SOG NW Ranger: "Size Matters" by Nutnfancy

Published on April 24, 2011
Duration: 19:40

This review of the SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0 highlights its suitability as a mid-size, compact combat or soldier blade for load-bearing equipment. The knife features O8 steel with a full flat grind and a classic clip point blade, praised for its sharpness and edge retention. While the knife itself is highly rated for its fit, finish, and balanced feel, the included leather sheath is identified as a significant drawback, particularly for survival or military applications due to its material and attachment method.

Quick Summary

The SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0 is an outstanding mid-size, compact combat and soldier blade ideal for LBE. Constructed from O8 steel with a full flat grind and clip point, it offers excellent sharpness and edge retention. Its lightweight design and balanced feel are major advantages, though the included leather sheath is a notable drawback for survival or military applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction: SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0
  2. 00:20The "Indub Ranger" - Initial Impressions
  3. 01:20Philosophy of Use: Soldier & LBE Blade
  4. 03:15Camp & Survival Blade Capabilities
  5. 04:51The "Fondling Blade" Aspect
  6. 05:46Quality & Fit/Finish: Top-Notch SOG
  7. 06:40Weight, Balance, and Feel
  8. 08:14Blade Design: Clip Point & Full Flat Grind
  9. 09:39Tactical Capabilities: Jimping & Guard
  10. 10:19Out-of-the-Box Sharpness
  11. 10:54O8 Steel Performance
  12. 11:15Sharpening Ease
  13. 11:31Handle & Guard Details
  14. 13:40The Sheath: A Major Downside
  15. 15:34Sheath Attachment Modifications
  16. 15:53Competitive Options: SRK & Bear Hunter 2
  17. 17:38Price & Value Analysis
  18. 18:33User Knife vs. Fondling Blade
  19. 19:08Conclusion: A Home Run for SOG

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0 suitable for military and combat use?

The SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0 is considered a great soldier and LBE (Load Bearing Equipment) blade due to its mid-size, compact design, and lightweight construction. Its O8 steel blade holds an edge well, and the handle offers a secure grip, making it practical for tactical applications.

What type of steel is used in the SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0, and how does it perform?

The SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0 features O8 steel, which is praised for its excellent heat treatment, good edge retention, and adequate rust resistance. This makes it a capable and durable steel for a variety of tasks, from utility work to survival applications.

What are the main advantages of the SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0's blade design?

The blade boasts a full flat grind for efficient cutting and a classic clip point shape. This design offers a precise tip for detail work, a good belly for general tasks, and excellent sharpness out of the box, making it highly functional.

What is the biggest drawback of the SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0?

The most significant drawback identified is the included leather sheath. While well-constructed, leather is not ideal for survival or military use as it can retain moisture, leading to rust on the blade, and its attachment method is considered slow and cumbersome for LBE.

How does the SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0 compare to other knives like the Cold Steel SRK?

Compared to the Cold Steel SRK, the SOG Northwest Ranger 2.0 is notably lighter, making it a preferred choice for load-bearing equipment where every ounce counts. While the SRK might be more robust for extreme tasks, the Ranger excels in its balance of weight and capability for LBE.

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