There’s nothing wrong with the parang handle I made as posted earlier. But when I held the Sarawak parangs given by Mr Danny Voon from Kuching, I knew I needed to give my parang handle a make over. I have to do it, [...]]]>

The handle on the Sarawak parang given by Danny is really good

There’s nothing wrong with the parang handle I made as posted earlier. But when I held the Sarawak parangs given by Mr Danny Voon from Kuching, I knew I needed to give my parang handle a make over. I have to do it, the blade after all was purchased for this purpose.

The handle on the parang given by Danny was exceptional for a couple of reasons. First of all, the curve on it gives it a great contour, making it almost impossible for the parang to ‘fly off’ during use. Secondly, while the carvings on the handle makes it looks good, it also gave it a good grip. It creates friction and even in wet conditions, the parang can be held steadily.

The two parang handles comparison

I doubt if I can copy the handle and I know I may not be able to even come close at copying the carvings. But I want to try to make the ‘curve’ characteristics for the parang. It really does give it a ‘non’slip’ advantage. I don’t have a big piece of wood to do this. The only piece I could find was a piece of guava wood in a ‘Y’ shape. This will have to do I suppose.

This ‘Y’ shaped guava wood will have to do

It was scary. The parang is already fitted with a wooden handle I liked but the urge (and itch) to redo it is just too much. After much hesitation, I knew I had to get it over and done with. Otherwise the endless walk in and out of the store room admiring the Sarawak parang will see no end. Now … to remove the old handle, time to call in the chisel.

It was a painful decision really

Aaaargh…the heartache!

It was no turning back. I had to go on. Slowly, I made the hole insert for the parang tang. This time, carefully making sure that the hole is as straight as possible. Not wanting the blade to be offset again. Then, with the Fiskars hatchet and Mora, the new handle starts to take shape.

It was a slow, careful process shaping this wood handle

The pieces, including the steel pin is all held together with epoxy

As usual, another 12 hours of wait for the epoxy to harden. I decided to stick to the copper wire and at the end of the entire process, the below is the final outcome. I am very very pleased with this new parang handle. Improved? Yes, I would definitely say so.

It is really satisfying having completed this piece

This new wood parang handle is to stay

I doubt if I will attempt another parang handle on this same blade (blade made in Bidor). This one is for keeps and use definitely.


More posts on blades:

• Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
• Kitchen & bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Sarawak parangs with carvings- from Danny Voon
• Putting in a wooden handle; a DIY project
• The parang maker in Bidor
• Apai’s parang from Sarawak
• The Penan’s blade in Miri
• How a Penan harvest Umbut using his parang
• Wooden handle; a DIY project
• The parang shop in Temerloh
• The first parang Ilang from Sarawak

The first time I visited the Bidor parang maker, besides buying some pre-made blades, I decided to place an order for a custom piece. Of course I didn’t need yet another parang but I really wanted to improve on making wooden handles for parangs. For RM15, I thought [...]]]>

A wooden handle for my Parang Bidor

The first time I visited the Bidor parang maker, besides buying some pre-made blades, I decided to place an order for a custom piece. Of course I didn’t need yet another parang but I really wanted to improve on making wooden handles for parangs. For RM15, I thought I’d just invest on another blade, which was ready and collected in December 09.

Now, somehow this blade turned out to have a really good feeling to it. I re-handled it twice actually. The first time I handle it, the blade was a little bit ‘off-set’ to the left. It did not matter much for general use but when it came to more precise work like splitting bamboo, it became obvious that something had to be done.

I still had some of the Jambu (local guava) wood in my workshop. The first handle was done with a rather small piece. I no longer had large diameter pieces that could be shaped so I had to make do with what I had.

I only had this size of guava wood for the first attempt

As usual, the handle is sealed in with epoxy and a nail used as a pin as a backup.

Left the epoxy for a good solid 12 hours to set

Once set, it was down to the finer details for the handle piece. I can then file the wooden piece down to a smaller size that will fit my hand better, followed by wrap around with copper wires to help give it more strength as well as a rustic look. But bottom line, this parang has to be a user.

