large multi-purpose/camp/scout knife?

J

jpsmith

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Feb 6, 2009
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I have been looking at scout type knives for quite a while, and i haven't seen any particularly large versions. By large i mean a handle of at least 5 or maybe even 5 1/2 inches. I am looking for a knife with a screwdriver/bottle opener, and/or a can opener. Maybe something to do a bit of prying with. I suppose just a larger version of a knife something like an A. G. Russell Premium Scout. It doesn't really need to have 101 different functions, I don't want anything particularly thick. Does anybody know of such a thing? Or even just general places to better look for something like this? Does such a thing even exist?
Have i just been overlooking something obvious? Other than multi-tools, i cannot seem to find anything.
 
How about Wenger's Ranger series? The model 61, for example, is just a bit over 5", and Felinevet has them, shipped, for <$40.
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Thanks for the information on this one. I had not known about it. Definitely got my eye on it. If anyone knows of any others, feel free to mention them.
 
I would second the Wenger NewRanger series recommendation. in addition to 61 (which now also comes with a clip), there is a new 178 model, which is a Wenger equivalent of the popular Victorinox OHT, but larger. There are also a number of non-OH models, if you find that the OH hole gets in the way when using the saw. You can see the NewRanger tool selection matrix at www.sakwiki.com.
 
Well, that was a happy hour spent slowly perusing all the variations. Good stuff. Right now i am torn between the Ranger 61 and the RangerGrip 60. Are there any other companies? Does anyone make a knife of this type with wood handles or Micarta, or Stag, or anything else? I like to shop around and look at as many choices as there are before deciding what to purchase. I have thoroughly enjoyed the suggestions thus far. They have brought my attention to knives i failed to find in my explorations, and did not know existed. If anyone else has further suggestions, i would love to hear them.
Jon
 
Unfortunately, the plastic scales are what you're stuck with unless you want to have it modded. The other Swiss Army company is Victorinox, which actually owns Wenger. They have some neat ones. Their larger knives are nearly 1 cm shorter than the New Rangers, and have similar features. The One Handed Trekker is a pretty popular one, adding tweezers and a toothpick to the mix. The serrations are at the end of the blade too, like a steak knife (there is a newer, plain edged variation. Have to be careful which you choose).
 
You can look for a Remington replica of the old R4243. It's 4-3/4" closed, with a big ol' fat handle, and a large clip-point blade, a coping blade, a bottle opener/screwdriver, and a long awl or leather punch. I bought one from a member here, and I haven't decided to keep it since it's so large I may not ever carry it.

thx - cpr
 
You know the problem with asking for help on here is that you get it. It took me a bit to find the Remington, but i had to jump on that one immediately. Just ordered one. Problem now is that i have become very fond of the Wenger RangerGrip 60, so i will shortly have to get that one too. Damn you bladeforums! Seriously, thanks for the information. I really hadn't expected to find any knives in this range, let alone two. Excellent.
 
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jpsmith said:
It took me a bit to find the Remington, but i had to jump on that one immediately.
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Be ready with a block & tackle when the mailman gets there. ;)

Let us know what you think when you get it. You'll probably want a sheath for it, it's definitely too big for the pocket. There are a couple members here who can work up a really nice sheath for you.

thx - cpr
 
I will take some pics along with the knives i am going to put up for sale on here. I will also take a few in my hand to give anyone curious an idea of the size. I can't wait to see this thing in person.
 
I quite like my wenger "old ranger" which has clip blade, can, bottle/driver, punch(but not awl), philips driver, and saw. Aside from the clip blade its pretty much a big honking scout knife. I think the blade is long enough to clean a small fish without getting anything icky inside the tools, which would be a challenge with a regular scout knife.
 
Alright then. I was very happy to see a few people still around this thread. I got my Remington in the mail today. Holy Virgin Mary running backwards on a toasted bran muffin with chocolate frosting, this thing is huge! I like it a lot. It is fairly thick, as Orca said. It is pretty hefty in the hand and has some serious weight to it. Definitely a sheath knife. I took several pictures of it and included an A.G. Russell Premium Scout for comparison. As soon as i can find my cord, i will download them and then upload them. I am trying to keep my knife collection reasonably sized and the tendency is to accumulate as many as is possible. Thus, when my RangerGrip 60 arrives, i will make a call on which one stays. The other i will put up for sale on here.
 
