Huntsman vs Ranger

[SAKHuntsman]

Hi everyone

I am a big fan of multitools, especially Victorinox, since my dad gave me an Escort when i was 10. i was thinking of buying either a Ranger, or a Huntsman. I was just wondering what you guys though, which one you prefer. I was also wondering the effectiveness of the saw (metal and wood), width of ranger vs huntsman, so forth
Thanks
SAKHuntsman

[Huntsman]

Hello SAKHuntsman,
Not sure I completely approve of your user name  - But hey ho 
And of course I had to reply to your post 

I carried a Huntsman for many years - A couple of years ago I decided to upgrade to a Ranger for my EDC.
I thought the metal file would be useful for ..... metal filing/cutting of course - But also nail trimming.

Net result ?? I down graded to a Wenger Traveller (3 layer with scissors) !! Huh ??
- I have an office job and found I really did not need either saw during the week.
- The file as a nail file is very aggressive
- And even though the extra thickness and weight is minimal - Somehow it seemed to make a big difference in my pocket!! 

I carry the Ranger at weekends sometimes

To answer your questions:
Both saws are awesome at what they do.
You'd have to be a little careful with the metal saw - As it cannot be sharpened - So after very extensive use it will wear out.

So - as always - the answer is it depends what you are going to use it for.
If you have to choose one or the other - I'd say Ranger - Then you have both!

Hope that helps

[SAKHuntsman]

Thanks Huntsman,

I think i will probably buy the ranger, as you suggested, but i will definitely be careful how much i use the saw

Thanks

[Kampfer]

Welcome to MTO, our motto is : when in doubt, get both! 

[magentus]

Welcome SAKHuntsman - I agree with the previous - either buy a Ranger or both. Having EDC'd a Huntsman for several years I can attest to the utility of the woodsaw (now I EDC a Woodsman because I couldn't decide between the Explorer and the Huntsman), so a Ranger gives you both saws (I think the metal file works well too).

You may well find though that you have the same experience as Huntsman, and end up with a completely different SAK! That tends to happen here. 

I didn't know I wanted an Explorer until I saw one, and then I had to have one, but it didn't have a saw so yadda yadda yadda, I bought a Swisschamp and chopped it down to a Woodsman.

[styx]

First off welcome to the forum. As to your question, I really would go for best tool for your needs. So it's not just if you'll EDC it but realistically how often do you have a need for a metal file/saw when you do envision yourself carrying it.

I should also mention that I don't have either as I'm not a huge fan of cellidor and even less of a fan of the back tools

[Kampfer]

I have a Craftsman, love it, my favorite SAK, it has everything.

[Smaug]

Once you get more than 3 layers thick, it can't really comfortably be pocket carried without a pocket hanger, in my opinion.

Both of those are more than 3 layers thick, so get the Ranger and either a belt pouch or make a pocket hanger, which keeps it vertical in the pocket, and moves the weight of it to your belt. Also, you won't lose it if it falls out when you put your feet up. (Mountaineer shown)






Also, I assume you already have a smaller SAK for comfortable pocket carry, right? RIGHT?

You can't go wrong with a Rambler or Manager. If you don't like it in the pocket like I do, lots of guys put them on their keys. (it makes the keys too bulky though, IMO)

[WoodsDuck]

get the Ranger and either a belt pouch or make a pocket hanger, which keeps it vertical in the pocket

While trying to find a US dealer carrying the curb chain, I came across a very good deal on a Victorinox MultiClip with two chains (longer chain not pictured.) This setup has been working really well for me; it suspends 91mm and 111mm SAKs perfectly in my pocket.
I also recommend the Ranger. I've been thoroughly enjoying mine (pictured) even though it has an older version of the file.

[Smaug]

While trying to find a US dealer carrying the curb chain, I came across a very good deal on a Victorinox MultiClip with two chains (longer chain not pictured.) This setup has been working really well for me; it suspends 91mm and 111mm SAKs perfectly in my pocket.
I also recommend the Ranger. I've been thoroughly enjoying mine (pictured) even though it has an older version of the file.

That is pretty smooth. I used to have the belt clip part of it, but seem to have lost it.

The chains are nice too.

I guess it's a matter of whether one wants to pay for a nice-looking pocket hanger or make a less formal one.

[Aloha]

The Vic belt thing is awesome highly recommended.  I use mine for tools or keys as well.

[firiki]

Hi and welcome to 


I pondered upon this very question for a long time and my answer still doesn't satisfy me fully. That answer is 'it depends'.


Overall, I prefer the Huntsman because it fits better in my hand when using the knife blades and the pry tools/screwdrivers. Plus, it comes with nylon scales that I like better than cellidor ones. It has the tools I use most often, hook and corkscrew included. Wood saw is amazing for its size, its effectiveness depending on the condition of the piece of wood you're working on and your technique. It lasts quite a bit with frequent use.


