MY Parang Duku Chandong - 10 Inch

  1 of 16

  Very impressed with this Parang, unlike other products from stamped metal or machined that have no soul, this is a traditionally forged blade that has differential tempering, some parts are harder, some softer. This brings me to the question of, “can the blade be sharpened further towards the handle”. Out of the 10” of blade, only about 5” is actually sharp. According to an answer to this written by the company representative, no, the blunt part of the blade, towards the handle is not hardened. It is blunt so you can choke up on it for more controlled cutting or carving. This actually makes sense as when holding it in that position, it is at the centre of balance. The blade came shaving sharp, although I gave it a light stropping with some stropping compound. The parang is really well put together and is finished off very neatly with some epoxy to seal where the blade enters the handle. The blade shows the forging processes, it doesn’t have a highly polished finish, but I think that is part of its charm, it is after all, a tool, not a wall ornament. Where it matters is done neatly, like the epoxy which strengthens the blade to handle and prevents moisture from getting in and weakening the tang with rust. The handle is neatly finished with no rough spots and feels comfortable, I like the swell which means it won’t fly out of your hand if it gets sweaty or wet. I’ve tried a bit of light chopping with it and it performs superbly, it really goes deep but doesn’t get stuck. I’ve got mine for bushcraft instead of an axe, and for roughing out spoons etc, also for gardening-brambles and cutting back a Buddleia tree. I was actually wanting the 12” version, but having used this, I think it is better suited for my purposes. Thank you for another excellent transaction with swift postage!  

  Matthew

  2 of 16

  Very pleased with the parang and it was reasonably sharp out of the box and feels good in the hand. I haven't worn it on the belt of my trousers yet but the fastening may be a bit tricky, as was picked up on a previous review. I have run it over a set of waterstones after searching the internet to see how it is sharpened; Perhaps Ray would like to make a video of his own to demonstrate how to put an edge on it. I will most likely use this tool for trimming willow branches and hedges rather than in a jungle as it is an ideal tool for this purpose. I have been volunteering on our local nature reserve where we have a cleared a lot of hawthorne to create meadow grassland for butterflies and this is an ideal tool to use like a billhook to trim branches for cutting. I have followed Ray Mears for a long time and like him it is the connection to ancient skills and that connection between us humans and the natural environment and caring for that environment that I think is the important thing that matters to us all.  

  Michael Siviter

  3 of 16

  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

  4 of 16

  I don't know what more you could want from a parang, it's just about as good as you can get and a perfect companion to your Woodlore Knife.  

  M J Pywell

  5 of 16

  Excellent, needs a good sharpen when it arrives but perfect tool for the woods.  

  John Rochford

  6 of 16

  A solid parang, I am planning a jungle trip and wanted a tool that is built for the environment and I am very happy with my decision. Thank you woodlore I can always rely on my favourite outfitters :)  

  S R Khalil

  7 of 16

  An excellent Parang for coppice work and clearing undergrowth. It’s easy to keep a sharp edge and not too heavy in use.  

  Richard Collenette

  8 of 16

  The parang itself is an excellent item. The 10' version (offered here) has, IMHO better balance and is handier than the 12' version available. The steel is easily sharpened and 'bulletproof'. The handle needs a light sanding and a touch of finishing with boiled linseed oil . No problem at all, it takes minutes. The scabbard however is not good at all and I will source an alternative. The belt loop needs to be a 'dangler' but this one is a simple nylon loop and cannot be attached to a belt properly. The safety strap (velcro) is too short and you cannot secure the parang and wear it on a belt at the same time. If Woodlore manufactured a much safer leather sheath/scabbard I feel it would sell very well and make the package much better. Don't let the scabbard issue put you off though. This parang is much better than a small hatchet for most things and far more practical, more balanced and lighter than say a kukri.  

  Kevin B

  9 of 16

  Very nice quality item, husband very pleased. Only gripe, it would be nice to see the belt loop on sheath made for a left handed person, otherwise nicely made.  

  Nancy Coleman

  10 of 16

  It looks the part and well made, but it did take a few hours to get the blade up to where I felt it should be. There is a nice weight to it that you could work with for prolonged periods of time. So far its main use has been working with willow and clearing brush. Overall I'm happy with it.  

  Edmund Morton