Wenger Ranger 73 overview

[Anthony]

This isn't really a review since I haven't used it just yet.  There are however some angles and comparisions I haven't seen online before.

Got this in from Tim today:

[Anthony]

[Anthony]

Here are some comparison shots.  The Wave isn't really in the same class, but I compared the pliers anyways because most of us have handled an original Wave.  The Juice and Squirt pliers are a better comparison.  I was quite surprised about the sheer size of the Ranger...I was expecting something the size of My OHT, but the blade on this thing is the same size as a Mora!

[Anthony]

And finally some wire cutting and stripping.  The anvil type cutter works well.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

She's a beauty mate, if a bit on the big side

What are you initial thoughts on it mate

[Sea Monster]

Those Rangers really are serious business.

If I was to delve into the foul depths of Wenger ownership (again), it would be for a Ranger of some sort, and I would probably ditch my usual folder because of it.

I've only owned cheap tools with the fold-out plier style, and thus, have little love for them.
What are they like on a quality tool such as what you have there?

[Benner]

Great pics mate, it sure does look nice. 

It looks a bit bulkier than I was expecting.

[J-sews]

Nice pics Corrugated   I'll be needing to get one of those

[Grant Lamontagne]

Those Rangers really are serious business.

If I was to delve into the foul depths of Wenger ownership (again), it would be for a Ranger of some sort, and I would probably ditch my usual folder because of it.

I've only owned cheap tools with the fold-out plier style, and thus, have little love for them.
What are they like on a quality tool such as what you have there?

No cheap tool here- I don't have the 73 (yet!) but I do have the Alinghi model with the pliers and I have to say they are indeed top notch.  Exactly what you'd expect from the Swiss.  The pliers fold out one handed thanks to a small lip on the end that allows you to catch them on a belt or seam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocdXIJPaTko

With less and less tools nowadays being able to open one handed, this is a nice feature.  OH blades are nice, but not every situation calls for a blade!

Def

[17Chap]

That thing looks huge.  Does it come with a shoulder strap?   

Chap

[Anthony]

My initial thoughts on it are that it's a quality tool...but it's too varied and big to carry.  By varied I mean having a big blade for outdoors type stuff...then a pair of pliers for mechanical stuff   Whereas the Vic Trekker is mainly an outdoors knife; the saw is just as large as the blade.  The odd tools of the Ranger leave it in a no mans land of tools; there are way better outdoors type SAKs and way better indoors/mechanically oriented SAKs...why would someone carry the Ranger 73? 

It's also not pocketable at all, it's larger than my Wave!

The only role I can see it filling is being a tool you keep in a kit or toolBOB bag of some kind...

I noticed the Phillips driver is longer,slightly thinner, and has a "pointier" tip, which makes me like it more than that of my OHT.  The Awl on the Wenger isn't sharpened at all, but it punches through fabric just as easily.  The pruner blade is something new and I wish that design would appear on other SAKs. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Thanks for you views mate

I agree with you though, it really is too big for either pocket or belt carry, and really belongs in a BOB or work bag, that and the fact that it's to big to be legal edc over here means I won't be getting one, which is a shame

[jock1]

It's a big brute but looks great as Mick said not for EDC in this country but I woul love to find an excuse for it