New Condor Parang Machete $39.95

New Condor products arriving soon! We are the first website to obtain the new Condor product line. Product should arrive by the end of April.

We are very excited about the new Condor high-carbon Parang Machete, which features an 18 inch long, 1/4 inch thick blade for serious chopping.

Based on a design popular in SE Asia and Malaysia in particular, the Condor parang features a hardwood handle and expoxy-coated blade. Also soon to be offered, the optional leather sheath, perfect for this unusual and effective blade style.

The Machete Hook

There is nothing more important for cutting down on the time it takes to clear brush and tall grasses than the "gancho" or hook.

Typically, the hook is made in the field out of a bifurcating branch as the image above shows. By using the hook in the opposite hand as that which wield the machete, considerable time and effort can be saved. Just a few advantages:

1) Keeps hands further from where the machete will be cutting to avoid accidents.
2) Pulls vegetation taught so that it can be cut more easily.
3) Prevents animal and snake bites by eliminating the need to grasp with the hands.
4) Pulls vegetation aside to expose the stalks and trunks of plants for easy cutting.
5) Prevents cut vegetation from interfering with areas still to be cut.
6) Protects from thorns and briars.
7) Can be used to pull obstacles such as fallen limbs out of the way to allow unrestricted cutting.

Check out this video showing Don Fernando Caamano, a veteran machete-man, taking care of some brush with a 24 inch Hansa lampon machete.

Trimming Native Grasses

Using native grasses for landscaping has become very popular here in the US. Machetes and hand sickles are the perfect tool for maintaining native grasses.

In early spring, dead leaves and flower stalks should be cut-back to provide space for new growth. Hand sickles and machetes are perfect for removing dead, unsightly vegetation. Last year's growth should be cut to about 4-6 inches above ground level.

Additionally, machetes can be used to divide overgrown clumps of grasses into smaller clumps for replanting.

Machetes and Woodlot Management Part 1

The machete can be a vital tool if you are a landowner looking to improve the economics and diversity of your woodlot.

1) Clear vegetation around new planting to reduce competition.
2) Clear diseased or non-viable trees to make room for valuable timber species.
3) Diversify transition zones between forest and field by creating tiered levels of vegetation.
4) Create brush piles for local wildlife.
5) Avoid straight lines and angles, remember that organic growth usually appears random.