Buck Small Vantage Pro - my thoughts

fishface5

fishface5

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Feb 3, 2001
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Just got one from a forumite & was asked to post my opinions. I don't have the large so this applies to the small only:

it is a silly knife.

Some knife designs just don't downsize well. Presuming that the praise for the large version is warranted, I'm afraid it doesn't carry over to the small. Mind you, fit & finish & overall quality are very good, it's just the design that's the problem. The vestigal flipper is to small to actually flip the blade open, even when I just use my fingernail. The thumb-hole is very difficult to access. The handle only affords a 3-finger grip, and since the design isn't made for that it's not as ergonomic as other small knives, although it's not awful.

Luckily I bought this planning to modify the heck out of it. First step was to grind off the flipper - the steel is hard! It took a while. Next I'll re-profile the handle & put different handle scales on. I'll probably remove the clip too. Once all is done I should have a nice classy office knife, & I'll post "before & after" pics.
 
Fish,

I'm sorry to hear that your were disappointed with this knife. Please do show us what alterations you come up with for it.

You comments reinforce my concerns about this downsized Vantage being just too small for the design. Thanks for your comments.
 
I only ever saw 1 and it was in Chuck Bucks hand well before they were available. He's a pretty good sized fella and seemed to like it. I planned on getting one and never considered this. If I get one it will certainly be from brick and mortar rather than dot com so that I can handle it 1st and will reserve my judgement until then.

Yeah what flat said, please show your mods.:thumbup:
 
As a user I have to agree the downsized versions of the Vantage will appeal to an extremely narrow group of buyers.
 
Actually, I'd like to see a version with a 3.5 inch bladed model of the Vantage.
Now that would be interesting:thumbup:
 
Flat,

Isn't the world odd, I find the small Vantage just about perfect. If I am not carefull I carry it more days in a month than I care to admit. its like, I know the 110 is a good knife and if survival woods living would want to have it in hand, but I carry the 112 big game hunting as my on the belt knife.(Fixed blade and folding saw in pack)
Its just personal choice......I would just about spit if I could find a stag scaled small Vantage, I just may have to try it myself.

I gave a serviceman going to the dry country a large vantage, because that is what I would want myself in that situation. But as a 303/301 carrier for more years than I will admit, the small vantage fills my daily needs really well. Go figure, guess that is why there are mild and hot picante sauce, its just what you have gotten use to.......300

PS for Skyhorse: just to show how its persoal preference I carred a 301 doing backwoods LE duty for 27 years.
 
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300Bucks said:
Flat,

Isn't the world odd, I find the small Vantage just about perfect. If I am not carefull I carry it more days in a month than I care to admit. its like, I know the 110 is a good knife and if survival woods living would want to have it in hand, but I carry the 112 big game hunting as my on the belt knife.(Fixed blade and folding saw in pack)
Its just personal choice......I would just about spit if I could find a stag scaled small Vantage, I just may have to try it myself.

I gave a serviceman going to the dry country a large vantage, because that is what I would want myself in that situation. But as a 303/301 carrier for more years than I will admit, the small vantage fills my daily needs really well. Go figure, guess that is why there are mild and hot picante sauce, its just what you have gotten use to.......300
Click to expand...

Oh I'm gonna get one!!
 
I find the smaller Vantage is the perfect size for everyday EDC even in dress clothes. There are way too many choices for medium size knives but not enough good choices for this smaller sized EDC. I love my Buck vantage and it haven't left my pocket since I got it though I got to admit that the "flipper" is almost useless :)
 
I think its great that buck offers so many different knives. Yes the small vantage is small, and yes, the flipper doesnt really work with that small of a blade but, its still a fantastic knife in that frame size especially with that steel! Do I carry it as much as my 347 Vantage? Nope. But like Plum said, its a great one to hand down to the boys! They love it!
 
AquaVu said:
I find the smaller Vantage is the perfect size for everyday EDC even in dress clothes. There are way too many choices for medium size knives but not enough good choices for this smaller sized EDC. I love my Buck vantage and it haven't left my pocket since I got it though I got to admit that the "flipper" is almost useless :)
Click to expand...
I plan on getting one and mig welding a small Mexican coin to the top surface of the thumb slot on the blade.The blade shape is great and this may make for easier deployment. The Mexican peso is almost worthless,just like our money will soon be if the government keeps spending like the mad hatter.:eek:
 
300Bucks said:
Flat,

Isn't the world odd, I find the small Vantage just about perfect. If I am not carefull I carry it more days in a month than I care to admit. its like, I know the 110 is a good knife and if survival woods living would want to have it in hand, but I carry the 112 big game hunting as my on the belt knife.(Fixed blade and folding saw in pack)
Its just personal choice......I would just about spit if I could find a stag scaled small Vantage, I just may have to try it myself.

I gave a serviceman going to the dry country a large vantage, because that is what I would want myself in that situation. But as a 303/301 carrier for more years than I will admit, the small vantage fills my daily needs really well. Go figure, guess that is why there are mild and hot picante sauce, its just what you have gotten use to.......300

PS for Skyhorse: just to show how its persoal preference I carred a 301 doing backwoods LE duty for 27 years.
Click to expand...
You got me wanting a stockman 300,it's all your fault.:)
 
I remember when I got the small Vantage Pro, that it would make a great knife for a youngster or a smaller woman. It's a pretty nice little "pocket knife" but it's just too small for that style of knife in my opinion.

VantageProandErgoFolders.jpg
 
I like the small vantage. I like the larger one too. The large one sometimes is bulky and uncomfortable when clipped in my pocket-when I sit down. It is sized great when open in hand. Very useable for most cutting/working tasks.
The smaller version is more comfy to me when clipped in my pocket, and very nice smaller useable size too. I have no trouble flipping it open. I've average to large hands and find the small vantage quite handy and not too small.
 
I have the large and small Vantage pros, and I really prefer the small one. I have no problem flipping it open or opening it via the hole. They are the perfect knives for me. Plus, the small one fits into the watch pocket of my jeans perfectly!
 
Well, To cut to the chase, I think we have established the Vantage family design is well thought of across the board.

Now we are debating on what size knife suits our needs and wants.......that discussion is what makes the world go round and is never ending.

I never thought about grinding the flipper ridge off, will study that in my moments of free time...........

Skyhorse, watch for a sale on the new yellow 301s.....and what about welding the bottom of a .45,.40
or .357 case to your flipper instead of a peso....

300Bucks
 
300Bucks said:
Well, To cut to the chase, I think we have established the Vantage family design is well thought of across the board.

Now we are debating on what size knife suits our needs and wants.......that discussion is what makes the world go round and is never ending.

I never thought about grinding the flipper ridge off, will study that in my moments of free time...........

Skyhorse, watch for a sale on the new yellow 301s.....and what about welding the bottom of a .45,.40
or .357 case to your flipper instead of a peso....

300Bucks
Click to expand...
That's a great idea 300,the .45 should fit perfect. LOL,(no live primer) Gonna watch for that sale,thanks!
 
imafritz said:
+1 on that g:thumbup:
Click to expand...

I actually think an upsized Vantage Pro could be a good possiblility due to the regular Vantage being very popular and well received. What's the next step? You downsize and/or upsize a popular pattern.

I'll buy it if I get a chance to buy it.
 
Flatlander1963 said:
I actually think an upsized Vantage Pro could be a good possiblility due to the regular Vantage being very popular and well received. What's the next step? You downsize and/or upsize a popular pattern.

I'll buy it if I get a chance to buy it.
Click to expand...

Me too- love the big honkin folders:thumbup:
 
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