Which Barong type blade is better?

[Tired_and_hungry]

Howdy,

I need a large blade/machete to clear heavy foilage and cut down small trees in a tropical environment and have been wanting to try out the effectiveness of the barong blade type. (I already own latin, kukri and Florida "cane knife" style machetes.)

So.....if you had to choose between

http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/97BAM18S/BARONG_MACHETE_18.aspx

OR

http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collecti...hete-full-tang-fixed-blade-safe-t-grip-handle

Which would be better? In my neck of the woods, they both cost the same.

 

[CWL]

I wouldn't choose either, since real barongs were used as weapons of war, not tools. You are describing a barong-like-object, which has nothing to do with the actual barong, besides marketing.

Regarding the steels of your two choices, 3Cr13 will not hold an edge well, while the 1055 carbon used by CS is more typical of machete blades, it may not hold an edge that long, but is easy to dress-up. I suspect that you'll need to reprofile both blades to get a good working edge.

If you really want one of these, especially for clearing heavy foliage, then the 18" blade would probably be better than the 14" one.

 

[mole]

They look like they cost a lot more than they're worth.

In the past two days I've watched two tv programs featuring natives in the Amazon. Both times they were using huge latin machetes. I'd guess 24" carbon steel blades. They were also just sharping them on river rocks.

 

[hso]

If you see "stainless" in a chopper you usually want to walk away if you have a carbon steel alternative. You won't be particularly happy with either if you're going to do any real work on brush.

If you want something of a S. Asian flare get a golock.

 

[Sam Cade]

I need a large blade/machete to clear heavy foilage and cut down small trees in a tropical environment and have been wanting to try out the effectiveness of the barong blade type.

The leaf blade shape puts the sweet spot farther back on the blade than is optimal for a chopper.
Given the 2 choices in post one, I'd pick neither.

I did a review of the CS/Lasher Barong last year. In a nutshell, I hated it.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=723023&highlight=barong

The Schrade Barong is "better" as a tool in most aspects but the blade on the example I had was crumbly under impacts.

 

[Sam Cade]

If you see "stainless" in a chopper you usually want to walk away if you have a carbon steel alternative.

IMACASA's Stainless 420HC is notable for the lack of suck.

 

[hso]

IMACASA's Stainless 420HC

Being the exception that proves the rule.

For anyone not knowledgable they should walk away from stainless chopper (or check in here).