I used copper wire to wrap around the new handle as tightly as I can

I was really pleased with this parang handle. It was comfortable to hold and use. It was then only a matter of putting it into use, which I did. I used it a lot on several trips. Clearing bushes to make trails as well as splitting wood for fire. The only set-back was that the ‘butt’ of the handle was a bit narrow. A curve on the butt like a hook would help make the blade more secure in the hand. And of course the ‘off-set’ blade was another thing to worry about. So…I re-handled the parang wood handle few months later.


Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.

Many [...]]]> Here is a video of a traditional furnace which belongs to the Bidayuhs in Semban Sarawak. Local guide and villager Glen and his father was kind enough to setup the furnace just to demonstrate how their old furnace works. The feathers on the ‘plungers’ are not from chickens but from a particular type of raptor.

Many apologies for the poor sound recording.

I was equally astounded by the traditional blades used by the Bidayuh women in Semban. While the shapes of the blades are quite the same to their ‘bigger’ parang cousins, the method in which they are used is artistic. But the biggest surprise to me had [...]]]>

Kitchen knives used by the Bidayuh women in Semban

I was equally astounded by the traditional blades used by the Bidayuh women in Semban. While the shapes of the blades are quite the same to their ‘bigger’ parang cousins, the method in which they are used is artistic. But the biggest surprise to me had to be the use of bamboo as a cutting tool.

Shaped similar to the Bidayuh Parang , even the Bidayuh women’s kitchen knives or ‘Sinark’ (in Bidayuh) has similar shape and characteristics. The blade, long and bent towards the handle, it requires some practice and getting use to master using it. Watching Sagen’s wife, I can’t help but realize how similar it is to how the Penan’s use their small knife (Penat). The end of the handle is tucked close to the body, often in elbow bent.

Sagen’s wife working on a pumpkin using a traditional Bidayuh knife

It comes as no surprise when we were introduced to the ‘Lonok’ or chewing kit.  Most women in the village can be seen carrying or at the very least using a ‘Lonok’, consisting of a knife, betel leaves, tobacco and other sorts of ingredients to chew. Attached to the kit is also a knife with a similar shape but often decorated with colors and sometimes carvings.

Note the knife attached to this Bidayuh ‘chewing’ kit (Lonok)

But the biggest surprise for me personally was the use of bamboo pieces as a cutting tool. It was by chance that we stumbled upon a Bidayuh lady, seated comfortably with her granddaughter on her lap slicing tobacco leaves. The tobacco leaves, harvested from the nearby farm was folded carefully and sliced finely for drying. The lady had many pieces of the bamboo by her, ready for use.

A bamboo piece being used to thinly slice folded tobacco leaves for drying- Pic by Meun

A Bidayuh lady working with her bamboo blades while the granddaughter looks on

Well, it is no surprise that she used bamboo for this purpose. Bamboo has many uses, from building materials to cooking pots but this is the first time ever I have ever seen in real life it being used as a cutting tool. I have also heard of bamboo pieces being used as spears, with certain bamboo ‘species’ having the ability to puncture and pierce through animal bones. As the Bidayuh lady continued working on her tobacco, she finally worked through the pile of bamboo pieces she had with her. I was expecting her to start cutting up new pieces of bamboo, instead, she removed a small blade, very similar to the one attached to a ‘Lonok’ and started sharpening her bamboo blades. Happy with the new ‘sharpness’ on the bamboo blade, she continued on with her work.

The Bidayuh lady sharpening her bamboo blade using a metal knife

I wondered by she didn’t just use the metal knife to slice the tobacco leaves. Our guide wasn’t really sure of the real reason but one reason could be the fact that the bamboo blades are free and easy to sharpen. They have been used for such a long time and back then, metal blades would probably be expensive and difficult to obtain.

Bamboo blades…I never thought I’d see one in use ever. It was a real honor watching  it being used. We are putting together a video on the blades and will be putting it up really soon.

