Short Review of a Wenger New Ranger Evo Wood

 Okay, so I had one of those opportunities again. I got myself a Wenger New Ranger Evo Wood CHEAP, so I did buy it. I am a bit off my rocker when knives are concerned, and I am the first to admit that;-). But, as is, my first impression was "gotta have it!". Here are my second thoughts.

The main blade has an overall length of roundabout 100 mm. Due to the beautiful round ricasso, roundabout 93 mm of it are useable. I much prefer an edge all the way to the handle, for there you can work with the most force. But then, the design contributes much to the beauty of the knife, and it´s not much of a tribute;-) to pay to aesthetics. It´s made from a quality variety of 1.4034 (420HC). This steel, that can vary from 0,45-0,55% carbon content, certainly is not the latest magic powder D2 steel, but it gets the job done well enough for generations of Swiss army knife users and lovers. Plus, if the manufacturer gets the tempering right, it will get as hard as 56 - 59 HRC(selective temper). If you temper it any harder, you risk fractures of the blade. As a rule of thumb, the hardness potential of any steel should not be scooped out more than 75 % to get the best compromise between edge-holding capability and elasticity. The steel is easy to sharpen. Out of the box, the blade came wickedly sharp. Hair just popped away. The blade locks via an interesting mechanism. It is held in place by a slipjoint mechanism and locked by a locking liner. The liner locks all the way towards the inner part of the blade´s root and is unlockes by pressing the Swiss cross. Radially, there was a minimal play of about 0,05 mm, coaxially there was no play whatsoever, and the liner simply springs into its position with an audible and very reassuring sound. The saw, made from the same material, is razor sharp also and works pulling and pushing with a tendency towards a pulling motion, as with a Japanese saw.

 The teeth of the saw are slightly set, and the saw has an enormous length when compared with the in-house competitor brand, Victorinox, and nearly all of it can be used. The caplifter also works as a screwdriver. When loaded, the tool is locked and will not fold in accidentally, which is very good. The tin can opener works in a reverse motion. It is nice and sharp, and I daresay it depends on your own taste if you prefer the direction of the motion. It does not lock, but, to be true, this isn´t needed any. The corkscrew is straight and fine and has a useable tip, and also included is an awl. This one will work in an emergency, but the T-handle position to me makes for some awkward work.

 The blade has serrations on the spine which make for a better grip.

How the locking liner works. The highlight of this knife are the beautiful scales out of domestic Swiss walnut wood, harvested from woods with a FSC certificate.

First and foremostly, it is a very beautiful knife. The natural scales make for a different feeling, the dynamic lines just make you want to look at it for hours on end. But this knife, the evolution of a proven design, also feels rock - solid. It  offers all a bushcrafter might want to have on even an overnighter. Its blade is elastic, serviceable, yet holds an edge well enough, the saw is the greatest I have seen so far in a folding pocket knife, and the other goodies don´t hinder the function a bit. There are minor flaws or compromises to design. Do I recommend it?

In the short time I own it it has already become my favourite EDC.