The metal file/saw is very useful for a lot of small jobs and if used on softer materials, especially the newer one, should last a very long time. The nail cleaning tip on it is good for scaping off dirt, water salts, silicone seals and stuff and even better if you rough its edges up one bit. I'm happy I have it when the need arises. The rest of the tools on the Ranger, the chisel I haven't really used yet but it works. The small flathead got me out of a tight spot once; I was fighting a tiny curtain screw that was all rounded and at a bad angle against the wall.


Having said all that, I feel I must say I find the Vic Handyman (Ranger+SAK pliers) a better balanced SAK than the Ranger. In conclusion, I'd be hard pressed to pressed choose between the Huntsman and the Handyman.


Maybe you noticed I didn't mention scissors. Vic scissors are simply awesome for what they are. SAK pliers can come in pretty handy, too. 


I sincerely hope this helps.

[gardenvalley]

Get the Ranger because it has more tools and more is better. Always.
Then get the Huntsman because it has less tools and less is more. Sometimes.
When faced with decisions like this it is better to consider the meaning of the facts rather than the facts themselves which can often be misleading. Only then will you come to realise that the facts have no meaning. Ever.
I hope this helps.

[firiki]

One could question that way of reasoning but I like the way you think

[styx]

Look, by the end of this whole ordeal you'll have a Hunstman, a Ranger, 3 Farmers, 2 Alox Ramblers, a Swisschamp, a one handed Trekker, an Electrician and a custom alox on the way that will be some hybrid of the Ranger and MechaRouge. That's how MTO works

[Grass]

Look, by the end of this whole ordeal you'll have a Hunstman, a Ranger, 3 Farmers, 2 Alox Ramblers, a Swisschamp, a one handed Trekker, an Electrician and a custom alox on the way that will be some hybrid of the Ranger and MechaRouge. That's how MTO works

Curses! Where does one get an Alox Rambler!? (besides SwissBianco)

[styx]

I got no idea, but I'm sure there are a lot of people on here that will help out with that particular dream

[cody6268]

My advice, get the Fieldmaster instead of the Huntsman.   I only need a corkscrew for when I'm cleaning my Conestoga 60MM Big Bang carbide gas cannon, for cleaning the barrel with a vinegar soaked cotton  ball. I figure all I'll need is a Waiter for that since I use a corkscrew so rarely.  You'll be using that Phillips driver much more.

Personally, I like the Craftsman, which adds a number of tools to the Ranger. Sure, the pliers are much smaller than that of a traditional pliers-based tool like a Leatherman, but I can still use them for many things, like pulling stuck zippers cutting thin wire, and in some cases, the Victorinox pliers will fit in places Leatherman pliers won't.

Get what you want, but reaalize youll likely end up getting more tools.    In fact I just bought three of the small SAKS last night.   

[WoodsDuck]

Personally, I like the Craftsman, which adds a number of tools to the Ranger.

Aside from swapping the corkscrew for the screwdriver, it just adds the pliers. Unless I'm having some sort of memory lapse.

[sir_mike]

I have looked at the Huntsman many times but always ended up with the Ranger.  I just think the tool set is great and if you go out somewhere hiking, biking camping or whatever, just throw a Leatherman in your back pack and you have it all.

For a lighter carry, I sometimes carry the Spartan, which is like a Tinker but with a corkscrew so I can keep a mini screwdriver with me for my glasses if I need one!

I also have a Rambler on my keys as to me it is the perfect small sak!

[now you ready]

What for this question?
For 1 mm thickness you will get 3 tool!!

[SAKHuntsman]

thanks guys, i got the huntsman in the end its great!

[styx]

Congrats. Now keep on posting and let the addiction take over

[kirk13]

Congrats. Now keep on posting and let the addiction take over

 

Although,just having caught up with this,I'm very surprised no-one quoted the other MTo motto: Get a Farmer!

[styx]

Congrats. Now keep on posting and let the addiction take over

 

Although,just having caught up with this,I'm very surprised no-one quoted the other MTo motto: Get a Farmer!

It was said indirectly

[Smaug]

thanks guys, i got the huntsman in the end its great!

Congratulations! You couldn't go wrong with either of them, and the Huntsman is more pocket-friendly.

Is that a band aid on your thumb? Did it bite you already? 

[sawman]

Now you need a Swiss Champ 

[Caranthanus]

Now you need a Swiss Champ 

+1    ... believe it or not

[SAKHuntsman]

[/quote]
Is that a band aid on your thumb? Did it bite you already? 
[/quote]

Yep within 15 seconds - i forget how sharp they are!

[Smaug]

...more is better. Always.

Oh, like more illness? (And that's what this is, make no mistake )