Other posts/ videos on Semban:

• Part I- A visit to Semban, the village above the clouds
• Part II- The hanging bamboo bridges of Semban
• Part III- The long walk up to Semban
• Part IV- The waterfalls at Semban
• Part V1- The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools
• Part V2- The kitchen and bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part VI- Traditional bamboo smoking pipe and great food
• Part VII- Sunrise and morning walk around Semban
• Part VIII- Old tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part IX- Ladies of the rings in Semban
• Video- The bidayuh’s hill paddy
• Video- The home made wooden pack that carries EVERTHING up Semban!
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional blades

Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.

The cutting tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban are really unique and inspiring. From large Parangs to kitchen knives, there are even ‘non-metal’ cutting tools still being used by these amazingly beautiful people. To me, they are true testaments of how a deep [...]]]>

The hilt of a Bidayuh’s Parang…wait till you see the rest!

The cutting tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban are really unique and inspiring. From large Parangs to kitchen knives, there are even ‘non-metal’ cutting tools still being used by these amazingly beautiful people. To me, they are true testaments of how a deep understanding and appreciation of life and the world around enables the creation of functional and practical tools. Amazing? You bet!

When I agreed to join Kuching nature guide Danny Voon on a trek to Semban village in Sarawak, I knew it was going to be more than just another jungle trek. Danny is a Parang collector, and having received his Parang gift, my visit to Semban was real icing on the cake.

At the trail head, where we met up with our guides and porter (Glen, Nyun & Desmund) I was immediately drawn to the Parang Glen was wearing around his waist. The Parang has only half the side of the sheath!

Glen’s Parang has only half the sheath!

Okay, naturally I asked Glen if I can see his Parang. The Parang has a unique shape and the sheath itself is the first of its kind I have seen in my entire life. I knew instantly that the trip would be a really interesting one. Glen allowed me to take pictures of his Parang.

The Bidayuh Parang

The other side of the Parang

According to Glen, the Parang sheath is deliberately designed and shaped that way. Experience has taught the Bidayuhs that a fully enclosed Parang sheath can be clogged up with dirt and wood chip from all the cutting and slashing, a situation where constant cleaning and rinsing is necessary. By doing away with one side of the sheath, there is no way the sheath will be clogged and work can continue with ease. What a fantastic idea!

Now, the sheath and blade may seem dangerous but its design and unique use of rattan to keep the blade in place makes it nearly impossible for the blade to cut the user. I know some people may refute this but seriously, the Bidayuh of Semban has probably been using this sort of design for generations.

According to our Bidayuh guide in Semban Mr Sagen, the Parang is called a ‘Bukok’ and a sheath is a ‘Sibong’. The shape is unique and preferred  because it keeps the user’s hand away from whatever object he/she is cutting. Sagen was prompt to point out that the Parang is a man’s constant companion when out in the jungle.

Mr Sagen showing and explaining the Bidayuh Parang

The other side of the Parang

It is only later that I realize that Danny too is using a similar Parang. The shape is distinctive; the only difference is that Danny’s Parang comes in a complete sheath. Danny, being an avid collector feels that the design is most practical and he is very used to it.

Danny's full sheath Parang

Interestingly, the shape of the Parang blade can also be seen in other cutting tools in Semban Below is a picture of 3 pieces of very old Bidayuh Parangs which belongs to Sagen’s family. The piece with the metal handle has been handed down within Sagen’s family for generations and is used for battle during the olden days. He knows for a fact that the blade has killed other human beings before (though he is not sure how many).

These Bidayuh ‘war’ blades may very well have tasted human blood before

To be continued…

Other posts/ videos on Semban:

• Part I- A visit to Semban, the village above the clouds
• Part II- The hanging bamboo bridges of Semban
• Part III- The long walk up to Semban
• Part IV- The waterfalls at Semban
• Part V1- The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools
• Part V2- The kitchen and bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part VI- Traditional bamboo smoking pipe and great food
• Part VII- Sunrise and morning walk around Semban
• Part VIII- Old tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban
• Part IX- Ladies of the rings in Semban
• Video- The bidayuh’s hill paddy
• Video- The home made wooden pack that carries EVERTHING up Semban!
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
• Video- Bidayuh’s traditional blades

Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.

