I guess the Parang makers have gone upscale in terms of operations
I have always heard about the Bidor Parang. One local jungle survival instructor I know swears by the Parangs from Bidor. So, on an early morning drive back to Kuala Lumpur from Kedah, I decided to take a detour off the main highway, in search of the Bidor Parang maker.
I was lucky because on my GPS there is already a point marked as blade smith in Bidor. I followed it, turning into the main town and then ending up in a Chinese town. Asking the locals there, it turns out that the blade smith has moved. They gave me some directions and half and hour later, I was at the gates of Parang Cap Pedang Bidor ‘mini’ factory.
I met Mr Ming, a friendly chap who took the time to show me around the factory. Now this is no ‘back the house’ operation. They may have started so years back in their old place but they have obviously expanded their operations. There were several furnaces and not to mention a showroom.
The entrance to the ‘mini’ Parang Bidor showroom
So many choices of Parang. Spolit by choice!
The Bidor Parang factory even have a range of sharpening stones for their clients to choose
I found a few pieces of blades I wanted. Mainly to practice making Parang handles. I brought a few pieces at a really good price. Well, this is direct from factory, can’t get any better
Some of the pieces of Parang Bidor I liked
There were several pieces of ‘Pisau Raut’. They are normally small blades with a flat grind on one side and is usually attached to a long handle for carving and other ‘finer’ work.
Some of the Pisau Rauts available at the factory
The few pieces of Cap Pedang blades from Bidor which I purchased
Mr Ming told me that they moved to the new location less than half a year ago. Looking around, I would say that the factory is doing really well. There were stacks of metal pieces waiting to be turned into all sort of cutting tools. There were at least 4 furnaces and 8 staffs working that day.
There were at least 4 furnaces at the factory
There were at least 4 furnaces at the factory
I have re-handled one of the blades I got from the factory. The blade after a bit more sharpening is turning out super sharp indeed. Gotta find time to bring it out for a try one day. In the mean time, I may very well drop by again in Bidor to visit this Cap Pedang parang maker, this time maybe they will let me have a go at their furnaces!
Their stuff have been trusted for so many years by the PFF…. I have one myself that has been around for almost 39 years now….
And all my parangs are either made in Bidor or Behrang!
But at the end of the day, it’s the hand that uses and cares for it that will ensure the parang will serve its purpose week in and week out.
Hi Forestgump! You are probably one of the few people I know that uses the Parang second to nature because of what you do. I have visited both the Bidor and Behrang parang makers. Good stuff. And again, can’t agree more that a Parang will be the great tool in the right hands.
Keong,
Do you know if they will make customized blades and handles? I prefer my parangs and blades to be full tang. They have some nice blades there but it all looks like they are not full tang.
Hi Kenny!
Yes, they do make custom blades. Though it may take some time.
Cut out the template of your blade and bring it to them.
Email coming your way!
Try Bahau or Kuala Pilah while youre in Negeri 9 or Raub if youre in Pahang too.
Batu Kurau is another place to get parangs too!
For Sabah – Kota Belud is the place!
ForestGump…where were you all this while? I have passed all these places so many times and never stoped to ask. Thanks for the tip dude.
Will be calling you for details the next time around.
dude,
I go fishing in Bidor all the time, Kg Coldstream 10kms from town. Never knew of this! You should pass me the contact. like Kenny, i like a full tang parang, perhaps a Kurkri type. wonder if they will do. At this point, any good parang at a decent price is all i need.
Maybe we can do a trip up together and i can intro you to the chinese kampung there. good hearted and honest ppl.
Hi Jeremy….you can call Mr Ming of ‘Cap Pedang’ at 012-537 1223. They churn out blades everyday, so its best that you bring a template along and give them some time to work on it.
But I am happy with the blade he made for me
Keong,
thanks so much for the pics of inside the factory, I’ve only even seen the pic of the factory from outside.
I’ve been communicating with Mr Chong Lai from there via email trying to arrange shipment of a few blades to Australia for me to use here.
we only have machetes available but I prefer to use parangs
Ah…I am glad that the post was useful to you Speedy.
You should come over one day and I can bring you there
Email coming your way!
Hi,
Actually looking for a parang with about 16 inch curved blade. Have you seen one there in the Bidor factory? No patience to wait for a custom made. Maybe the boss knows someone (his dealer) in KL. Would like to try to get it in KL first if possible. Thanks.
Hi Fuji…most hardware shops in KL don really carry parangs. Go to the outskirts for a better chance of getting one that you want.
The actual Bidor Parang maker that my unit has for more than 30 years plus been using is is MEH HENG and his cellphone no is 012 6335 166 and the one you highlighted is not the one that we go.
My humble and trusted advice is call this number that Ive written….
ALL of my parangs during my service with VAT69 and my men and I are still using this BIDOR brand in al of our jungle survival courses and jungl expeditions – one even was used in Irian Jaya!!!
Hi ForestGump…thank you so much for sharing this info with us.
I believe there’s at least 3 parang makers in Bidor. Knowing your background, I will take you word for it. I will try to pay Meh Heng a visit in the near future.
Thank you sir.