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I chose this particular parang because of its size and the reputation it's acquired for its quality build. The blade is approximately half the size of my Condor parang. The Duku Chandong is ideal as an 'about camp/garden tool'. Its size, balance and crafting make it very comfortable in the hand and on the arm allowing for extended periods of use as may be necessary from time to time. The 5160 high carbon steel blade is superbly weighted and incredibly tough yet relatively easy to maintain a fine cutting edge. The handle is crafted from European beech wood and is very ergonomic. The handle comes with a dark wood stain applied and is slightly coarse to the touch. I sanded mine to remove all of the stain and then treated it with a quality gun stock oil. The scabbard is of reasonable quality but it would be nice to have the option of having a better made hide variant. However, the scabbard isn't the star of the show. One thing to note is that the blade is not highly finished, BUT, it doesn't need to be. Mine has marks that were made by the hammer that forged it with patches where fire scale has been during crafting. If anything these marks are the fingerprint of the craftsman and bestow character upon this superb parang.
It is so well made that it will likely become a family heirloom for generations to come. Woodlores dispatch time was faster than I anticipated.
Glenn Brickell
31st March, 2022Rated: 5/5