I have not encountered before on any of the parangs or machetes that have gone throuygh my hands in the last five years.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/09Jan20115.jpg
Sure, they may not look as well made as the CC tool, Martindale array of machetes or Fox Parang that we've all had recently. But performance wise, they are a world ahead.
These are the two that performed the best in the garden, so I decided to give them a proper going over.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/09Jan20119.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/09Jan20118.jpg
The first thing that I always find issue with on any machete is the handle. Why are they all incapable of making a comfy one? Well, with these, they have got something right. They were so comfortable in use that I complete forgot about handle comfort until I got home and wrote this.
For light whispy vines and brambles, they slice them no problem. No batting to one side like many machetes do, but a complete lop without any exertion. Wait till you try them on the thick stuff though. Then they really shine. They slice through two inch thick trunks with one blow, and not a hard blow at that. To put it into perspective, the picture below shows a sapling that took the CC tool four or five blows to cut through (it was just over 2ins in diameter and bigger than it appears in the pic). These parangs did it with one. A bit scary the first time they did it as it was unexpected.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/09Jan20117.jpg
For fine work and feathering, the blade has about three inches before it gets sharp, so choking up is no problem. They are a real pleasure to use and I found myself being more confident in their use as it is very easy to control the cuts and accuracy with these blades. Feathersticks are no problem due to the grind with no secondary bevel. Sharpening is very easy too and done the same way as you would an axe.
All in all cracking blades that do all the work for you. Far less effort needed when using these.
Thanks to Ged for sending these out. I had great fun.
JonathanD
11-01-2011, 16:55
Now en route to British Red. The one I'm returning to Ged is going via FYGT and is en route.
Mojoracinguk
11-01-2011, 18:21
JonathanD,
Did you have a swing with the little'un?...i'd be interessted to see how you feel it compares to the larger three brothers.
you can pm if you don't want to influence the Passaround.
Mojo
JonathanD
15-01-2011, 14:12
JonathanD,
Did you have a swing with the little'un?...i'd be interessted to see how you feel it compares to the larger three brothers.
you can pm if you don't want to influence the Passaround.
Mojo
Yes I did. My preference was for the similar shaped, slightly heavier one. The small one has to be my second favourite, it's not part of the review yet as the wooden sheath split in the post. It's currently having a custom sheath made for it. They all feel very similar in the hand, but obviously the weight of the bigger ones alters balance quite considerably. My choice would be to use the two shown in this thread for the static camp and small jungle walks, and the smaller one for trekking as it is much lighter, but lacks the wallop of it's bigger brothers. The heavier ones are certainly well suited to the UK.
Now en route to British Red. The one I'm returning to Ged is going via FYGT and is en route.
got it and its definatly a big old chopper bigger than my Kukri which is a large version ;)
makes my camp nessy look like a neck knife
ATB
Duncan
JonathanD
15-01-2011, 14:31
Yeah, you got the 'big fella' allright.
Mojoracinguk
16-01-2011, 08:06
The small one has to be my second favourite, it's not part of the review yet as the wooden sheath split in the post
So I am of the understanding you will include this later?....hope so.
I had another couple of sessions with the little one and getting more confident in the metal now. The little one is becoming a better chopper than i would have thought.
until then i'm still modding the wooden scabbard with a leather binding and brass fitting to stop the potential split
My preference was for the similar shaped, slightly heavier one.
well that was my number one from an asthetic stand point......kinda feel like i should have got it...but on the other hand reffer to the top of my post.....
May be there is a Ray Mears style niche for an 'inbeween model'....well it would suit me any how ;)
Mojo
British Red
19-01-2011, 18:51
Sargey - can you send me your address please?
I'm in love with the sheepsfoot blade one - be a wrench to pass it on :(
JonathanD
19-01-2011, 20:29
Sargey - can you send me your address please?
I'm in love with the sheepsfoot blade one - be a wrench to pass it on :(
That's the one I really liked too.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a77/darkcrown_1969/09Jan20118.jpg
British Red
21-01-2011, 13:40
I had great fun with these tools - they are now en route to Sargey P48 insured.
Thanks very much for letting me play :D
Now that you guys have tried them out could you tell me if you would carry one if you were engaged in extended travelling in European forests (assuming there were no legal or social ostracism issues)?
