I've got all sorts of machetes or as we call them (kalembas) but this parang got my attention. I like the shape and it seems good enough. I'm not cared about the Bear Gryll's sales pitch. It's manufactured by Gerber and that's a good thing, right?

I've ordered it but it's going to take 2 months to get to South Africa. I'll be home towards the end of August and hopefully it would have arrived by then. Can't wait to 'hit the bush' and give it a test.

Looks like it should do the job. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My only question is, where was it manufactured? It looks nice and will probably do what you want it to do.

I've sent off a few e-mails to find out where the blade was manufactured.

Here's the specs on the Machete itself...

Angled Blade - Ideal for clearing brush or limbs
Robust High Carbon Steel Blade - Enhances strength, corrosion resistance and ease to sharpen
Full Tang Construction - Boosts durability
Ergonomic Textured Rubber Grip - Maximizes comfort and reduces slippage
Lanyard Cord - Acts as guard, enhancing grip security
Nylon Sheath - Lightweight, military-grade, mildew resistant
Includes Land to air rescue instructions and SOS
Priorities of Survival - Pocket guide contains Bear's survival essentials

Specs:

Overall Length: 19.5''
Blade Length: 13.5''
Weight (with sheath): 25.4 oz.
Weight (no sheath): 19.4 oz .

AISI 1055 - Full Tang Steel (1/8 inch blade thickness)

IIRC, Taiwan is the country of manufacture. I looked at one a while back so I might be wrong.

I do know that Cold Steel has some of their stuff made in South Africa, like the inexpensive Kukri.

I often use a parang on my property. The BG one looks functional enough. I hope it holds up better than the BG "Ultimate" knife I reviewed on BF. I broke the pommel on that one in 5 minutes of use.

Well unfortuantely it's made in China, that's just great... Hopefully I won't be dissapointed.

Not everything out of China is bad, look at Bryd knives as an example

I don't own a knife that was made in China but I have seen more then a few and they were junk. I hope this gives you many good years of use.

I've read all the reviews I could, there's a few at Amazon.com and a couple on some knife sites. Generally folks are very happy with it, but like anything there were a few teething problems. Lets hope 'they' have ironed out all the problems and the Parangs they manufacture now are 'up to scratch'.

Thanks for all the input guys.

Just a friendly reminder: This forum is for Scrap Yard knives and other Busse-made knives. Comparisons are fine, but let's keep the forum rules in mind.