Parang query

[greensurfingbear]

Hey guys just wondering if anyone has put a new handle on a parang? I picked one up last time was in Malaysia its got a nice blade but it has a plastic handle which I don't like. It needs a good sharpening as its not got the best edge but other than that's its not bad. Next time I go out will keep my eyes open for wooden sheathed one.

 

[BOD]

You will have a hard time finding a wooden handled and wooden sheathed one if you are just passing through West Malaysia. If you are in Borneo wooden ones are is easy to come by

You should consider PM-ing bandel4 for advice.

 

[greensurfingbear]

I've laws who live in KL who are keeping their eye out for one while on their daily travels. think i will have more luck with my wifes uncle who lives in Borneo.

 

[greensurfingbear]

damn the editing bug.....whats up with that!

I meant to say I've in laws living in KL!

 

[BOD]

Little chance of finding a good wooden blade and matching sheath in KL. Your best bet is the Borneo uncle. Where is he? Not that it matters as its easy to get reasonable blades anywhere there

Don't buy from tourist shops though as the tang may be quite short and poorly fixed.

 

[greensurfingbear]

Thanks for the advice, if things pan out we are off to Sabah for a while next time we go over.

 

[Hedgehog]

Ha! I have one very similar in my workshop - belongs to a friend.

Great balance & seems to be a fair quality blade & has stood up to regular use - he's a big muscular chap so I guess any weakness would have shown by now.

His has more recurve & a different stamp & a pin behind the ferrule - he claims it is police issue but I'm not sure.

The little retainer strap broke so I'm lining the throat of the sheath for friction retention.

I so want to re-handle it & make a leather sheath for it too though.

 

[trekkingnut]

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68651

i rehandle parangs, with the parang itself, chopping a piece of short wood into the shape of the handle i want, using something else to make the hole, sliding it all in and then melting tree resin into the gap. never failed on my yet before anyone starts making any comments about tree resin not being strong enough and i use one in the jungle at work for up to 8 months of the year.... can also be done in reverse, square piece of wood holed, threaded and set, then carved.

example from minang tribe in western sumatra whilst working in an internally displaced persons camp:

 

[Hedgehog]

Nowt wrong with tree resin.

Valianco golok is held by a combination of friction & powdered ants! The melted chitin is a strong substance.

Now you mention it I have one issue with your post trekkingnut - job envy...lol.

Great photo BTW.

 

[trekkingnut]

Nowt wrong with tree resin.

Valianco golok is held by a combination of friction & powdered ants! The melted chitin is a strong substance.

Now you mention it I have one issue with your post trekkingnut - job envy...lol.

Great photo BTW.

hahahh job envy???? go get yourself a different job then! arent you an artist? thats pretty awesome too!!!!

 

[mentalnurse]

i have one just like that , mines rehandled now.