Would a parang or an axe (or something else) be the preferred tool for the traveller in the days when forest extended across Europe? Now?
JonathanD
22-01-2011, 11:36
Now that you guys have tried them out could you tell me if you would carry one if you were engaged in extended travelling in European forests (assuming there were no legal or social ostracism issues)?
Would a parang or an axe (or something else) be the preferred tool for the traveller in the days when forest extended across Europe? Now?
I'd carry one over an axe. For me it is a far more versatile tool.
British Red
22-01-2011, 15:49
Hmmm
Not in that sheath!
Make a great shelter building tool for cutting saplings and browse. Less useful than an axe where firewood is more important though. As with all tools - there are strengths and weaknesses
Red
stylish!
the parangs turned up safe and sound, cheers red.
first impressions? significantly burlier than i'd expected!
when you look at the length of the cutting edge on these, compared to the position of the handle, the end result is quite similar to the nata azumigata as found over at dick gmbh.
they'll get a good workout the weekend. i'll get some photos with some different tools.
cheers, and.
so who's next or where next?
well these parangs are pretty cool. took them round to visit some friends the weekend, bushcrafty whallahs all.
opinion was generally divided between the two, though slightly in favour of the squared off drop point. i preferred this one mostly due to the slightly slimmer handle.
it may have also been a slightly better performer due to red's sharpening job, as it was sharper than the heavier trailing point. the trailing point has a couple of flat spots on the edge.
so, overall, i have to buck the trend and say i'm not a massive fan. granted you do get relatively massive (for one hand) chopping power, the increased length of cutting edge does make limbing, shelter building and general campcraft easier than it is with an axe or hatchet, but, but, but.....
for some inexplicable reason i find them a little awkard to use, they feel much heavier than just over 800 grams. i suppose it's a case of what you're used to. i probably just need to play with them some more ;) :lmao:
tbh, i'm really surprised, i fully expected to love 'em.
i'll try to get some pics up later.
cheers, and.
JonathanD
03-02-2011, 20:56
Maybe you would have preferred the smaller one sargey.
Does anyone else want to have a play with these puppies before they go back to Ged? I believe he is in France at the moment, so there is room for another before he gets back.
I'm back now. If anyone else wants to ave a play with the parangs they'll be most welcome, otherwise I'd like at least one of them back... :)
I'm back now. If anyone else wants to ave a play with the parangs they'll be most welcome, otherwise I'd like at least one of them back... :)
i can send the one back you lent me ;)
ATB
Duncan
JonathanD
24-02-2011, 11:49
I'm back now. If anyone else wants to ave a play with the parangs they'll be most welcome, otherwise I'd like at least one of them back... :)
I think we are all done Ged, just awaiting your return to return them. Sargey has the other two and I still have the little fella.
i can send the one back you lent me ;)
Hi Duncan,
Did I post you the cheque for the firesteels? Sorry, after 4,000 miles and very little sleep in the last couple of days I'm a little punchy and I haven't a clue where my cheque book is. :)
I think we are all done Ged, just awaiting your return to return them. Sargey has the other two and I still have the little fella.
OK then, thanks Jonathan.
Address is http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/JOScontact.html
Hi Duncan,
Did I post you the cheque for the firesteels? ... haven't a clue where my cheque book is. :)
Ah, found it now. Yes, so I did, on 13 January and it cleared my account on the 27th.
Are you wanting to hang on to the parang for next weekend on Dartmoor? No problem if you do but it would be REALLY NICE TO GET ONE OF THEM BACK, GUYS!!!
Hi Duncan,
Your inbox is full!
i can send the one back you lent me ;)
PM me your address again and i will get it all out this week
http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/JOScontact.html
Not taking the parang to Dartmoor then? Am I going to get to see that nessy? :)
Cheers,
Ged.
hola, been off line for a bit, can someone drop me a PM with the postal address and i'll get them away asap.
i know a bloke who'd be very interested in purchasing one, has anybody got any source information?
cheers, and.
...i know a bloke who'd be very interested in purchasing one, has anybody got any source information?
Woody brought them to the UK, I expect he'll still have a few.
See this post. (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61026&p=773360#post773360)
Cheers,
Ged.