- a Spanish challenger
It is time to take a closer look at the Spanish-made Joker Knives Ranger. This knife belongs to a category often referred to as "bushcraft knives." Personally, I prefer the Swedish term *friluftsliv* (outdoor life) over "bushcraft." The Swedish term feels broader; it encompasses more than just the activities of those who set traps, carve wooden spoons and *kåsor* (traditional wooden cups), construct bow drills, or engage in other advanced bushcraft skills.
*Friluftsliv*—at least for me—encompasses everything one does outdoors. This includes cleaning mushrooms, hunting, hiking, camping, cooking outdoors, fishing, or whatever other pursuits one might engage in. It can take many different forms, depending on the individual and where they live.
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| Joker Ranger |
That is where I would place this knife. It is, quite simply, a knife that works for most tasks—with the possible exception of clearing brush or felling small trees. The Ranger is a model that was introduced last year; it possesses all the attributes such a knife should have, including a high-quality leather sheath and a fire steel. Furthermore, it can be ordered with a "Scandinavian grind," should you so desire.
However, it is not quite as purely focused on "bushcraft"—if one chooses to use that English term—as other models in Joker’s catalog, such as the Nessmuk or the Bush Lord.
Incidentally, the Ranger is both designed and manufactured in Albacete, Spain. That said, I do not know who is behind the model, or whether it was a team effort.
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Short version: Joker Ranger, A bushcraft knife that can undoubtedly compete with the best—especially when the price is factored into the equation.
Blade
They say you shouldn’t commit sacrilege—which, in this context, means that anything other than a drop-point blade is essentially out of the question for this type of knife. Naturally, that is exactly what we find here.
The length, too, tends to be fixed at a size almost always seen on Scandinavian knives: roughly 10 cm, give or take a centimeter. In this specific case, it measures 110 mm in length, with a thickness of 3.8 mm and a maximum height of 31.5 mm—perhaps slightly taller than what you would typically find on a comparable Scandinavian knife. A wider blade has both pros and cons; while it makes it easier to execute straight cuts in certain materials, it also makes it more difficult to change direction—for that very same reason. These characteristics become particularly apparent during tasks such as food preparation.
On the presentation side of the blade you will find Joker's logo, model name, steel type and country of manufacture. The other side is sterile. The finish on the blade is a durable satin.
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| A substantial drop-point blade in Sandvik 14C28N |
The steel used also has a Scandinavian connection, being a Swedish alloy: 14C28N. It is a steel frequently used in folding knives these days, so I am quite familiar with it—though it is somewhat less common in fixed-blade knives. Generally speaking, it is a "budget steel"—a term that should be used with some caution—that offers a very well-balanced set of properties.
It takes a very sharp edge and retains it for a "decently long time," as I like to put it. Another advantage is that it is easy to sharpen. Furthermore—and this is significant in this context—it is highly corrosion-resistant. It’s not quite on the level of a kitchen sink, but it can certainly withstand a great deal of moisture—a factor of no small importance when spending time outdoors, especially at these latitudes.
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| The tip is quite thin and therefore effective. If a more robust tip is desired, the version with a "Scandi grind" is a better choice. |
The blade tapers significantly, resulting in a rather thin and sharp tip. Again, if you want a more durable tip, you should choose the alternative grind option. A "Scandi grind" naturally leaves more material behind the edge, making the tip stronger. It is worth noting that the factory edge on my unit was more than acceptable—in fact, it was quite good. It was sharp and reasonably even, though not perfectly so; a human being was clearly involved in the process. I suspect the person was right-handed, given that the edge on one side is slightly higher than on the other. The thickness behind the edge is 0.6 mm—a solid figure, considering the tasks for which the knife is intended.
The Ranger is available with either a full flat grind—as seen here—or a Scandinavian grind. I opted against the latter for the same reason I prefer the term "outdoor life" (*friluftsliv*): while I certainly do some wood carving, that isn't the only thing I use my knives for, and for broader purposes, I find a flat-ground blade to be more versatile.
Anyone who has tried to chop carrots with a Morakniv knows what I’m talking about. For those who don’t: a "Scandi grind" tends to split hard items, such as fruits or root vegetables. This is especially true when the blades are on the thicker side, as is the case here. There is a reason why traditional knives from this part of the world are rarely very thick along the spine.
