The new line of one-hand opening knives comes later than the one from Victorinox, but they are much prettier. The two competing brands, even before Victorinox bought Wenger, are rather similar, differences lying almost only in details (finition or conception of some tools, options of exotic tools, “genuine” Wenger vs. “original” Victorinox…).
This new Ranger will be available with two kind of blades (and a half-serrated variation), one with the opening hole and one without. There is some variation in the tools offered, but there is always this lack of rationality, modularity and hackability that I find very frustrating in both manufacturer of swiss knives. You will find some knives, like the one-handed opening blade, but with a very limited range of tool options - I really don’t understand why they can’t produce two parallel lines, each with the same arrangement of tools, but with their specific blade.
I can’t neither understand the lack of clip on a modern knife (at least on the lighter models, the heavier, with a lot of tools being obviously sheath knives).
Nevertheless, the new blade profile is very elegant but seems rather sturdy. The locking mechanism is a modified liner-lock. A strong pair of scissors or a pair of pliers can be folded in the handle of some models. I found this solution very practical, a lot more than the tiny pliers found on Victorinox 120 mms or the cumbersome non pocket-friendly one of the PocketGrip.
The handles seems to be a variation of the Evo series, so they are chances that they will be rather comfortable and practical.
A special model was designed for the Cup America Alinghi Team, with tools focused on the nautic sports. I think it lacks a corkscrew.
The Alinghi knife from Wenger
Product features
* A main serrated blade providing greater effectiveness. The end features a standard cutting edge. The blade has a safety lock. Once opened, it locks to lie flush with the handle, and can be released by pressing on the Swiss cross.
Yachting use: in case of emergency, a yachtsman can sever cordage immediately.
* Single-hand opening
When circumstances require, the yachtsman can open the knife with a single hand thanks to the opening mechanism located at the base of the blade – a shark’s fin.
* Shackle opener
Used to open shackles (type of hook with a pin).
* Marlin spike
Used for splicing (joining two ropes by interlacing their strands).
* Ruler in both centimetres and inches
* Universal pliers, 100% flexible, with pointed ends
A jack of all trades. The serrated edges make it possible to pick up small items. The largest teeth can be used as nut wrench. A wire-cutter is included at the base of the pliers. The pointed ends can also be used to slacken cordage.
* Three screwdrivers. Two self-locking, flat screwdrivers, one Wenger patent and one cruciform Philips screwdriver.
* A cap lifter
* Texture of the handle. Ribbed with a criss-cross structure at the front and a wingwalk structure at the rear ensuring a really good grip. The contours of the handle have been enhanced to improve their ergonomics.
* Logo: Swiss cross. Also used as a button to release the blade
* Length open: 220 mm closed: 120 mm
The retail price of the Wenger Alinghi knife is about $ 120.
[tags]Wenger, Ranger, one-hand opening, outdoor, 120 mm, swiss knife, Alinghi, Cup America[/tags]
