Buck Vantage Pro or Paradigm Pro?

D

Drover

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Dec 12, 2010
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After recently acquiring Select in Dymondwood which I still can't put down ( it has replaced all other EDC knives, this thing is freakin awesome) I am having a hard time deciding whether now to get a Vantage Pro or the Paradigm Pro? I would love to hear from any of you who own BOTH and what your thoughts are on both in helping me make the next purchase decision. I DON'T want to get both. So, the question is if you could only have ONE of them which would it be and why? Thanks much.
 
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Get the Vantage AVID the pro is a little over priced when you can get the upgraded steal and nicer handle material with the Avid. I have several and love them. I have both of the Paradigms and have already posted my discontent with them. They are over priced and feel cheap.IMHO
 
I have both ,having edc'd both for almost a year I go to the Paradigm.
They have been with me on field dressing game in lakes,swamps,and heavy rain,lately ice and snow.
The Vantage sits in my truck now as I favor the Paradigm .... I love the way the blade jumps out.
The bolsters still look new,the scales shine and the clip wears the pockets to shreads on my blue jeans
I use a Lansky to touch them up and my belt to remove the burr.
Join the BCCI and you get discounts on Buck Knives.
 
I really like both patterns but I do prefer the Vantage. I would suggest if you can handle the Paradigm do so. The bolster lock in different. I gave my Paradigm Avid to my father and he's loving it. I have a custom Paradigm and I'll never give it up.

So, since you have a select with dymondwood handles I'd say try the Paradigm. You can always sell it and move on if you don't like it.
 
I have both pros, I love them both. No matter what you go with you wont be sorry. But I would personally wait till Vantage Force Pro(model 847) is available which should be real soon. But when it comes to Buck Knives they are all great. You never have to worry about getting a bad one.
 
I love both of them. They are so similar in size and shape it is hard to choose which is better. IF I had the money, (and assisted opening isnt an issue) I would go for the Paradigm. If I just wanted a fantastic knife at a great price point, I would go for the Vantage.
 
yes the Paradigm is heavier than vantage, but man does that blue/black handle look good.
 
300Bucks said:
Isn't the Vantage lighter in weight ?

300Bucks
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Not much, just a little over a half an ounce lighter.

Paradigm Pro is 4.79 oz.
Vantage Pro ia 4.24 oz.

.55 oz. difference

I just weighed them on my handy dandy digital scale. :)
 
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Crockus,I have a Buck Vantage Avid and used it almost a year.I also have the Paradigm Pro.They are both great knives.We're kinda talking Apples and Oranges here since the Paradigm Pro is an assisted opener.If it was me being you already have a Vantage,I would go for the Paradigm Pro.Like Flatlander said you can always sell it if you don't like it but I'm betting you will.
 
I have both. I perfere the Vantage. No assisted opening mechanisims to foul up. I consider my Paradigm more of a novelty. Fun to watch people try to open or close it.

Greg
 
i got my Paradigm Pro as a gift. honestly hadn't had it on my radar at all. have a few Sirus models i like but can't stand how the safety always engages in my pocket so in a "hurry" it's always slower then my other options. the Paradigm exceeded what i expected and i actually really like it (now have a couple). to me it opens very naturally and locks solid. it "feels" faster opening then the Sirus/Rush models i have.

the Vantage models (am a big fan of and have several of each series) are ideal non-ao for me. don't care for thumbstuds so like the slots but am a huge fan of flippers. all mine are very solid and quick to open.

day to day i tend to carry the Vantage since i have some with the clips switched for left pocket carry too if that is how i have to carry that day. i like knowing i can open either handed just as easily with the flipper (not so much with the thumb cutout due to liner lock).

in use i find the Paradigm more comfortable (and i can not explain how that is, even i don't think there should be a difference). so i like the Paradigm better but use the Vantage more due to it's versatility and simpler system. both are great designs but if had to pick only one its the vantage for me since i sometimes carry left pocket.
 
I originally bought the Vantage Pro back when they could be had for under $50 and loved it. In a brain fart moment I sold it to a coworker for what I paid for it and by the time I decided I needed to replace it the prices had increased a good bit so I never did. That being said another coworker told me this morning that Wally World has a Vantage Pro in 420HC for $25. Since I happen to have a $25 gift card buring a hole in my pocket I think I'll check it out.

FWIW I've got the small Vantage Pro and while I like it it's just not the knife that the larger version was at least for my daily needs. Depending on the reviews I'm planning on getting one of the new Vantage Force Pros
 
Badhammer said:
I originally bought the Vantage Pro back when they could be had for under $50 and loved it. In a brain fart moment I sold it to a coworker for what I paid for it and by the time I decided I needed to replace it the prices had increased a good bit so I never did. That being said another coworker told me this morning that Wally World has a Vantage Pro in 420HC for $25. Since I happen to have a $25 gift card buring a hole in my pocket I think I'll check it out.

FWIW I've got the small Vantage Pro and while I like it it's just not the knife that the larger version was at least for my daily needs. Depending on the reviews I'm planning on getting one of the new Vantage Force Pros
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Wouldn't that be a Select instead of Pro if it's 420HC? The Pro's have S30V blades.
 
Plumberdv said:
Wouldn't that be a Select instead of Pro if it's 420HC? The Pro's have S30V blades.
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Sorry, my bad. You are correct. He said it looked identical to a Vantage Pro except it lacked the Buck emblem and of course the steel. I'm gonna check it out on the way home. Wonder if it could be the Vantage Paperstone and not the Select? I guess if it looks like the Pro without the logo it must be the Select as the Paperstone has a different look to it.
 
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The only Vantage models that Walmart carries as far as i know is 2 versions of the Select. The cheaper one is the one with the Zytel type handles and 420HC steel and then they carry the same one with dymondwood handles for about $10 or $15 more. These are real beauties so if you can find one get it. It's like an Avid but in 420HC. I suppose Walmarts might be different in various areas of the country but that's what we've got around Oregon anyway. Good hunting!
 
Well this is redundant but its all about the money, the Paradigm is such a cool knife and assisteds are a bonus but of course theyre twice the money. Cant beat the value of the Vantage. Also agree with whoever said wait for the Vantage Force, I am in an out and out lusting for the 847 plain edge:D
 
I don't mean to resurrect an old thread, but this is relevant to me as I'm seriously considering a Paradigm myself right now. I currently EDC a 345 Dymondwood Select Vantage and I absolutely love the knife. I've had a chance to play with a Paradigm in store and think it's great fun. However, there are a few things I'm not big on for the Paradigm. I'm not a huge fan of the textured finish on the bolsters; I wish it was more of a smooth satin finish or something. I'm also not sure how strong the Shift mechanism is or how well the Shift mechanism will stand up over time. It looks like the locking pin only half engages the blade tang when the knife is locked open or closed.

For those of you who EDC Vantages or Paradigms, which do you prefer and why? And, more directed at those who own Paradigms, what do you think of the Shift mechanism?
 
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