Holy jeez people. A machete is a workhorse tool. It's designed to be utilitarian and take a beating. This one is $40 and it has served me well on all kinds of camping trips, including ones in the Amazon. Best thing is that I won't cry if I lose it somewhere.
The BG Compact Parang is made of 1055 carbon steel. 1055 is know for being soft; it will roll before it chips and cracks. This also makes it relatively easy to sharpen. I once used a 1055 machete to chop down a tree with a 10in diameter, and I didn't stop to sharpen it.
The particular blade on this is more of a light duty chopper.
The sheath on this thing is just ok. Most BG items have sheaths that are passable but not great. The handle is very comfortable, which is a Gerber trait I appreciate.
Pros: It's cheap. It has a decent profile.
Cons: While1055 steel is tough it just does not have the edge retention qualities to make this a reliable cutting tool. It will take a keen edge ... until you use it.
The handle is thin. For a tool used in the manner that this blade is designed for a handle with more girth is necessary to maintain precise control of the blade.
The manner in which the sheath attaches to the belt of the user is sloppy and nearly requires two hands to draw.
Love this knife. Light and easy to carry. Always just enough weight to clear a path when required.
Big problem is the sheath is poorly made the mounting on the belt and the cover material tears very easy and once it has the slightest knick in the material they whole thing starts to unravel.
This sheath really lets down the whole blade. If not the whole brand.
Super disappointed at the quality of the sheath for such a knife.
Nice and sharp out of the box. Too much plastic//nylon for my taste. The blade is very thin. Wonder what kind of steel this is, I find myself sharpening it a lot. Paying too much for the letters 'BG' got it on a display discount so there's that.
truly the best machete I have ever owned well well worth the money I've used it millions of times on various size limes up to probably up to 7'to8'in's if not biger. have learned it at least 6or7 months and only thing I've had to do is sharpen it twice.
Great long knife. Very useful for camping and other outdoor activities.
This is a great tool. The handle is comfortable and the bladesteel is good. At first I guess there is a very thin layer of soft metal on the outside because my friend was digging with it before I put it to a stone and it chipped and rolled a lot. Once I put 15 minutes into the edge and spine on a stone, I can dig and the blade comes out flawless. Overall I love this tool and quality and size for the price. Buy one and throw it in your pack
I'm not a BG fanboy. I do like this knife. The balance is just right, and it's a great little chopper. Got it off a clearance end cap for $15 USD. Which is why I tolerate all the gaudy BG insiginias. The sheath is sturdy and secure. Overall quality is very good, as is the fit and finish.
This compact parang seemed sturdy and was sharp! I used it on one mountain outing and was pleased with everything besides the sheath, I believe it needs to be more secure because my parang came out sometime during my first outing with it And I Hardly Ever Loose One Of My knives!
I bought this about 5 months ago it is very sturdy, it has a nice chopping feel and it does the job.
I would for sure trust it to take a beating in the woods. I would love to see a thicker version of this blade though perhaps a quarter inch.
The size and feel is great but the blade chipped like crazy towards the end with normal use like chopping saplings and brush clearing.
Ok so I bought this parang thinking it would not be worth much. VERY glad I bought it. I've knocked down more small trees branches and thorns on the trails than I thought it would be capable of. I was so impressed with it I went home and trimmed all my 65 ft pine trees around three acres 7 ft up with not one problem. It is hands down worth more than I paid. Sure I sharpened it myself from use but once in two months and some small trees were bigger than my legs. Cut at a downward angle and u won't be disappointed. For all u preppers out there one for every member of ur family is needed. If u ever have a problem with this parang, it could only be user stupidity. Good luck with it don't cut off any of ur own body parts. Lol
Congrats Indonesian (y). Btw I'm from Malaysia
Realy good and sharp good job gerber
My dad bought this for clearing a path to a duck hole. So far he and I love it! 5 out of 5!
I got this parang for my birthday great tool love it love all of bears stuff
Had this knife for a while now, and the sheath is still in perfect condition besides some dirt/mud stains. The blade has saved the day while topographically surveying in heavy timber several times and everyone that I have lent it to says its the most valuable tool that had! One person even used it as an axe to cut down a 4" diameter tree! It is easy to sharpen and stays sharp for multiple uses. It is the one item in my bag that stands out as being the blade that is always aching for more things to cut. I'm definitely giving it giving it an unswerving 5/5.
Nice little machete that feels great and performs good for its size. The sheath is pretty good too. Nothing bad to say about this littlle guy
Just got this today and edge is sharp, sheath is heavy-duty and strong, and parang has a nice feel to it. the only problem I see is that the sharp side faces the non-riveted side of the sheath, and is fine, but hopefully it doesnt ut through overtime.
I bought this at MCAS Miramar as part of my bug-out survival bag (kit). It is SO DULL, that I cannot hammer the blade on my forearm and cut it! Now I find that the blade can break and I ill receive a new one. Good thing I have not had to actually USE it! Gerber, PLEASE ship SHARP blades! You can do this!
Overall great buy.. Had it for 3 days now and lanyard cord is already cut but I am very happy with it.
This compact is new. I dont see much use for a smaller one. The bigger one is better than a hatchet at cutting small logs, and branches. Also works for multiple other uses, and as a machette for trail blazing. An AMAZING item!
Should i get this knife.How big is it.
this thing is beast have one for 7 years still works
it looks and feels just like the larger version its a great buy
I own this knife. I love it. You would be a fool not to get one!
it looks pretty cool, im debating whether to get this one or its big brother let me know what you guys think