I eventually had to go buy a card reader to get these pics off of my cheap ass camera and onto my computer. Anyway, just in case anyone is interested, here are a few pics of the Remington bullet knife, with an A.G. Russell Premium Scout for comparison. I also got my RangerGrip 60 in and after a little bit of consideration, i decided the RangerGrip Stays. I will shortly be putting the Remington and A.G. Russell up for sale.
 

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Just out of curiosity, what do you think of the quality of the Remington compared to the AG Russell? Things such as fit & finish, as well as how easily the blades open & close.

Also, what was the deciding factor in choosing the Ranger?
 
The Russell edges it out by a little bit. They are strikingly similar in almost all aspects. The Remington main blade, which is a clip point, has a very slightly greater amount of blade play. The Russell, which is a spearpoint, has just a thin bit of play, and the Remington has just a bit more than that. All the other blades seem pretty solid. The Remington has the extra sheepsfoot blade, but the Russell main blade is made with 154cm. I would suggest the Russell if you do not specifically want a larger Camp Knife. In fact i have decided to keep my Russell. I like it too much. The Remington is very nice, but still. Finally, the Rangergrip won out for a few reasons. It is significantly lighter. I like the blade types on it better. It trades out the sheepsfoot blade for a can opener and has two kinds of screwdriver. The main blade can be opened with one hand. The Rangergrip is more comfortable in my hand. And in the end, aesthetics played a notable role here. I already have a couple of "traditional" looking knives with bone, or delrin style handles, and i've even got a Linder Stag handled pocket knife on the way. Also i did not own a Swiss Army knife. Now i got me a huge one. Gotta figure out how to get it modified now. I want some new handles on it.
 
Thanks for the info. Glad I mentioned the Ranger :)

Putting new handle slabs on isn't all that difficult, the hardest part is figuring out what you want!
 
jpsmith said:
The Russell edges it out by a little bit. They are strikingly similar in almost all aspects. The Remington main blade, which is a clip point, has a very slightly greater amount of blade play. The Russell, which is a spearpoint, has just a thin bit of play, and the Remington has just a bit more than that. All the other blades seem pretty solid. The Remington has the extra sheepsfoot blade, but the Russell main blade is made with 154cm. I would suggest the Russell if you do not specifically want a larger Camp Knife. In fact i have decided to keep my Russell. I like it too much. The Remington is very nice, but still. Finally, the Rangergrip won out for a few reasons. It is significantly lighter. I like the blade types on it better. It trades out the sheepsfoot blade for a can opener and has two kinds of screwdriver. The main blade can be opened with one hand. The Rangergrip is more comfortable in my hand. And in the end, aesthetics played a notable role here. I already have a couple of "traditional" looking knives with bone, or delrin style handles, and i've even got a Linder Stag handled pocket knife on the way. Also i did not own a Swiss Army knife. Now i got me a huge one. Gotta figure out how to get it modified now. I want some new handles on it.
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3 issues: 1.) where did you get the Remington (if it's a genuine Rem), 2.) price wise which is better bang for the buck , the Rem, or AGRussell, 3.) you should learn to use the plod style can opener on the Rem. you'll like it.
 
I got the Remington on eBay. It was listed as a Reproduction by Remington of an earlier knife by them. The papers that came with it said this as well. Secondly, i would probably say that the Remington was the higher value knife. Just from a very very basic level. There is significantly more steel in the knife. Much longer main blade. It fills the hand and so i imagine it might be easier to work with in certain instances. And it can relatively easily be found for about half the price of the Russell. The only real hit is the steel. It will likely get a good edge, but will hold it significantly less amount of time than the 154cm of the Russell. The wight of the knife could be a hit if weight is an issue. It is a rather heavy knife. Lastly, now you have me all curious. I wish i had gotten more play time with the can opener before selling it.
 
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