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| This time, there actually wasn't a fire—at least not using a fire steel. It was too wet. |
One detail I definitely appreciate is how the ricasso is almost perfectly straight in relation to the blade. Combined with the fact that the cutting edge extends all the way to the base, this allows for cutting very close to the handle—where you have the most leverage. This is something often overlooked, as modern knives frequently feature "choils" intended to bring the user’s hand closer to the material being cut—which makes one wonder why, given that this design is superior. It must be admitted, however, that one potential drawback is that the knife may eventually become slightly more difficult to resharpen. Regardless of the sharpening system used, there is a risk of getting so close to the handle that you either scuff the handle material or end up with a small "smile" at the base of the edge.
Speaking of sharpening, the spine is—naturally—quite sharp, designed to be used with the included fire steel; it would be strange if it weren't.
The general characteristics of the Ranger are very well-balanced. While it might not be the best choice for cutting dry wood, it more than makes up for this when working with green wood, as well as ropes and cordage—I’ve tested it on everything from natural materials like hemp to synthetics like nylon. This does take a slight toll on the edge, but a few passes on a strop are all it takes to get it razor-sharp again.
The Ranger has also served as a stand-in for an "EDC" (everyday carry) knife—though that term is a bit of a misnomer, as I haven’t actually carried it every single day; it’s a little too large for that. Still, it has seen plenty of use: cutting through plastic of various thicknesses and hardnesses, slicing up cardboard, and even shredding some old wall-to-wall carpeting. The latter was a rather unsavory task, so the knife required a thorough cleaning before I felt comfortable using it to prepare food again.
This is not a chef’s knife, but outdoor cooking doesn’t have to be all that complicated. This knife handles onions, tomatoes, and root vegetables with ease—a task where its broad blade really shines. The Ranger is just as effective when it comes to slicing up a sausage or disjointing a chicken. In fact, it is a highly capable knife for this type of use.
It can therefore be concluded that the Ranger is, in fact, as versatile as it looks.
Handle
This knife features a handle made of black Canvas Micarta, though other materials—such as various types of wood—are also available; you can choose between olive or walnut. The handle is robust, measuring 120 mm in length and a full 23 mm in width, with a height that varies between 26 and 29 mm. A pair of red liners adds a subtle pop of color.
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| A very comfortable and ergonomic handle |
The design is simple yet well-considered, featuring a finger guard, a "duckbill" pommel, and a subtle 3D contour reminiscent of a Coca-Cola bottle—meaning the sides are not entirely flat. They are finely polished and secured with two sturdy rivets, alongside a steel tube that passes through the handle and serves as a lanyard hole. As shown in the image, the knife features a full-tang construction, which naturally provides superior strength compared to other designs.
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| Ranger features a full-tang construction with red liners and, in this case, scales made of Canvas Micarta. |
As mentioned, the Ranger has a substantial handle, which ensures a good grip even for a fairly large hand. In fact, I had my wife test the knife, and she found it too bulky to work with. That is something to keep in mind when buying a knife; not everyone has the same hand size or shape. Some people have broad palms, others have long fingers, and some have both. In this case, however, the knife is aimed at those with somewhat larger hands.
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| All common grips, including reverse grips, work perfectly with this handle. |
This knife can easily be used with all conventional grips—whether a hammer grip, a saber grip, or a reverse grip. I do have one minor criticism: the handle is a bit too thick toward the front. Joker could have flattened the sides there to make a "pinch grip" more comfortable.
Overall, however, the handle is ergonomic; you can work with it for extended periods without developing chafing or hand fatigue. This is important, given the intended use case—unlike with a small EDC folding knife, the tasks performed with a tool like this may actually take a bit longer to complete.
Sheath
As is fitting, the knife comes with a good sheath—in this case, made from sturdy, 3 mm thick leather. In my experience, Spaniards in general, and Joker Knives in particular, excel at crafting sheaths from this material.
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| A fundamentally simple yet well-functioning sheath, featuring a couple of different suspension options. |
The construction is of a fairly simple, lightweight design, but to increase durability, the edge features double stitching, along with an eyelet at each end. This sheath is not likely to fall apart anytime soon.
One thing I do miss, however, is a drainage hole for water. On the other hand, this hasn’t caused any issues during the test period—I rarely go swimming or wading while carrying my knives.
