Buck Vantage Avid vs Pro

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vgking96

Joined
Jul 27, 2011
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Ok, so, followers of my threads know I've been in search of my new EDC carry and I decided on the Buck Vantage line. I know the obvious differences: blade steel , handle scale materials, price. I've fallen for the looks of the Avid and found it for pretty cheap but, I'd like to get input as to which is preferred and how easy the Avid is to sharpen, as I've yet to try the "art" of it, how long the edge holds and what i should use to sharpen not just the avid but other knives, for a reasonable price for a novice sharpener.
 
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I'm not sure about the Avid, handles or steel, because I've never tried it out, but I can comment on the Pro version. I like my vantage pro - my first introduction to s30v steel, and it is very nice. But I also like my Sandvik steel Kershaw Leek, so I would recommend that you get the knife you like the most. Both versions are going to cut what you want, and you'll probably end up getting an s30v Spyderco military or paramilitary, so don't worry too much about the steels. Are you looking at getting the red-handled Vantage Avid?

As for sharpening, I sometimes use a little Arkansas pocket sharpening stone or a Smith's double-sided diamond rod, but when I'm at home, I just started using sandpaper this year. I take sandpaper grades from 40 to 400 and staple a strip of each to an unused piece of plywood. I use these to sharpen with and they work very well, but I haven't tried this on the Vantage Pro yet, hasn't needed sharpening. I usually strop the blade (move the sharp end of the blade across the sandpaper backwards) instead of the regular forward movement.
 
GLDNDomer said:
Both versions are going to cut what you want, and you'll probably end up getting an s30v Spyderco military or paramilitary, so don't worry too much about the steels. Are you looking at getting the red-handled Vantage Avid?
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Why do you say that about the Spydercos and where do they sell the red Avid? is it painted or cherrywood or something?
 
The red Avid is cherrywood, I'm pretty sure. I think I can post an ended ebay auction, but if I can't I apologize mods. I personally like the black handled ones better.

I say that about the Spydercos because those are two of the most popular Spyderco knives on this forum, and if you start to read this forum too much, you will inevitably be talked into getting one of these a year from now. I would definitely get a Buck Vantage model now (I did) because they are a third of the price of these two Spyderco knives and you're getting the same amount of knife, in my opinion. They are USA made with a fantastic warranty. I sent in a Buck 110 over the summer with a broken tip and offered to pay for the blade replacement. Within a month, Buck sent it back to me with a brand new razor sharp blade and a completely polished knife, at no charge. Spyderco does not replace blades under warranty.
 
I have the Vantage Avid like it a lot. The only thing I wish it had was a lanyard hole, other than that it is a nice knife for a good price.
 
Either one would serve you well, but if it was up to me, the ~20 dollar upgrade to a highly sought after steel is well worth it. Buck Vantage Pro is the cheapest S30V knife that I know of, especially now that the newest iteration of the native is a bit pricier.
 
vgking96 said:
Ok, so, followers of my threads know I've been in search of my new EDC carry and I decided on the Buck Vantage line. I know the obvious differences: blade steel , handle scale materials, price. I've fallen for the looks of the Avid and found it for pretty cheap but, I'd like to get input as to which is preferred and how easy the Avid is to sharpen, as I've yet to try the "art" of it, how long the edge holds and what i should use to sharpen not just the avid but other knives, for a reasonable price for a novice sharpener.
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all the knives in the vantage series are good. if you really like the avid, go for it.

the steel used in the avid is easy to sharpen and can take a really fine edge.

what do you use to currently sharpen your knives with?
 
If you're trying to learn how to sharpen, I would go with the avid. S30v is harder to sharpen, and generally wears better, so you don't get to sharpen it as much. So you won't get as much experience with it.

And about the sypdercos... I have no interest in ever owning one of the models mentioned (or any spyderco for that matter), so even though they are frequently discussed here, not everyone ends up owning one.

I also use sandpaper to sharpen my knives. I finish with 2000 grit wet/dry, and then move onto a loaded strop (2-5 micron).

Good luck :).
 
I strongly dislike spyder holes :). I'll agree with anyone that they're good knives, but I'm not personally interested in ever owning one.

I like folders to be smaller and thinner in profile, and the holes make the whole knife larger in my pocket. Besides, I think they look funky :P.
 
ocnLogan said:
I strongly dislike spyder holes :). I'll agree with anyone that they're good knives, but I'm not personally interested in ever owning one.

I like folders to be smaller and thinner in profile, and the holes make the whole knife larger in my pocket. Besides, I think they look funky :P.
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do you find the hole to be uncomfortable for your finger? which models have you tried?

p.s. looks are secondary when it comes to spyderco, function is always the top priority.
 
Growing up with thumbstuds, the spydie hole is a bit uncomfortable, as is the motion that I need to use to get my hand down there (meaning, if you're used to a thumb stud, getting your thumb to the surface of the blade is a bit more of a distance).

I tried on a buddies Delica a few years ago, and while I didn't play with it for hours, I still never got over the akward feeling that it had.

I can see how they would be useful if you had big thick gloves on I guess, but since I never have a need to use my knife with gloves on, that really isn't an issue. And like I've said before, I'm not trying to bash on them at all (good knives), but they're not for everyone, and the statement that "you'd likely end up with a couple of them" prompted me to make that statement.

Cheers :).
 
the new guy here,
i have the knife in question in my pocket right now. I have a lot of knives, but I've been carrying this one for nearly 8 months now. Gotta be a record. I use it a lot at work, light duty but often. blade is 13c26 (the cheap one), holds an edge pretty well, easy to sharpen, slim, rides low and is reversible. I'm having trouble finding something that I like better. Oh, one other thing, if you're not paying attention when you close it, there are no springs to move the blade in either direction and cut you. Loosen the blade pivot screw a touch, drop of oil and the action is excellent.
 
ocnLogan said:
I'm not trying to bash on them at all (good knives), but they're not for everyone, and the statement that "you'd likely end up with a couple of them" prompted me to make that statement.
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Fair enough, but the original assumption is still correct far more often than not. Most everyone ends up owning one at some point, if for no other reason than to decide if they like 'em.
 
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