Buck Vantage S30V vs Ontario Rat 1....

combatjiujitsu

combatjiujitsu

Joined
Nov 26, 2009
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Was curious which one you guys would pick up if you just could grab one? It will be a work beater kinda knife. I have handled both and even owned both at one time or another. Just curious which one you guys would choose....Thanks
 
I got a great deal on the Vantage S30V through the Buck Collectors Club so I chose that one as the beater for not too much more than it would have cost me to get a Rat 1. I've been eyeing a Rat 1 for a long time and from what I've read, they seem to be a great value and choice as an all around beater but for some reason, there was always something a little better out there, like the S30V Vantage, or I just had a hard time imagining grabbing it instead of something I already had (my Griptilian) if I wanted a pocket-clipped, one-handed knife that day.
 
wow - i have a rat1 and i like it.

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i totally agree with the above post - what deal on the buck. most got deal on a lot of 30v since the newer steels are out.
 
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Own both, but if I had to just "grab one", may my Buck Brothers forgive me, but I'd take the RAT 1.
 
Iam sorry to say but the rat 1 is just a better knife I have a couple of buck vantages and had to hand pick them 80% of them had bad lockup,grinds,off centered blades ect and thats not just the $26 model after I use them for awhile (the hand picked ones) the lock moves all the way over tho the non locking side and blade becomes off center. This really bums me out because this USA made buck could have been so much nicer with a thicker liner and bigger pivot assembly.
 
bertosknives said:
Iam sorry to say but the rat 1 is just a better knife I have a couple of buck vantages and had to hand pick them 80% of them had bad lockup,grinds,off centered blades ect and thats not just the $26 model after I use them for awhile (the hand picked ones) the lock moves all the way over tho the non locking side and blade becomes off center. This really bums me out because this USA made buck could have been so much nicer with a thicker liner and bigger pivot assembly.
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thanks for ruining my day! i plan on, 80% chance, i'l be sending it back! i think i am going to cut the grass you really depressed me!
 
dragonsprayer said:
thanks for ruining my day! i plan on, 80% chance, i'l be sending it back! i think i am going to cut the grass you really depressed me!
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this (centering, lockup, grinds, etc) has been discussed extensively in the Buck forum. there are some less-than-perfect vantages out there, particularly the earlier ones, but it is my understanding that these issues have been at least somewhat addressed and the incidence of problems has been reduced. in most cases, these purported "problems" have little impact, if any, on the functionality of the knife.

i have not had a rat 1 yet but I'd be surprised to hear that no one has ever had some issue with how it came from the factory.

eta: i think both of these fall into the category of value user and while the vantage does have its critics, there is also a vocal group of advocates so it's just one of those knives you have to try it out and see if it works for you. they sell rather quickly on the exchange.
 
This was about a year ago thing might have changed since then but doubt it I just wanted to warn you because I returned two sog vulcans last week and still haven't recived my refund and the wait is killing me. If youre going to order a knife online get one with a good track record the vantage does not have a good track record do a search and see what I'am talking about.
 
Vantage S30V.
If for some reason you get a earlier production run with flaws, Buck will take care of any defects.
 
I have both, but not the vantage in S30V. I have a Buck 110 in S30V and Buck's heat treat of that steel is excellent and it's a much better steel than the AUS-8 on the Rat-1. I find edge retention substantially better on the Buck, as one would expect. My regular vantage knives (420HC) don't have any quality issues and the RAT-1 is a very well made and comfortable knife. Hmmm, if only we could get a rat-1 in S30v? :) I guess it wouldn't be a $30 knife though. I would probably balk at the Vantage if I thought there were going to be fit and finish issues.
 
Vantage S30V.
If for some reason you get a earlier production run with flaws, Buck will take care of any defects.
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Definately agree. Buck has the best customer service hands down.

The 2 knives your looking at are completely different. I love the flipper, and have no problems opening and closing it. I was hesitant to get a liner lock, but love mine. Rock solid knife, won't break the bank, fantastic quality. Go with the Buck.
 
just went to big 5 and out of the 8 they had 6 had very good fit and finish the other two were pretty bad so it looks like they have improved quite a bit thats good news.:thumbup:
 
The Buck might seem like the obvious choice... S30V blade w/ Bos heat treat, 3D contoured G10 handles, deep carry clip, and both a flipper and thumb hole. I find I end up reaching for the RAT-1 more though. It may have FRN handles, but it does feel a bit more solid. Ergos also fit me better on the RAT-1. F&F on the RAT was perfect, whereas the Vantage left much to be desired (liner lock hits the non-locking liner side, blade scraps against non-locking liner, G10 scales don't align flush with the liners).

RAT1_VantagePro_800x472.jpg
 
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