Buck Alpha vs. Vanguard

[mhw0001]

Hey everyone. I need some advice. I'm trying to narrow it down to the "ultimate" knife. These are my choices:

1. Buck Alpha Hunter in S30V from Buck Custom Shop
2. Buck Vanguard from Cabelas in S30V Rubber handle, nylon sheath.
3. ibid with rosewood handle and leather sheath.

I definitely want something in S30V in a hunter/bush knife. I am worried that the blade on the Alpha would be too short but I like the fact that it is a full tang and has a lanyard hole. I like the vanguards, but wish they had a lanyard hole. Also I hate bucks leather sheaths. With the Vanguard I would choose the Rosewood handle on looks, the rubber on function. I just think the black handle and black blade make the brass hardware look terrible.

Main concern is function over form, but alas I am a romantic. I don't live near a sporting goods store that carries these knives, so...

How is the balance on the Alpha's compared to the Vanguards??

What I would REALLY like is one of these new Gen5 skinners in S30V!

Thanks,
m

 

[Stainz]

I'll be honest. I have the Buck 192 Vanguard, rosewood & brass, in S30v ('Alaskan Guide'), 420HC, and, new last year in a limited run available at knife stores, one in CPM154. You just cannot beat the 420HC! My oldest 192 has the 420HC - and has been a great 'bushcraft', aka camp, knife. I've whittled camp accessories - even flutes - with one. Probably my best 'feeling' fixed blade grip... and I had to do my best at replacing it with a bunch of expensive other knives - didn't work - still love the Vanguard.

I own a Folding Alpha Hunter - admittedly a closeout 'deal' from WallyWorld (<$30). I've fondled the fb Alpha Hunter - thought about that Custom Shop route for a 'neat' one (I have CS 110s.) - but I just don't like the 'grip' feeling. I love my similar, but larger, #408 Kalinga Pro - great fit/feel, too (As is my #419 Folding Kalinga Pro - second only to my 110s in fit/feel to me for a folder.). The #408 K-P is a big hunk of S30V, too.

Re steel choices for your 192 Vanguard. Buck's 420HC takes a razor edge easily with a Spydie Sharpmaker and minimal honing - and keeps it a long time. S30V/CPM154 take nearly as fine an edge, possibly keep it longer - at least it seems so - but, my only experience thus far is with S30V - it is a chore to re-edge. I have several CPM154 Buck blades - just haven't taken their edges down enough yet to warrant resharpening.

Oh - the Gen5 - I have both the 005GYS and 005RWS from last year. The more expensive 005RWS has a CPM154 blade, vertical leather sheath, and horrid checkering on the rosewood grip. My 005GYS is the much more frequent user - if just for the horizontal carry nylon sheath - great hiker knife. The 420HC gets & stays razor sharp, too. It runs $50-$60 mail order/internet - decent bargain.

Stainz

 

[Blue Sky]

I have an Alpha and a Vanguard. Looks-wise, they're pretty comparable, they both look good. Functionally, I prefer the Vanguard. It feels a lot better in the hand imo. I don't like the exposed tang edges on the Alpha, I find them uncomfortable when holding the knife in a tight grip. The angle of the blade vs. the handle just seems a little off to me too. The Vanguard is a pleasure to use. Structurally, the Alpha is probably stronger due to the full tang, but I've never felt the Vanguard was not strong enough.

I've had three Vanguards so far. One was gifted away, one sold in a downsizing binge, and I recently bought this one. It was too good a deal to pass it up, and I missed having one along in the fall.

CPM154 Vanguard: