A TNT or a Vantage Pro? Questions, Questions

[heng em]

Hi, new guy. I had to return my Vantage Pro to Buck because:
1) The liner lock went ALL the way to the right edge and
2) The blade was crooked
3) The blade had wobble

Vinny

Did you try to tighten the pivot? That will usually fix most of the problems you mentioned. You shouldn't have to straight from the factory, but sometimes fine tuning is needed.

As fore the blade grind lines, what most of you are seeing is a satin finish. It may not qualify to some as satin, but it is Buck's normal satin finishing proccess.

Not to hijack this thread but what do most of you prefer on a higher end knife for blade finish? Satin finish, or fully polished.

 

[Flatlander1963]

Did you try to tighten the pivot?

Heng em,
Will tightening the pivot fix this issue?? I am assuming you do that with the knive closed?

 

[Psychopomp]

the deep pocket carry was a goal and interested to get feedback on that good or bad.

CJ, like I said, the deep carry clip is a deal breaker for me, but I'm the minority and I know it. I think it'll proove to be a good seller because of the clip.

I've mentioned my dislike of low ride clips in several threads, but I don't think I've ever explained why.

Most people want a deep carry clip to hide the fact that they're carrying a knife, or so as to not draw attention to the knife. I don't care. It's not a concern of mine who knows I have a knife, I carry legally and responsibly, so I have no need to hide it.

But the real reason I just don't like deep carry clips it because of the deep carry. I like to know my knife is there just by brushing my hand across my pocket. The one time that I did carry a knife with a deep carry clip (SOG Flash 2, that has the clip positioned exactly where the Vantage's is) when I needed to get the knife out of my pocket, I had to reach in so far that I was dragging everything out along with the knife.

The pocket clip is there to make the knife more accessible, not to hide it.

Beyond that, at least my experiences with the SOG, that clip placement tends to get snagged on things and bent out of shape a lot easier than a clip that has some knife above it (the knife takes the bumps instead of the clip). After about a week of carrying the SOG I had to take the clip off and bend it back to tighten it up.

But once again, I'm the minority, and that looks like a mighty fine knife. And if people don't stop posting pictures of it, I'm probably going to have to say screw it and buy one anyway and figure out a place to put a clip.

 

[Stainz]

A little more feedback after a few more days of mixed use. First, thanks for the easily removed clip - it's packed away - with the screws - in the box. I appreciate easily removed clips - pocket knives, to me, are definite tools. I legally carry something louder as a defensive weapon. The 'Pro' will rest in the bottom of my pocket - with the keys and change.

Of course, that means the 'Pro' will likely catch some change. High marks for the Spyderco Native lockback here - it's 'enclosed'. The Pro continues to be an easy opening and closing, yet secure either way, knife-tool. The flipper gets high marks, for sure. The blade is well centered and wobble free. The only screws I touched were those which secured the clip - and that was to remove the clip. I predict good sales and a secure future for this model.

I have seen a 172 TNT - nice knife. After acquiring the 347 Pro, I doubt a TNT will be in my future. I would like one of the Benchmade Skirmish #630 models, however. After seeing that monster, I am still in awe of it. Sadly, it is gone now. Perhaps a larger version of the 172 is in the works... what's next, after TNT... 'H-bomb'??

Stainz

 

[Flatlander1963]

Heng Em et al,

It seems I don't have a wrench small enough to fit the bushing screw on for tightning up my Avid. But then I've only got hex heads down to 1/16th and 1.5.

What is the size/type I should be looking for, so I can give this a try?? Thanks g

 

[heng em]

Heng em,
Will tightening the pivot fix this issue?? I am assuming you do that with the knive closed?

Do you have an overengaged liner? That is usually the cause of that condition in most liner locks when the liner is overengaged, or the liner arm is to strong. I would try to tighten the pivot just a little bit and that will help, but you can only tighten so much before the action is comprimised. If that dosen't help I would send it back to Buck.

 

[heng em]

It's a torx wrench size T-6. That wrench will actually work on every screw on this knife.

 

[Evil Eye Earl]

I used a tork bit # T6X40,blue locktite has been appilied to the screws.
Use baby steps when tightening the pivot screw....you may have
to reapply the locktite.

 

[Flatlander1963]

Here is the Avid on the left and my Pro on the right which is straight when opened.
So what does the Doctor order??

 

[heng em]

The Avid looks to be at 90% engeged which is a liitle much. The pro looks good. Unless you really like the avid the way it is I would try to get is replaced.

 

[tholiver]

Actually, I misspoke. I couldn't see or feel the detent at first - I can both see it (magnifier) and feel it now, probably due to the ten plus openings and closings. The liner lock is sturdy - and fully engaged. From an admitted lockback lover, this liner lock is fine. My box has a build date of 03-12-09.

I just did an evil-bay search for 'Buck Vantage Pro' and found one dealer with four in stock - and you may contact them for deliveries outside the USA. Good luck!

Stainz

Thanks! I'm watching a few on ebay.
If i go to order i just need to ask the sellers if they will tighten the pivot before mailing.
These knives are legal in Canada but i have heard a few cases in the Canadian forum of overzealous customs guys labelling any one-handers as "gravity knives" and then seizing them.
:grumpy:
Until recently i've bought most of my knives from the U.S without any problems with customs.
But....better safe than sorry i guess.

I Might give the Canadian retailer (Lebaron) a second chance.
Lebaron replied to my email i sent them a couple of days ago, they literally "passed the Buck", blamed their lack of stock on Buck.
They expect to have some in stock in 4-6 weeks.
I think i might try them one more time.