Buck Vantage Select is way better than I expected.

D

Doug S

Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
605
I recently lost my second Spyderco Delica 4, and was looking for a replacement EDC clip-it knife. Since I can’t seem to keep my $50-$60 Spydercos for very long, I thought I’d shop around to see if there were any other “cheap” options since I’ll most likely lose it at some point. I stumbled onto the Buck Vantage Select small @ $19.99 with free shipping. Since I like my other Buck knives well enough, I ordered it and then decided to do a little Internet surfing to see what people thought of the knife. For the most part comments were favorable, but there were some that indicated that fit and finish is sometimes questionable with these knives. I figured for $20 I wasn’t out much, and I’d give it away if I wasn’t satisfied with it. Well it came today and I can honestly say I was really surprised at how nice this knife is. The blade is perfectly centered, the liner lock works fine. In general the fit and finish is as good as anything I’ve bought (Victorinox, Sypderco, Benchmade, etc.) If this knife holds up well to everyday pocket carry and use, I think I’ve found a new EDC knife. If you’re not worried about higher end steel, then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this knife (if mine is any kind of a representative sample). I also like the feel of it in my hand and the blade shape and size. Blade also looks pretty robust. American made, better than average fit and finish…what’s not to like. I have a large size ordered also.
 
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cool...good to know. I was thinking of getting one...prob pull that trigger now:)
 
I was through with liner locks until I picked up one of these in person. I bought it last June and have been carrying it regularly ever since. It is a very well made knife at a fair price.
 
My son has the large Vantage Avid and it's perfect in every way. Perfect lockup, blade centered and it takes a nice edge and seems to hold it very well. I don't know what Buck runs their 13C26 at but it seems pretty hard and I like it. We checked a couple at Bass Pro to find a perfect one though.

I wanted a large Vantage Pro for myself and I looked through their selection 4 or 5 times before gambled on one new in box. It had a blade rubbing the liner and what I would consider excessive lockup. I took it apart and played with the pivot. It now has a centered blade and opens smoothly but the lockbar still travels too far over IMO. I'm happy enough with it at this point that I'm keeping it.

Bottom line, they can be perfect from the factory but in my experience it can be hard to find one that is.
 
Ordered mine last Thursday and still waiting....heard good things though.
Really like my Buck Nobleman (CF) $23 , so figured I'd give the small paperstone a shot.
F+F is decent considering price.
Hard to push my Spyd Millie and BM 755 MPR out of my pocket though.
 
I picked up a Vantage Pro about a year ago. Now it's my most commonly carried one-hander. I really really like the way it fits in the hand. I also like the deep pocket carry. Locks up like a champ.
 
jimmyd1982 said:
Is it worth getting the s30v version for about 20 or 30 bucks more?
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IMO, YES. I am very good at sharpening, but I find the 420hc on my select dulls fast even though it's easy to sharpen. I prefer steel to hold an edge longer and be a little more tougher.

I bought 2 selects at the time. Wish I bought one S30V (pro) instead.
The select is still a good knife though, and the most comfortable and fastest opening folder I have. I have already taken a good 1/8" to 3/16" off of my EDC one already from sharpening in 2 years of daily use.

Spend the extra and get the pro.
 
Two things.
First I am new to this forum, and new to knife collecting.

Second, I just picked up a Vantage Select and I am really pleased with it. About a month ago I couldn't have told you a thing about knives. I have been doing some research and this is the first "good" knife I have picked up. I know its $20.00 and 420HC, but my Buck 110 has seen me through many hunting endeavors. Therefor the blade steel and Buck name attracted me. My Vantage locks up tight, cannot complain about the fit. I can't complain with the traditional Buck grind and machining (I knew what I was getting into). I am looking forward to carrying this knife and using it everyday. At any rate, I think its a good knife, and in my limited experience I would recommend buying it.

Hello to all I can't wait to learn more about knives. Thanks.
 
welcome to bladeforums glad you like your vantage select, i have the large vantage pro and its been a regular part apart of my EDC for a few months now and that Paul Bos HT is really something
 
I have purchased a regular Vangard at Walmart couple of weeks ago. Did not have any new knives for quite a wile and could not resist. For 25 dollars at retail - it is a good deal.
The blade is not centered though. That could be because of the design. The knife has got a liner lock combined with quite delicate pivot and small washers... So that gives it a good flipping capability. But the downside is that the blade gets pushed by linerlock to one side when closed. Not a big problem for a knife with such a pricetag IMHO.
The 420 steel on my knife feels quite good - Buck is famous for treating it just right. Original sharpening was crap - so I did have a chance to test the steel while re-sharpening it. The edge is still quite thick in particular closer to the point. But that provides it an extra resilience - obviously the point will not break that easy as with some other well respected knives. Though with that steel it would not be a big concern anyway...
I like its shape and the action. The clip design is also quite good - sits deep in the poket.
So overall I have got a good impression. Not perfect. Nothing exceptional. Just a good overall everyday knife to be used and obused if necessary.
 
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jimmyd1982 said:
Is it worth getting the s30v version for about 20 or 30 bucks more?
Click to expand...

Yes and no.

Both models are worth their price and i highly recommend them. Depends on what you're using the knife for. For regular EDC use, both the pro or select will do a very good job. The pro will hold a working edge longer, but the select will sharpen up easier. If you don't mind giving the select a few swipes on your stone (a little more often) when it needs it, you'll be pleased with it's performance.
 
The Buck Vantages are awesome. I was so pleased with my small Select that I added a large Pro for heavier duty uses. Between them, my favorite is whichever is in hand. Good stuff, unbeatable for the money.
 
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