Gerber is recalling about 119,000 Bear Grylls Parang machetes due to laceration hazard. There’s a part of the handle that can break off during use, leading to handle or blade failure.
There have been 24 reports of breakages including one laceration injury that did not requite stitches.
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If you bought one of these machetes between January 2011 and June 2012, or Gerber’s Apocalypse Survival Kit, stop using it and contact Gerber about a free replacement. You can reach them at (877) 314-9130 Monday-Friday 9-5 PT.
More Info via US CPSC
Kevin
Yikes.I was looking for a machete this past spring to clear brush, passed on the Gerber/Fiskars cause none of them had a full tang and was fearing handle breakage. Glad I went with the Ontario 18 inch full tang Machete, and its made in NY state to boot.
Mahalo
Kevin, you did a good job on your research and made a good decision to avoid a machete without a full tang.
Stuart, I remember you discussing in another post awhile back that you weren’t sold on the whole Bear Grylls line. One of the issues you noted was lack of full tang, and also that they were basically re-branded and up-priced versions of Gerber’s existing tool line. To you I say: Good call!
Stuart
Here’s the post I believe you’re referring to.
Since then I’ve seen a couple more user testimonials, and while the Bear Grylls knives and tools seems to have sold really well with consumers, there’s not a lot of confidence among heavier users. They’re either priced higher than near-identical models without much difference in functionality, or priced much lower than near-identical-looking models with a significant difference in quality.
To be fair, there are a couple of gems in the line. It appears that this machete isn’t one of them.
Jerry
I’ve got several Ontario machetes. The standard, the ‘long’ one, with the loop on the handle, and the ‘sawback’ one. For just a couple dollars more, the sawback has fast become my favorite. Also, if you go with an Ontario, look for one with the GI style sheath. It may be the best sheath I have ever seen for a machete.
Jim
Seems like Gerber is recalling quite a few of their products. But most for Laceration dangers. Lol. Well come on people. They are bladed tools. Of course you can be lacerated if your a careless moron.
Ron
Regardless of the recall, this was the best machete I ever used and would like to purchase a new or used one