Newby with questions reguarding the NW Ranger and X-42 Feild knife

[fuzy_rambler]

G'day,

I stumbled upon this forum recently while looking to purchase a knife for hunting/fishing/camping and general duties.

I came across the SOG brand and specifically the Northwest Ranger which would certainlly fill my requirements. I then had a look at the other knives on offer. I came across the X-42 Feild Knife which I like for the BG-42 steel. I have read diverse and often conflicting reviews of this knife. Also, the SOG Website does not mention the X-42 at all, however i can still get one in BG-42. However i read on this forum and through a link here (linking to the SOG website but there is no mention of this model on the side menu of the site) that the X-42 is now known as just the feild knife and is made of CPM S-30V.

my question:

All of these knives would fill my needs. My basic knowledge tells me that the X-42 Feild Knife in BG-42 would be my best choice judging by the comments on this forum. However this site:http://www.bladesbybrown.com/aug04review.htm raves about S-30V and in fact recomends it for hunting.

So, do i order the new model? get a X-42 in BG-42? Or are there any other knives i should look at?

[Robbie Roberson]

fuzy rambler, welcome to Bladeforums. The questions you ask are really hard to answer because both Knives you mentioned have great steels I think.

If you want a discontinued knife/steel, then choose the BG-42, it is very hard, but holds an edge well. It is also harder to sharpen but can easily be done with a diamond stone.

S-30v is a fine steel too, but I personally would choose BG-42 first because the SOGs using this steel will not be around forever, you should be able to get S-30v for a long time.

The Northwest Ranger is a fine little knife, approved by North American Hunting Club members and proven in the field.

Of course I would mention the SOG Hunter Revolver knife also approved by NAHC (Score of 9.1 out of 10) and tested in the field for several years now, I would never go into the woods without mine.

Here is a review of the SOG Hunter Revolver by "Socintel", one of our members here on Bladeforums in case you have not seen it.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=354507



Robbie Roberson

[New Pig Hunter]

fuzy,

Welcome to SOG Forum !!

I'll make it easy: get the Field Knife in BG-42.

Of course, I've not used any knife with the S-30V steel so I can't make any objective/subjective comments.

And I've never played around with the Northwest Ranger, so I guess I don't know much about that one either.

And I don't know anything about those Revolver thingies, never had a chance (yet) to hurt myself with one of 'em.

But Hey, I did have a Field Knife in BG-42 and liked it well enough. Only sold it because one of our SOG Forum brethren kept buggin' me to sell it to him.... finally I couldn't take it anymore and sold it to him.
It's a really really fine knife. It was my first experience with an exotic steel and the edge it would take was nothing short of incredible. My pal Tim put some sharp on it, he said he could slice off his fingertips or something like that. Sharp beyond sharp.

So if you can get one in BG-42, I'd say "Go For It" !!

Cheers,

Carl

[fuzy_rambler]

Thank you for your kind welcomes!

Robbie, the revolver looks really good! (And it’s an innovative, practical idea) and I might acquire one in the future, however I am after just a straight fixed blade for the moment.

I will take your (and new pig hunter's advice) and get one in BG-42, it is a harder steel then the s-30V so I deduce from this that it will hold its edge longer.

Thank you both for your advice, it is much appreciated.

[New Pig Hunter]

Please give it a good workout and let us know how you like it !!

Cheers,

Carl

[Halfneck]

If SOG made the NW Ranger in a better grade steel it would be pretty much all I ask for a camping knife. 154 CM would be my choice to increase steel quality but not make the price go up too much, though D-2 would be perfect.