Ranger tool details. Could use some info.

[Stirling3749]

I'm thinking about getting a Vic Ranger and would like to know how some of it's tools compare to those of the Spirit X. (which I currently use)
It will be mainly used for wood shaping and general bushcraft. I like that it has a small blade, might even grind it down into more of a dedicated whittling blade shape but in any case the combination of the small blade, saw, file and awl is what makes me want this knife.
Thanks in advance.

Also...
Is it maybe possible to mod a camper to incorporate a file? that would be even better but I have no idea if it would work or if i'd be wasting my time.

[ICanFixThat]

The Ranger is a very nice knife... and don't forget it has the wood chisel too which will come in handy. 

Some people here could mod a Camper... but it's always easier to remove something that add it... so if you get the Ranger and find it is too fat for you... then you simply remove the layer you don't want (scissors I guess your thinkin) and put it back together with all the same pins.  Much easier than extending a knife with new tools and pins.  If you did open the Ranger, I'd recomment putting in the latest rippin stainless steel metal saw/file.

I've heard of a knife similar to a Ranger without scissors, but I've never seen it.  It must have been a very limited model; maybe a custom for some dealer/distributor.

However; mode widlers (sp?) do seem to prefer small knives, and modify the can-opener and caplifter tools if need be.

[Pacu]

Ranger next to a standard Spirit.



I carry my Ranger quite a bit. Prob more than the Spirit but way less than the Wave.
It's got a nice selection of tools.
Check out the Handyman too...it's got the Ranger tools and pliers...not too much bigger.

[Pacu]

whoops...forgot to pull out the saw

[Stirling3749]

Thanks for the picks.
The file looks quite a bit wider on the SAK (which I like) but is it as ebrasive as the Spirit's?

Good call on modding the can opener and cap lifter Icanfixthat, I was actually thinking about using a grinding wheel to make some chisels... which only makes the Camper make more sense... maybe swap scissors for a file? it's tempting to try.

[Pacu]

i would say the SAK file is as abrasive as the Spirit..maybe just a tad bit more aggressive

they are real close in comparison

[Stirling3749]

More aggressive is good.

[Pacu]

if you need anymore pics, angles, or comparison shots lemme know

[Neil]

I made something similar a couple of years back...



There are two types of file available the old and the new.  The new one is very aggressive.

[Benner]

I much prefer the older one myself. 

[ICanFixThat]

I Know!!  Add both files!!


The older one is good for finishing and getting a smooth surface.

[Neil]

They are very thin so adding both wouldn't add much to the size of the SAK

[Benner]

You've got me thinking now. 

[Gareth]

I Know!!  Add both files!!


The older one is good for finishing and getting a smooth surface.

I like that idea.

Back OT for a sec: A five layer SAK (like the Ranger) is as thick as I like to have for prolonged use, any fatter and it just doesn't fit my hand well. 

Oh and here's one of my early mods that you might like the look of, Ranger with scissors removed.

[Stirling3749]

Nice mods guys!
Having both files does sound good, I wonder why Victorinox doesn't just make one with two different sides.
...maybe the "metal saw" function wouldn't work as well.

[Neil]

I'd love them to do a diamond file.

[ICanFixThat]

Nice mods guys!
Having both files does sound good, I wonder why Victorinox doesn't just make one with two different sides.
...maybe the "metal saw" function wouldn't work as well.

The sides are different on most of the files, but the different files steel, steel/chrome, and stainless-steel are quite different.  SS one is quite different and I think it is harder to make a fine grind with.

[ICanFixThat]

....

Oh and here's one of my early mods that you might like the look of, Ranger with scissors removed.
... image earlier in thread ...

That is VERY nice, sometimes on a larger knife I don't need scissors (as much as I love them). I understand they actually made a large knife like that without scissors, but don't have much info on it.  Love that you kept all the nice back-side tools, except the hook that had to go with the scissors.

[Gareth]

....

Oh and here's one of my early mods that you might like the look of, Ranger with scissors removed.
... image earlier in thread ...

That is VERY nice, sometimes on a larger knife I don't need scissors (as much as I love them). I understand they actually made a large knife like that without scissors, but don't have much info on it.  Love that you kept all the nice back-side tools, except the hook that had to go with the scissors.

I didn't consider the hook a great loss.

[Stirling3749]

The hook is a nice extra but I agree, no big loss there.
Now if you were to remove the layer with the cap lifter, put back the awl in place of the little flathead driver and keep the chisel you'd have what I'd consider the perfect wood carving knife.
...oh and somehow get the other file in there. lol