Buck Vantage Pro - First Impressions

In the past, it was not unknown to have S30V factory edges more prone to chipping out. This was likely due to the machine sharpening process rendering the edge more brittle. Usually, a couple of hand sharpenings would solve the problem.
 
Does anyone know exactly what size torx driver is needed for the Buck Vantage series?

Is it the T4? T5? T6?

All I know is I don't have it, but I need to know what to ask for at the hardware store without flipping out a knife and scaring the sheeple.
 
I'm loving mine:

also, Nutnfancy has a nice video on it:

[youtube]awY9uYZuaU8[/youtube]

here's a shot of mine:

712513130_kmdqe-XL.jpg
 
Emanuel said:
Does anyone know exactly what size torx driver is needed for the Buck Vantage series?

Is it the T4? T5? T6?

All I know is I don't have it, but I need to know what to ask for at the hardware store without flipping out a knife and scaring the sheeple.
Click to expand...

It's T6 for all of the screws.
 
I like mine better than just about any other tactical knife I own. You can spend four or more times as much on a knife and get nothing better. I was reluctant to purchase a BUCK because they seemed to be an entry level blade. I got two BUCK Mayos and figured I would give it a go. I was not disappointed.
 
Very impressed for the price point, no issues with the centering as some have noted. Not quite as sharp out of the box as I expected but still plenty keen. Flips out easy and getting smoother by the moment as I neurotically flip it in and out...:) Looking forward to many years of good use from this blade.
 
I've had mine for about a month now. I'm usually pretty hard on knives at work, I've been known to destroy cheaper ones in a month or two, but the Vantage Pro has held up great. I had some issues with chipping when it was new, but after a couple sharpenings it was no longer a problem. I bought two of them, one wasn't centered and I had to disassemble it to get it straight, took about 5 minutes. I'll have to pick up the smaller version in S30V as soon as it comes out.
 
Just bought one of these. Should be here in a few days... We'll see of the blade centering issue has been addressed.
 
As a follow up to my original post - I want to add some additional observations.

I rounded the tip off by playing with the knife - since it was much less than what I typically spend on a knife I went a little crazy with sticking it in things and cutting things. I was able to put a point back on it with a stone - no problems there - just some obscene scratches.

I also have a problem with blade centering as the pivot loosens. Once tight - the blade centers perfectly again. Only problem - the flipper doesnt work as smooth as I would like.

If you take this one apart - be careful with the liner lock. I have to fiddle with it a lot as I re-assemble so the liner lock fully engages.

I noticed that this one has nylon washers - the only thing I would like to do at this point is trade them out for bronze washers - but I havent been able to put my hands on ones that are the right size.

I have removed the clip and pocket carry the knife - and it is great for this purpose. The scales are smooth, and the weight is very tolerable.

It's a great knife for the price - you get a lot in a relatively inexpensive package. I still like mine a lot and I've had it for a while now - and that is a good sign for me.
 
The plain edge is out of stock at the places I shop. That's a good thing as they're all claiming a new run is coming in 2 weeks.

I asked if the blade centering has been addressed and they said that new stock is perfectly centered. I'm going to buy one and check it out.

I liked the JYD II flipper but what a tank, had to let it go. This seems more like what I'm up to for an EDC flipper. :)
 
Great knife! I'm loving my Buck Vantage Avid but found the dymondwood handle is a little slippery and the hole is too small for left hand opening. One of the best looking knife that I've seen at any price. I'm ordering the Vantage Pro in both sizes. Cheers :)
 
I just received an avid myself yesterday and I think it may very well be of the best "cheap" knives I have owned. The only bad thing I can say is the fit and finish isn't all that good, but thats only apparent if you take a close look. The dymondwood has a very nice look to it and I would love to see Buck produce a more refined version of this knife.
 
effer said:
First thing I did with Vantage PRO is took it apart and fixed some of the things I didn't like. Here is what came out in the end:

1) Sanded G10 scales and liner to get a good fit
2) Lockup was great, I didn't do a thing (but with Vantage it is a hit-or-miss game)
3) Lock edge was way too sharp, so I rounded it off. Now it is very comfy. I probably will grind it down closer to the handle later on, just for looks.
4) Blade was somewhat off center, so that was fixed.
5) Took off the clip and put a lanyard on. Lanyard is held in place by a longer replacement screw. Just took the original screw that hold G10 to the liner, put in a longer one. No other modifications.

I feel like I paid half for what (with a little effort) performs and feels like a $100+ knife.
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I have just bought a Vantage Pro and also find the lock edge too sharp for comfortable holding. How did you round off the edge?
 
Toyz said:
Because the clip is attached to the butt of the knife and not the scales - it makes it the perfect candidate for clip removal.

I edc in an offic e5 days a week, and regularly remove the pocket clips from my knives, as they sometimes just get in the way and add weight.
Click to expand...
How much does a pocket clip weigh?
 
imafritz said:
Love my Pro and agree with most pros and cons:

Liner locks a little too far right-dont matter, aint gonna fail-couple prozac and I'm finally ok in my own mind

Blade not centered-just getting over it

I like the flipper though and find myself flipping it while watching tv almost to a compulsion.


One thing I want to ask everyone who has one....I have a couple chips in center of blade and cant tell if the more brittle s30v just chipped when I was whittling down a plastic cap or if it hits the center divider support when closed up. Anyone else notice this?
Click to expand...
Could it be that you are a bit rough with the knife? Modern day blade steels don't chip easily. AND WHEN WILL KNIFE OWNERS FINALLY LEARN HOW EASILY THE BLADE CAN BE CENTERED BY ADJUSTING THE BLADE PIVOT SCREW. OR SIMPLY SEND YOUR KNIVES BACK TO BUCK FOR A WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT. STOP WHINING ABOUT SUCH A MINOR ADJUSTMENT.
 
Bootcher, you are shouting. Something with Caps Lock.
Adjusting the off-centered blade in the early production knives took a bit more effort than just fiddling with the pivot screw. I had to disassemble and reassemble it quite a bit. Sending it back to Buck from my neck of the woods will make the Vantage Pro suddenly a lot more expensive. I also expect a better quality control from an american company. If the chinese can do it on a 7 dollar knife Buck should be able to do this on the Vantage. So I think I have the right to say I am dissatisfied with that aspect
In general it is a good knife for the price, especially for the price you pay for it in the US.
 
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