Buck Vantage Pro or Benchmade 527 Mini Presidio?

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zorak

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Jan 18, 2011
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For an EDC option, these both look like great values. So far, here's my thoughts...

The Buck might be a little less expensive, but is a linerlock instead of the well-respected Axis framelock.

The Buck gets G10 scales and S30V, whereas the BM527 gets the more plastic-feeling Noryl GTX and 440C blade. I understand that 440C is still very good steel though, and somewhat under appreciated.

I haven't decided for sure which size Vantage Pro I prefer. I really need a smaller knife so maybe the small one. But the larger one is said to flip better. Not a huge size difference between big and small Vantages it seems.

Anything else I should consider in looking at these knives? :cool:
 
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Get the Buck Vantage Pro, S30V blade, G-10 scales, nice design, good fit and finish, It's a bargain!
 
zorak said:
For an EDC option, these both look like great values. So far, here's my thoughts...

The Buck might be a little less expensive, but is a linerlock instead of the well-respected Axis framelock.

The Buck gets G10 scales and S30V scales, whereas the BM527 gets the more plastic-feeling Noryl GTX and 440C blade. I understand that 440C is still very good steel though, and somewhat under appreciated.

I haven't decided for sure which size Vantage Pro I prefer. I really need a smaller knife so maybe the small one. But the larger one is said to flip better. Not a huge size difference between big and small Vantages it seems.

Anything else I should consider in looking at these knives? :cool:
Click to expand...

You're considering two of the best buys available today.

In size, the larger Vantage Pro is closer to the BM Presidio Ultra 527. I currently EDC the small Vantage. The size and deep pocket clip (silver, unfortunately) are perfect in my office environment.

I use the hole opener, which works great for my small to medium size hands. Those with larger hands should opt for the larger Vantage. I concur with those who say the flipper is not so great on the small model.

Buck has dealt with the early QC issues on the Vantage, but anecdotal evidence suggests there may still be models out there with less than perfectly centered blades.

I called Buck and got help from a customer rep in picking out my small Vantage Pro. (Then went back to that rep to buy a second one.)

The Axis lock on the BM is great, and fun to use. The clip isn't as deep pocket as that of the Vantage, but it's not bad (and it is black, thank you, BM.)

BM's 440C steel, which is known for its corrosion resistance, is just fine for all but a few steel snobs.

These are two high-value knives from two of the best stables in the industry. Enjoy, whichever one you choose.
 
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Well, I've got a BM940 on the way to check out the Axis lock, so I went ahead and ordered a large Vantage Pro. I hope I get a good one.

Is Buck 'fixing' knives that customers aren't happy with? Considering the Pro is at the top of the Vantage line, you'd think they would pay more attention to detail on them.
 
I like the Vantage pro, the small one would be perfect for EDC use.

I found the axis lock is a bit harder to use than the liner lock, and I've never experienced a lock failure on a liner lock knive, of course, based on my EDC experience.
 
zorak said:
Well, I've got a BM940 on the way to check out the Axis lock, so I went ahead and ordered a large Vantage Pro. I hope I get a good one.

Is Buck 'fixing' knives that customers aren't happy with? Considering the Pro is at the top of the Vantage line, you'd think they would pay more attention to detail on them.
Click to expand...

The answer to your question is: Yes. Buck will fix a knife if you are unhappy.

Buck also says it has fixed its QC issues on the Vantages. So if you do have a problem, inquiring minds here want to know about it.
 
Love my large vantage pro. Can't be beaten for the price. It's been my edc ever since I got it, and will continue to be until my hest/f arrives.
 
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