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![Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete [31-002289]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41bCoFjOCoL._AC_.jpg)
First off, this parang is NOT a part of the recall. Gerber issued a voluntary recall statement on its website which states that model numbers 31-000698, 31-001507, 31-000986, 31-001111, and 30-0006010 could break during use and cause a serious safety concern. Instead, this review regards model "31-002289" which so happens to be a superb machete for serious adventurers/enthusiasts who love the raw outdoors and also for the weekend warriors.
My friend had the old parang machete, but because he had sent it to Gerber to receive the new one, we can't exactly compare ours to the previous version. But I can say this, especially for those who have seen this parang being sold before on Amazon, this parang design had an extremely high number of positive reviews.
With that being said, let's get on with the pro(s) and con(s):
Pro(s):
- Very affordable
- Sharp out the box (isn't exactly razor sharp where you can shave a man's face with, but you can slice paper into ribbons)
- Good sized handle with a rough rubber texture (you can still get a terrific grasp even with gloves on)
- Comes with a sheath
- Relatively light-weight
- Extremely easy to sharpen
Con(s):
- 1/8 inch thick blade (enough to cut through dense brush, and thick branches; however, not recommended to split/baton wood with it unless other means are absolutely not available)
Note(s):
- Sheath is decent (it's not terrible, but if you have Kydex or other sheath making materials, I would go ahead and make another sheath for this parang)
I used this parang on my recent long hiking trips and camping trips in the woods. I was able to hack through just about everything. The only thing I avoided was using it as a log splitter/baton because I really didn't feel it was necessary to push the parang to its extremes especially when I had an axe with me designed for splitting logs (primarily pine in my area).
Overall, this parang is a "best value for your money". You can abuse this parang (within reason) and it will be continue to serve you. It's great to bring with on many long hiking trips and for camping. It's a wonderful machete because it doesn't hurt your wallet and your heart won't ache if it gets damaged or lost because a replacement is affordable. It's honestly a great buy for under $30.
Thanks for reading this review.
- T. Ho
***UPDATE***
There has been a recall regarding the machete's SHEATH where people have cut themselves while drawing out the blade. Unfortunately, I don't have a fix for this. What I have done instead was made myself Kydex sheath. It is very easy to make especially for this machete.
Anyhow, as always, please be careful when using this machete.
Thank you,
- T. Ho
| Brand | GERBER GEAR |
|---|---|
| Handle Material | Rubber,Steel |
| Blade Material | High Carbon Steel |
| Style | Modern |
| Item Weight | 1.8 Pounds |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00013658136564 |
| Manufacturer | Gerber Legendary Blades |
| UPC | 013658139053 013658136564 013658136588 |
| Part Number | 31-002492N-1 |
| Item Weight | 1.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 25.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches |
| Item model number | 31-002289N |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Old |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Other |
| Power Source | AC/DC |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 5 |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Special Features | Full Tang |
| Usage | personal |
| Included Components | Knife |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
