^^^ Hmmm - Gotta agree TBI'd say 92 (hook present) to 99 (locking nub on sd not present ..... I think)
Respectfully, I am curious why you date this Ranger 1986 to 1992? I may be misinformed, I've not been on here in a while. But the scissors pivot and the package hook "all purpose" hook started in or about '91, 92' as I understand it.
Nice collection, by the way. Like you, some of the most interesting stuff I have is from flea markets or something I've been to hell and back with.The tang stamps are helpful in date coding but are definitely not the only thing to look at. Aside from the tangs, check:.Scissors pivot pressed or screw (screw prior to 91/92).Corkscrew flouted or not (stopped in 70's or early 80's. Forget off top of my head).Large screwdriver /Bottle opener slip lock at 90° or not.Whether or not the multi hook exists (91 or 92 and newer).Keyring - is attachment a shim, or does it fill a layer? Obviously a bail is even older..Height of layer division shims.Backside Philips: does it have a can key slot or not? (80's to 92?).Bottle opener or Can opener metal finish in the craw area. (Older ones sometimes not so smooth, usually pre-1980's.Cellidor scales, when removed, are more solid on older ones.Tweezers handle material, metal or plastic. I dont tend to use that as the tweezers can be easily moved from one knife to another. But if everything else adds up old and the tweezer handle it metal, it's more of a confirmationMetal inlays: Many are now hot stamped like more recent L.L. Bean offerings. Someone else can tell my the TYPE of metal but not me.For what its worth. And please correct me if I am wrong
Re: Dates - I've just gone by the tangs on them, but have seen experts on reddit point out the tiniest details on tools etc that might hone in my broad predictions. Will see if someone comes along and adds anything.
Waiter1986 - 1991
Nice restoration on a rough SAK. I see you are in the UK. When you get up in the morning and put on your trousers, what SAK or other pocket tool do you put in a pocket? You have a lot of nice things, but do you carry any of them? Best wishes. G
Nice restoration job! And I like the awl with no sewing eye. Very likely it was made in or before 1985.
Nice work, SAK42!
Metal inlays were last used around 1980, if memory serves me correctly. And by "slotted screwdriver," I assume you mean the Phillips has a can key?
Were it a 91mm, I'd say 1986-2005. I don't know if the 84mm tang stamps changed at the same time, though. A very sweet SAK!
Have you started polishing any blades yet? I used to use Simichrome polish until I finally ran out of it. Not something you would use to remove deep scratches, but a first class metal polish anyway. You seem to have a good eye for picking up some choice SAKs. Do you not buy Wengers? Best wishes. Gary