The Wenger Ranger 56 series is a popular three-layer tool configuration. The family includes a number of very similar models that have variations in the style of main blade or scales (handles). These include the Ranger 78, Ranger 156, Ranger 178. These models have a liner locking main blade, that uses a push button on the handle scale to release the lock.

The RangerGrip series was introduced in 2009 and added rubber grip scale options to popular tool configurations, such as the RangerGrip 78, in the 130mm Ranger series.

Discontinued - But available as Victorinox Delémonts.

There were also a number of closely related models that include the corkscrew instead of the Phillips screwdriver.

Ranger 78

Ranger 156

Ranger 178

Layer Tools

• Locking main blade
  • Plain-edge blade - Ranger 56
  • One-handed plain-edge blade - Ranger 78
  • Partially-serrated blade - Ranger 156
  • One-handed partially-serrated blade - Ranger 178
• Wood saw
• Cap-lifter
• Can-opener

Back Layer Tools

• Awl
• Phillips screwdriver
• Keyring - As part of the frame

Scales

• The RangerGrip 178 is available with olive drab coloured grip scales
• The RangerGrip 78 is available with red coloured grip scales (see image below)

Black nylon scales, contoured in the Evo style to fit the hand. Deep checkering is molded into the thumb area on both sides. One side carries the Wenger cross logo, along with WENGER  moulded into the scales. The cross logo icon is a push button, which when depressed releases the liner lock on the knife blade. They were only available in black, except for the World Scout series which featured purple scales.

The RangerGrip models have rubber inserts in the handle Evo contours, to allow a soft and reliable grip in all weather conditions. These scales are currently available in black, olive drab, red, and yellow. Although most models only feature one or two colour options.

History

The Ranger 56, and 156 were introduced with the initial 130mm Ranger series in 2007 which was then known as the New Ranger Series. These models were originally considered part of the 120mm series, but are now classified as 130mm which is closer to their nominal frame size once the handles are included. This separates them from the earlier Original Ranger series which are classified as 120mm models.

The models 78 and 178 were introduced in 2008, possibly in response to the popularity of Victorinox Trailmaster.

The RangerGrip series was first released in the spring of 2009, after being shown at the SHOT Show a few months earlier.

These models were discontinued from 2014 when Victorinox ceased production of Wenger knives. However most of these models were introduced as Victorinox Delémonts.

Variations

1. Several versions of this model were available in the Ranger and RangerGrip series - see Tools and Scales above.
2. The RangerGrip 78 was the SOSAK 2009 annual knife, and was produced in very limited quantity with the SOSAK logo laser cut in the rubber scale insets.
3. World Scout editions with purple scales

RangerGrip 78

Physical Specifications

• Length: 130mm
• Weight:
  • 162g (Ranger 56, Ranger 78 with black nylon scales);
  • 163g (RangerGrip 178.823.X olive drab (OD) scales)

Identifiers

• 1.077.056.000: Ranger 56, black nylon scales
• 1.077.156.000: Ranger 156, black nylon scales
• 1.077.078.000: Ranger 78, black nylon scales
• 1.077.178.000: Ranger 178, black nylon scales
• 1.077.178.823.X: RangerGrip 178.823.X olive drab (OD) scales (16313)

US Model Numbers: (in brackets above)

• 16320: RangerGrip 78

Related Models

• Ranger 55 Series - A corkscrew replaces the Phillips screwdriver

• Delémont Ranger 56 Family - The Victorinox versions of these models

130mm Ranger Tool to Model Matrix and Model Comparison Table