The sheath grips the knife securely. The knife stays firmly in place, with no risk of it falling out. You can easily turn the sheath upside down and give it a light shake without the knife coming loose. About half of the handle protrudes from the sheath; this, combined with the "duckbill" shape of the handle, makes drawing the knife very easy.
Furthermore, this sheath features an additional touch: it comes equipped with a holder and a ferro rod. A nice bonus from Joker is that the ferro rod is quite substantial, and its handle is crafted from the same materials—spacers included—as the handle of the knife itself. The ferro rod handle features a hole with an elastic cord that keeps it securely in place.
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| Here, the knife is carried low on the belt. I don’t like having the knife handle digging into my side. |
The Ranger can be carried in a few different ways, thanks to a flexible system. For one, the knife can be carried high on the belt by detaching the upper loop—which is easily done, as the ring holding it in place can be opened.
Alternatively, the knife can be carried lower using an additional loop, or "dangler." This loop can be unfastened via two snap buttons, meaning you don’t have to remove your belt if you want to take off the knife or change its position. I find this particularly useful, as it makes it easy to remove the knife from your belt and attach it to your backpack instead.
Everything is secured to the sheath with three rivets.
Conclusion
It was exciting to see what the Ranger had to offer, as this was my first encounter with the "other" side of Joker Knives. Previously, I had only owned a classic Navaja-style folding knife from them, and this is something entirely different.
With this, Joker has firmly established a foothold in the highly lucrative "bushcraft" segment—not just through this particular knife, but also via a few larger models geared toward what are primarily known in the U.S. as "camp knives." Their catalog also includes even more specialized, dedicated bushcraft models. It is a broad range, especially considering that each model is available in several variations—featuring different grinds, handle materials, and the option of including a fire steel.
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| Ranger is a knife that fits well with the rest of your equipment. |
One of the first things that struck me—an impression that has lingered—is that this is a damn well-made knife. That holds true regardless of what you compare it to, and we haven’t even discussed the price yet. Every material, and every transition between materials, is executed with great care. This applies to everything: the shaping of the Micarta and the handle spacers, the finish and edge of the blade, and even the stitching on the sheath. The Ranger feels like a true working knife, yet one with a certain level of refinement.
Joker has also opted for well-chosen materials. Sandvik 14C28N is not the most expensive steel, but it is a capable choice—even if it doesn't compete with high-end steels like 3V or similar. Then again, that isn't always necessary. The canvas Micarta is excellent, and the same can be said for the leather used for the sheath. Furthermore, I’d like to give special credit for the versatility in how the knife can be carried on a belt; I prefer a lower carry position when wearing it on my belt, while a higher position works better when I attach the knife to my backpack.
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| Ranger has been with me for an entire season, from early spring to late autumn. |
If I were to raise any objection, it wouldn’t be a personal one; however, I am aware of a distinction between classic European brands and modern, more sterile-looking blades—the latter intended to evoke the clean aesthetic of custom knives. There is some information on the blade itself, but as I said, it’s not something I care about or even think about.
In terms of functionality, the Ranger is as versatile as one could hope for—especially in this configuration. If you know that you do a great deal of wood carving, I would recommend the alternative grind option. However, with this full flat grind, you get—in addition to various other benefits—a knife that works excellently for food preparation, as well as for hunting small game. It might not be the absolute optimal knife—perhaps a bit more belly to the blade would be desirable—but it is certainly good enough.
The only thing you need to consider is the size of your hands. If you know that you have small hands, you might want to look at a different Joker model.
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| Joker Ranger, a knife for all weather and all seasons |
All in all, the Joker Ranger is a very pleasant discovery. It is a well-built and exceptionally capable knife that can more than hold its own against the competition. In fact, rather than looking up to its rivals, it actually challenges many of them.
When you factor in the price, the package becomes even more attractive. I noticed that the knife is currently available for well under its standard full retail price of €100—though it should be noted that this is the version without a fire steel. To be precise, it was priced at €85 on a European website.
I find it very hard to imagine any other manufacturer producing a better knife at that price point. Try it for yourself and see!
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| Joker |
Specifications:
Length Overall: 235 mm
Blade Length: 110 mm
Blade Thickness: 3,8 mm
Steel: Sandvik 14C28N
Weight: 185 g for just the knife, 328 g including sheath and fire steel (weighed by me)
Handle: Canvas Micarta
Sheath: Leather
Produced by Joker Knives, made in Spain
/ J - the forest troll
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