Since my trip to Sarawak, I have fallen in love with parangs from Sarawak. Old school it may be but these blades of the Orang Ulu are amazingly functional and tried tested. I have a few parang Ilang but recent pieces given to me as gifts by Danny Voon [...]]]>

The beautiful parang gift from Danny

Since my trip to Sarawak, I have fallen in love with parangs from Sarawak. Old school it may be but these blades of the Orang Ulu are amazingly functional and tried tested. I have a few parang Ilang but recent pieces given to me as gifts by Danny Voon of Kuching has really impressed me a lot.

Danny hails from Kuching Sarawak and I got to know him here. He left a comment, we exchanged a few emails, followed by phone calls and soon realized the one obvious thing we have in common is a keen interest in native blades. It turns out that Danny runs kayaking trips in Kuching, ranging from short river trips to paddles that last up to 8 hours! He also does personalized trek to ‘less traveled’ places in Borneo. Perfect! And a few months after I first got to know him, Danny came to KL for a visit. That’s when he surprised me with 2 pieces of most beautiful parang from Sarawak that I have ever seen.

A comparison to my Mora Viking

I was speechless when I saw the parangs. I did not know what to say. They were way more beautiful than any blades I have ever seen. Danny assured me over and over again that the blade was a user blade, meaning it is for real use. The carvings on the handle and the sheath were made by an Iban smith. All handmade and completed just a couple of days before he came over to K.L.

Note how the string is threaded through the sheath

A closer look

The amount of detail that goes into the making of this parang is amazing. Danny, an avid collector himself described to me he only met this particular craftsman recently and found his work to be extremely unique. All the work is handmade using traditional tools and the carvings adorns both sides of the sheath which is rare. Most commonly found parangs would have carvings only on the outer side it seems.

The carving on the hilt

These belongs to the craftsman- Picture by Danny Voon

Above are some pieces owned by the same craftsman and the tools to the right are tools for carving. I told Danny I would love to meet this traditional craftsman. A good excuse to go to Kuching. In the mean time, thank you so very much Danny for this beautiful parang from Sarawak. As much as you insist that I use it, unfortunately it will remain as part of my most treasured collection items.


Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.

This is a small parang ‘gift’ project for a friend. I will have to make the wooden handle for it, as well as a sheath. The blade was purchased from the Bidor parang maker some time back. A standard blade sold everywhere. I decided to do this project for two [...]]]>

A parang handle making project

This is a small parang ‘gift’ project for a friend. I will have to make the wooden handle for it, as well as a sheath. The blade was purchased from the Bidor parang maker some time back. A standard blade sold everywhere. I decided to do this project for two reasons. As a gift and more so as a ‘practice’ at making handles for parang.

The piece of wood used to make this parang handle comes from Pokok Limau Nipis (Citrus Aurantifolia if not mistaken) . One of my neighbors recently had a major yard overhaul and decided to rid of his Limau Nipis. He piled his entire ‘unwanted’ yard outside his house. I went over while walking Sox and liberated some. It’s a blessing to be living in a neighborhood where bushcraft is a non-practice.

The blank Bidor parang blade for my project

This was the closest blade I can find that resembled Meun’s parang from Sarawak. Meun asked me why not I just order another piece from Sarawak. Well, her parang took close to 8 months to be completed, by the time it is done, I would have to give me friend 2 parangs instead of 1.

The Bidor parang blade compared to Meun’s Sarawak parang

So, with a piece of the wood cut off, my first task was to choose the best ‘alignment’ for the blade and the handle. Then it is off to the electric drill.

Drilling an insert into the wood for the parang’s tang

The tang inserted into the wood handle

Next up…shaping the handle. Well, not the final shape but to get it ‘roughly’ to the intended size. For this, I covered the entire blade with tape so that it doesn’t accidentally ‘bite’ me.

The blade is taped so that I can work safely around the handle

The Fiskars Hatchet worked like a charm. Combined with the carbon steel Mora, shaping the wooden handle is a breeze.

Getting there!

