Awesome! I wasn't expecting that the quality will be above my expectations. I was thinking that probably because its affordable the quality will be meh. But to my surprise, it is actually well made! It comes decently sharp. So sharp I've already cut myself accidentally. What I like too about it is, it doesnt have a hollow grind. Not sure what angle is it but it's not the same as usual knives you'll get with their factory made edges. The finish on the blade is great too! It's matte. It has weight to it which it should have because its a machete. It looks and it feels like it'll handle hard use.
Thanks Tactical Asia for bringing this awesome blade in the Philippines and also a COD mode of payment and on top of that. A very fast delivery! Only took probably 4 to 5 days from ordering and receiving it.
★★★★★ / ★★★★★

I own traditional Barongs and this only weighs nearly half of the real one, easier to sharpen too. Mine came in decently sharp, but not sharp enough to slice paper and shave your leg with. Luckily, 1055 steel is easy to work with.

This is my first Cold Steel machete and I have owned several Tausug-made Barong, and this one stays true to the original. Like several others, mine came only decently sharp and had to be resharpened. Good thing about this blade profile and the steel type is it's easy to sharpen. It's now hair shaving sharp. Aside from the mentioned specs, the blade feels quite balanced, light but hefty.

The Barong arrived 2 days ago, it is beautiful as it is deadly. I didn't expect that i would sort of be starting a collection but I have 2 Gladius, 1 steel Tiger karambit, and now but not the least the Barong (all ordered here in TACTICAL ASIA) hephep. . . with the Gladius you can also swing it but the it hurts your wrist, when stopping your force (it primary fighting still is thrusting). . . with the Barong, it will go with full force so train properly so you wont cut yourself. . . negotiations with the Tactical Asia staff was and is still excellent, number of days upon delivery was and still A+. . .

Pros:
- The black finish will prevent superficial rusts.
- Handle is smooth and comfortable enough, even without additional wrappings.
- The heft will chop harder than a Latin style machete

Cons:
- The weight will be heavier than you'd think.
- Get your file and sharpening stones, because you'll need them before cutting with this.