The barong is heavier than the bowie. I haven't actually chopped with it yet, but it sticks in trees good! I used the bowie today for some close trimming on wax myrtles. It is nice. I think the barong will out chop it, because of the extra weight. Both are 3 mm thick. They are also available in 18" blades. The steel seems to be pretty good. They seem to hold an edge about as well as Tramontinas, but are thicker and heavier. They are thinner than Ontarios, though. As machetes go, these are among the best I've seen. I will be doing a chopping comparison soon. I think the barong is a real contender for the Altamaha trip this Fall.