154CM Vanguard

Flatlander1963

Flatlander1963

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Jan 28, 2008
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I've never seen a Vanguard in 154CM until this one. I know there is an AG Vanguard in S30V. So the question is...is the 154CM version unusual? It has a titanium coating on the blade.

Vanguard.jpg
 
That almost looks like something that Bass Pro would carry, but they use CPM154 instead of 154CM.
 
I have recently seen a number of Bucks models available with either 420HC or 154CM at various web sites. For a spell Buck was using ATS34 on some of their high end versions. Now they seem to have switched to 154CM. This is judging by what I see for sale by various dealers on their web sites.

Whether this particular model is standardly available with 154CM I do not know.
 
That almost looks like something that Bass Pro would carry, but they use CPM154 instead of 154CM.
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Well thats is exactly the same thing I thought. BP is offering a number of Vanguards including Stag and Ram but the Zipper is the only one in upgraded steel.

Natchez and Midway don't offer an upgraded Vanguard.

Well, I always wanted a Vanguard ... all the way back to my teenage years, I just never pulled the trigger. But I couldn't resist this one. All my other 154CM Paul Bos treated blades are outstanding so I think I will be delighted with this knife. Price was right too.
 
Before I was 'enlightened' last year, I thought the 192 Vanguard (basic 420HC) was the perfect 'bushcraft' knife. The Cabela's AG model in S30V never made it to the woods - it was too pretty! I'd grab an upgraded steel Vanguard in a heartbeat, if I could afford it. They have a great and comfortable - to me - grab. Safe, too. Nice find!

Stainz
 
I'd grab an upgraded steel Vanguard in a heartbeat, if I could afford it.
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I think you would have grabed this one for $65 too. I thought it was a great price for a unusual knife and on top of that I wanted a Vanguard.
 
Stainz said:
Before I was 'enlightened' last year, I thought the 192 Vanguard (basic 420HC) was the perfect 'bushcraft' knife. The Cabela's AG model in S30V never made it to the woods - it was too pretty! I'd grab an upgraded steel Vanguard in a heartbeat, if I could afford it. They have a great and comfortable - to me - grab. Safe, too. Nice find!

Stainz
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Why did you change your mind about the 192 being perfect? What enlightened you? Was it the steel? The knife? The blade shape?
 
I strayed... first, that K-P #408... then, gasp, I bought six Bark Rivers, a Northwoods, and a few older Marbles... the allure of convex edges had begun. Hey, the 192 still works well for most camping/bushcraft chores. My other choices are a bit more stout in the edge department - and still have the 'newness' going for them as well. I'm keeping my 192s... and keeping my eyes open for a CPM154 one, too.

Stainz
 
Great find, Flatlander! I think that you will enjoy a 154CM Vanguard. For me, 154CM is one of my favorite steels.
 
I just got my NEW Jack designed Vanguard sheath today that he designed from a photo I sent him. This is a really fine sheath...heavy duty to the max. I turned it upside down and the knife stayed put but is easy to draw and insert. It rides on the hip real nice. Finially, It reminds me of an old Tom Threepersons holster somewhat. Once again, I have to take my hat off to Jack's talent...Outstand Job Jack!!


 
Really nice sheath! I need one...

I did get a 192 with a grey coated CPM154 blade and a nylon sheath, box marked '0192RWSBP9-B, CAT. 4528, 09/28/2008'. I got it and a 650 for $110 inc s/t from a south Alabama knife store last month. Super knifes - never even touched a Nighthawk before then - interesting knife.

Stainz
 
Well I to was so called enlightened also. I strayed away from Buck for a little while. But the truth is in the past year I have done some side by side real world comparisons. And my finding is that the Buck cut just as well in most instances. I'll give you that the ones I'm using are S30V. Dont get me wrong I do like Bark River. I have 7 of them (I think). But for the price for what I do with them ( clean animals, cut food, etc) the Buck Vanguard and 110 are hard to beat. I'm thinking of adding a few smooth bone Bucks to my want list. Will I buy more Bark Rivers? Yes. Will I buy more Bucks? Definately yes!!!! By the way. Nice looking Vanguard. It looks alot like my stripped down S30V AG.
 
Really nice sheath! I need one...
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Stainz,

I think Jack can/will make you one...send him an email.

$110 is a very good price for those two knives. I've been a Nighthawk thing too. Hard not to like that knife.
 
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Nice looking Vanguard. It looks alot like my stripped down S30V AG.
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Its a Bass Pro Vanguard. That's the finish it came with...kinda like gun bluing but it's CPM-154. One of the reasons I asked Jack to do a heavy duty holster was the factory one is pretty flimsy and I was scared the Knife would cut through it, cause it very sharp. I've already managed to stab myself by sticking a point through the sheath stiching.
 
we are enjoying working with the new steels. We will be introducing (for Buck) some new steels that are halfway steps between S30V and 420HC...at a price closer towards 420HC so is a good alternative. We have been field testing and have been pretty impressed so far.

As always the Bos heat treat makes a big difference.
 
I have to add this re a basic Vanguard in 420HC - it's fine enough for quite a bit of woods bumming. It's greatest benefit is the ability to easily re-edge it with simple tools. S30V is a dedicated chore, while D2/440C seem to be a new career. My Sharpmaker makes easy work of that 420HC. Sometimes I think I just want 'better' steels for 'bragging' rights, the basic Vanguard lasts quite some time between sharpenings. You can make fuzz sticks galore with it - just keep it out of the dirt. It is very close to 1095 in my use - just not as easy to gain 'patina'!

Stainz
 
Yes, for sure. An awesome sheath. Is that a basketweave pattern оn it or I`m wrong ?My Vanguard has a cordura sheath with a plastic inner, made in China. Your sheath is far better than mine.
 
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