Unleashing the Power of the Not-So-Impossible Machete!
Born in the heart of El Salvador, Condor Tool & Knife burst onto the knife scene with a flair for crafting machetes, and let’s be honest—they nail it. Their Parang-Style Impossible Machete is one of their most standout creations, taking the classic Malaysian parang and giving it a fresh, modern twist. It’s as if they’ve taken something old and made it cool enough to wear sunglasses!
Impossible Machete
Condor Tool & Knife delivers with the Impossible Machete, a standout inspired by Malaysian parangs. Weighing 23 ounces, it features a slim 0.20-inch blade that’s 10.89 inches long and an overall length of 16.71 inches. The rugged forged finish and leather-wrapped handle add a tough vibe reminiscent of Rambo IV props.
Crafted from 1075 High-Carbon Steel with a convex grind, this machete means business. The hand-crafted, leather-welted sheath completes the look.
While it’s not a traditional parang, it still performs well. The handle is comfy in a standard grip, avoiding the bite of cord-wrapped styles. Just be mindful of the exposed tang—it can restrict your grip, so stay on the leather where it feels best.
Parang-Style Impossible Machete Test
Kudos to Condor Tool & Knife for equipping the Impossible Machete with a convex grind. Unlike the common flat or hollow grinds, this design cuts smoothly without sticking. I tested it on a downed maple, and it sliced through effortlessly.
The machete is perfect for chopping finger-to-broomstick-thick green wood, like the branches I used to build a swamp grill that keeps you off the damp ground. I gathered thick “Y” branches and thinner pieces with just a few chops each. Using a pilot stick helped quickly drive those “Y” sticks into the ground.
When it’s time to cook, I keep the grill pieces off until I have a solid coal base.
Hacking It
Starting a fire is where the real fun begins for me outdoors. I use the “Big Blade” batoning method to split wood more efficiently and safely, allowing for greater precision. The Impossible Machete excels at reducing wood to kindling—just add your tinder, and you’re ready to go.
Resembling a true parang, its weight shifts toward the tip for excellent balance. I created shavings from a dead poplar branch at a 45-degree angle, and the machete produced smooth curls effortlessly, thanks to its wicked convex edge.
Equipped with a sharp point, it’s great for drilling and chopping bamboo. Since I didn’t have bamboo, I tested it on a downed hemlock. With quick wrist flicks, I drove the tip into the bark, allowing for swift and controlled penetration. When I delivered heavier chops, hitting the tough knots sounded like striking steel—my first battle scar appeared! Next time, I’ll use the spine to tackle those stubborn knots, just like the old-timers advised.
Summary
Condor Tool & Knife has created an ideal blend of portability and weight with the Impossible Machete, which is perfect for camping and survival. You could call a 12 to 14-inch version the Unbelievable Machete. MSRP: $154.42
For more information, please check out Condor Tool & Knife!
