The New Rangers were originally produced with solid cellidor handles, contoured in the Evolution style to fit the hand and with deep checkering moulded into the thumb area on both sides. They later became available with rubber inserts in the handles - the RangerGrip series. Different colour options were also available. The Rangers did not have toothpicks or tweezers.
The series also introduced some new tools such as the folding pliers, and the bit-driver in the handle. The elegant folding plier mechanism narrowed the gap between the original multi-tool (the Swiss Army Knife!) and the more recent full sized plier-type multi-tools introduced by other manufacturers.
All the models feature a robust and secure liner-locking main-blade, with an easy to operate push-button release under the Wenger logo in the handle. The large flathead screwdriver features an automatic locking system that locks the tool open when pressure is applied. This is the same mechanism used on the 85mm Wenger knives.
The series was originally also classified as a 120mm frame size, and known as the New Ranger series, however these models have a nominal size closer to 130mm in length. SAKWiki started using the 130mm classification in 2012, after Wenger and Victorinox started using 130mm in some documentation. This also simplified the complicated classification of Wenger models! In 2013 SAKWiki stopped using the term 'New Ranger' - and now simply refers to these models as Rangers and/or 130mm Rangers, although the name still appears in some pages.
For an overview of the model and tool configurations see the Tool to Model Matrix.
Since the merging of the Victorinox and Wenger product lines in 2014 - all of these models are withdrawn, however some are still available as Victorinox Delémonts.
Layer Index:
Wenger 130mm Numbering
Wenger gave different model names/numbers (as opposed to a suffix, for example) for slight variations in the Ranger configurations, resulting in the plethora of model names below, which can be very confusing for the user. Whilst technically every model is different, in practice, only a few factors make the difference between the various models. These being:
- Whether the SAK has a Phillips or corkscrew - eg Model 55 vs 56
- The blade type – eg Plain edged; One-handed opening; Serrated; One-handed opening/serrated - eg Models 55, 79, 155, 179
- Whether the model is available with RangerGrip scales
And significantly:
- The additional layers/tools on the SAK, in addition to the blade and openers, such as the wood saw, file, pliers, scissors, marlin spike, gutting blade
Of the sixty or so models listed below, if the first three items above did not determine a new model number - There would only be about twenty model numbers!
To view the differences between the models, the Wiki user is advised to check the Model and Tool Configuration Matrix, the layer breakdowns in the links above/right and, of course, the individual model pages themselves. See also the notes on numbering conventions below.
The list below indicates whether a specific model number is a variation on, or alternate name for, another model.
Original Ranger Models
Ranger 58
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- Ranger 50 / AP Blaze 50 / AP Snow 50
- Ranger 51
- Ranger 52
- Ranger 53
- Ranger 54
- Ranger 55
- Ranger 56
- Ranger 57 - Hunter *
- Ranger 58 - Hunter
- Ranger 59
- Ranger 60 *
- Ranger 61 *
- Ranger 63
- Ranger 66 – See: Ranger 51
- Ranger 67 / Ranger Clip 67 (Hunter) – See: Ranger 57
- Ranger 68 – See: Ranger 61
- Ranger 69
- Ranger 70 - Handyman
- Ranger 71 - Gardener *
- Ranger 73 - Electrician *
- Ranger 74 - Handyman *
- Ranger 75 - Handyman *
- Ranger 78 * – See: Ranger 56
- Ranger 79 * – See: Ranger 55
- Ranger 80
- Ranger 151 – See: Ranger 51
- Ranger 152 – See: Ranger 52
- Ranger 155 * – See: Ranger 55
- Ranger 156 – See: Ranger 56
- Ranger 172 – See: Ranger 71
- Ranger 174 - Touring *
- Ranger 178 * – See: Ranger 56
- Ranger 179 * – See: Ranger 55
* - Indicates that the model became available with RangerGrip scales - See below.
Models with Names
- Alinghi Series:
- Alinghi 176 – A SAK designed for sailors with a marlin spike
- Alinghi 177 – Another version, with a corkscrew and standard (non-one-handed) partially serrated blade
- Alinghi 181/SUI-1 – Another version with a bit driver
- Alinghi Rescue Knife – A model designed for sailors, with a a fixed rescue blade
- East Ranger – See: RangerGrip 86 Gardener
- Gardeners – See: Ranger 71/172
- Electrician – See: Ranger 73
- Handyman (A) – See: Ranger 70
- Handyman (B) – See: Rangergrip 90
- Hunter 57 – See: Ranger 57
- Hunter 58 – See: Ranger 58
- Light Hunter – See: Ranger 50
- Mike Horn
- Patagonian Expedition Race Knife – See: Ranger 179 {55}
- Rescue – See: Rangergrip 88
- Rescue II – See: Rangergrip 95
- Touring – See: Ranger 174
- Yachtsman – See: Ranger Alinghi 181
- Swiss-Star Oboe Knife
RangerGrip Models
RangerGrip 78
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The RangerGrip series was introduced in the Spring of 2009, after being shown at the SHOT Show a few months earlier.
These models came with a new scale design featuring rubber sections in the handles for better grip.
They were made available for popular models in the 130mm range - these models are indicated with an asterisk (*) in the list above.
The 'Grip' scales also became available for some of the 85mm line.
A few new models were also introduced that were only available with the RangerGrip scales.
- RangerGrip 83
- RangerGrip 86 - East Ranger
- RangerGrip 88 - Rescue
- RangerGrip 90 - Sometimes referred to as the Handyman
- RangerGrip 95 - Rescue
- RangerGrip 179 - Patagonian Expedition – See: Ranger 55
- RangerGrip 181 - See: Alinghi 181/SUI-1
- RangerGrip 182 - Spearfishing
RangerWood Models
- RangerWood 55 – See: Ranger 55
- RangerWood 161 – A special edition developed with the Swiss Alpine Club
Numbering Conventions
The Wiki user should also be aware that there seems to be no logic in the numbering of the Wenger Ranger models! ;-)
A larger number sometimes indicates a larger (wider) knife, but sometimes a smaller one, and sometimes the same width!!
The 52/53, 55/56, 57/58 and 74/75 model pairs have equivalent tool configurations, adding one to the model number indicates switching from corkscrew to Phillips; yet for the 60/61, 78/79 the convention is reversed! The number 7 seems to indicate the presence of a one-handed blade (78,79,178,179); yet elsewhere it seems to indicate pliers (73,74,75, 176,177).
One convention that does seem to hold true, is, if the first digit is a 1 (ie. 1xx), then the model is a serrated blade version of the xx model !