Good thing that there’s already a small pin hole on the tang of the parang blade. After a few measuring, I started drilling the hole on the wood piece for the pin. This is tricky as I may end up with holes on the handle that isn’t really aligned with the tang. But after some adjustment, I manage to fit all of them into place.

I used a nail a pin to keep the parang’s handle and blade together

Now I am ready to put the wood handle, blade and nail together. I use epoxy as fillers and allowed it to sit for a good 12 hours before continuing work.

12 hours later, the epoxy has hardened completely

This is the part that I have wanted to learn to do for a long time. I see only the ‘Turks head’ hitching being used to bind the end of the wooden handle. But most of the time, it is either a metal or brass fitting. I am using a coarse fishing line,. I am not sure what hitching or wraps this is but it turned out okay. The purpose of this is to help strengthen this particular section of the wooden handle. It is the area on the handle that probably gets the most stress when chopping.

The hitching on my parang

And finally, some finishing touches with sandpaper. While I am inclined to polish the handle to perfection, I think I am leaving it as it is this time. The imperfections are my mark. Now that I have completed the parang handle, I would probably have to make a sheath for it next.


Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.

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, [...]]]>

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!

Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.

My jungle Parang is probably the second most important thing I carry whenever I head into the jungle (besides my Mora fixed blade). I recently bought a Parang blade from a maker in the southern state of Johor. I immediately fell for the blade because of its shape. [...]]]>

The parang blade I got from Johor

My jungle Parang is probably the second most important thing I carry whenever I head into the jungle (besides my Mora fixed blade). I recently bought a Parang blade from a maker in the southern state of Johor. I immediately fell for the blade because of its shape. It reminded me of the Parang Ray Mears used in his book ‘Bushcraft’. Though I doubt the quality of the blade, I decided that it would be a good piece to try my hands on putting a handle in.

This is my first time re-handling a blade (of any type) and not having the luxury of tools (my only electrical tool I had was a drill) added to the challenge. I don’t even have a work table! Anway, I am determined. My main tools are as below:

Mora Viking (Carbon Steel)
Leatherman Wave (saw)
Electric drill
2 pcs of nails
Epoxy

I used the dried wood of the Guava tree. The piece of wood has been sitting at home for months now. I needed a parang handle that is both comfortable to hold and more importantly secure. The last thing I need is for the blade to fly off during use.

I started by carving out the shape of the handle. I decided to keep a ‘knot’ on the piece of wood as the butt of my handle.

Shaping my wooden parang handle

Thank God for the Mora. Nothing I have used comes close to it’s edge. Love them. My Viking made the carving so much easier. At the end of it, despite my best effort, I ended with the below. Not exactly Ray Mears material but it’ll have to do.

My parang blade and the carved handle compared to Mr Mear’s version.

Next, I used the electric drill to drill the hole o insert the tang of the parang. This is probably the hardest part of all. I tied the handle to a post to help the drilling process.

The hole I made using the electric drill to insert the parang’s tang

I plan to use epoxy to fill hole and the parang tang together. But I needed an ‘insurance’ that the blade will not fly out during use. With a steel bit at the end of my electric drill, I made two holes through the handle for steel pins to keep the blade in. The steel pins I fashion from pieces of nails using my Leaterman wave. It took me like forever to make them holes.

I decided to have two pins in place to ensure that the parang blade and handle stays together

I fashioned them pins for the parang handle from nails

I know have everything in place. The only thing left is to tidy the wooden handle to make it look more presentable. Cosmetics are important but I was just an impatient worker. I decided to mix the epoxy together and get the pieces stuck together as soon as I can.

Epoxy in, followed by the tang and finally the pins.

It took the epoxy approximately 13 hours to cure. After the long wait, I finally sat down and looked into the finer details of the cosmetics of my newly re-handled parang. All in, it too me about 3 hours to make the handle, 13 hours to wait for the epoxy to cure and half hour to sand paper it.

Not the most good looking parang handle but I reckon it will do the job. Below are pictures of the completed handle.

The parang today

The wooden parang handle today

The two 'nail' pins in the handle

Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.

Check out also this blog www.sepuh-crafts.com for a peak into our parang collection.