Machete thoughts: Cutlass, Grass, Parangatang?

A

Aikiguy

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Aug 28, 2013
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Hey everyone, so the wife and I have been toying with the idea of getting out of the city and onto some property. Been looking at acreages in the area. So naturally, my first thought was what knife do I get to buy.

I'm looking at machetes, just for general cleanup: cutting back overgrowth, hacking away at small saplings, trail maintenance - nothing too hardcore, but would like something with a bit of reach.

So I've been eyeballing the cutlass, grass and parangatang machetes. This would be my first machete purchase, so I really have no experience with them. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts on the pros and cons of each model, and specifically how they compare to each other. Pics, as usual, are always welcome!
 
I know this the kabar forum and your asking about kabar models, but if you want an actual machete for clearing trails and brush, get a tramontina Latin at whatever size that best fits your needs. I think anyone that's getting their first machete should start there.
 
I have not played with the cutlass machete.
Played with the Grass Machete Prototype and was not impressed, but supposedly they used feedback from that testing and improved the final product.
I have a Parangatang and like it a lot.
OTOH, I have to agree that starting with a sub-$20 16-18" bladed machete might be a good way to start that particular addiction as well.
 
I don't have the parangatang but of those 3 I assume its going to be the best. Now, of the grass and cutlass line, I do not have the grass but from what I've read it's not best against wood compared to the cutlass, hence the name, it better for vegetation not wood. I do have the cutlass and would definitely recommend it on performance and price point. Having said all that, in the same line as the cutlass and grass machete, I'd recommend the Ka-Bar kukri. It was my first real machete(vs the $20 Chinese trash) and it excels, IMO, over the cutlass. In fact, I purchased a 2nd still in the box for future use. One decent whack will slice thru 1" saplings like butter. If your wooded you'll need some substance to your blade.

Don't waste your time and money on any $20 Chinese machete if its your first, you'll be disappointed.
I say spend a bit more, even if its not exactly what you need you'll still find it very useful and not just money wasted on cheap crap like I have in the shed doing nothing ever...

Check out and research the kukri, check reviews and search here. I live on 2ac surrounded by nothing but woods for 100's of yards in any direction and I'm more than satisfied with the bang for the buck for the kuk. I'd love to have a parangatang and I bet its a beast, you'll spend a few more bucks but it's usa made and you can remove the scales and all that.
 
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I have a Kabar Cutlass and it's an okay big knife or short machete. Since I got a couple Condors, I have not used it for anything. I like the Condor Pack Golok and the El Salvador machete. Both of these are my first choices depending on the kind of cutting I intend to do.
 
I love my Cutlass and Grass.

I say get the Grass, that thing has got more knife than machete in it's pedigree. Solid workhorse.

Moose
 
For the work you describe a Tramontina or Imacasa is perfect and very cost effective for a working machete. I own a few machetes myself.







 
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Thanks everyone for the replies; even though it's given me even more options to think about lol.

I'll be definitely checking out the Condors and Trams; they seem like good bang for your buck. I was starting to lean towards the parangatang; looks useful and fun to say. Not sure about the handles though. Now look like I have more research to do.


NCSlice said:
I say spend a bit more, even if its not exactly what you need you'll still find it very useful and not just money wasted on cheap crap like I have in the shed doing nothing ever...
Click to expand...

Yeah that's about where I sit NC. I kinda want this to be a one time only purchase; that's why I thought about going with a good name brand. I'll definitely check out the kabar kuhrki. I think a store around here has them in stock, so maybe I'll go and fondle one for a little while. Hopefully they'll have the others there as well to compare...

Hey Moose, how does the Grass machete deal with saplings? It's definitely more wooded around here. I'm not looking to baton anything with it, but might have to clear out some small saplings/trees.

Oh and Pirate, that's an awesome collection! 👍
 
Aikiguy said:
Thanks everyone for the replies; even though it's given me even more options to think about lol.

I'll be definitely checking out the Condors and Trams; they seem like good bang for your buck. I was starting to lean towards the parangatang; looks useful and fun to say. Not sure about the handles though. Now look like I have more research to do.




Yeah that's about where I sit NC. I kinda want this to be a one time only purchase; that's why I thought about going with a good name brand. I'll definitely check out the kabar kuhrki. I think a store around here has them in stock, so maybe I'll go and fondle one for a little while. Hopefully they'll have the others there as well to compare...

Hey Moose, how does the Grass machete deal with saplings? It's definitely more wooded around here. I'm not looking to baton anything with it, but might have to clear out some small saplings/trees.

Oh and Pirate, that's an awesome collection! 👍
Click to expand...

Works like a big ass knife. Most machete's are of thinner stock, it's easier to use in wet green vegetation.

The grass machete is of much thicker stock than an Imacasa or Tram. I love my Tramontinas.....

But the Grass machete is going to be more like an extra large knife with a softer Rc, it will whoop some saplings like they stole Grass's cookies.

And you have a comfy, rubber handle to help with the shock and a sling hook on the bottom.


Moose
 
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