CONDOR IMPOSSIBLE MACHETE

THIS NOT-SOIMPOSSIBLE MAGHETE DELIVERS

- REUBEN BOLIEU

Condor Tool & Knife is known for making old-timey patterns like period-piece tomahawks, Hudson Bay axes, and knives in the Kephart and Nessmuk styles. The company produces many new designs, too. With products manufactured in El Salvador, Condor Tool & Knife started on the knife scene making machetes, and seems to do that best. Its latest offering is a modern take on the time-tested Malaysian parang, with a few changes.

PARANG STYLE

Condor Tool & Knife makes several versions of parangs whose designs originate from Malaysia. The Impossible Machete is thinner than the company's parangs: 0.20 inches thick (5.0 mm), with a shorter blade than most, measuring 10.89 inches. The overall length is 16.71 inches. The classic forged finish and leather-wrapped handle give it a rustic look that would make you think it came out of the Rambo IV prop shop.

The Impossible's weight is approximately 23 ounces, and the steel is the Condor Tool & Knife standard: 1075 high-carbon steel with a convex grind. An attractive welted leather, handcrafted sheath completes the package.

MAKING THE CUT

Although this is not an authentic parang, it delivers similarly, except for the handle. First of all, the handle is comfortable in the regular grip because the leather is flat and doesn't bite into the hand like cord-wrapped handles will. Like an actual parang, the exposed tang (past the leather) prevents gripping way back on the knife handle for more reach and leverage because the metal bites into the fingers. It's best to use the knife where it's most comfortable and keep your hand on the leather.