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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Buck Vantage
- Thread starter cbfordtruck
- Start date
David Richardson
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2018
- Messages
- 503
Late to this. I like the large Vantage. I have several and tend to carry my 20cv/micarta version from SK Blades the most. I have seen pictures of some where the lockup is not good and the lock bar is at the far side of the blade. None of mine have this issue. I have 420 HC, 13C26, 20CV, S30, and S35 blades.
Pros
They all cut well - generally better than most flat grinds for me
They all carry great with one of the best pocket clips - all clips should be done this way
Variety of blade and handle materials available - some are good office carry, some look more tactical
The Large Vantage Select is one of the best values in a folder (< $30 for 420HC with GRN handles)
Most of the handle materials have good grip and are comfortable
Cons
None of them flip well - why do these even have flipper tabs? With some work I can get some of them to flip ok
They are pinned together - older ones had screws. I get why Buck would do this, but it's negative for me
Some have dual washers (PB + nylon). Why not just use a thicker PB washer (this may be only on the SK knife - don't recall)
The naming of these is confusing - you need to be careful when ordering
Some of the handle materials are slippery (ex: rosewood)
Pros
They all cut well - generally better than most flat grinds for me
They all carry great with one of the best pocket clips - all clips should be done this way
Variety of blade and handle materials available - some are good office carry, some look more tactical
The Large Vantage Select is one of the best values in a folder (< $30 for 420HC with GRN handles)
Most of the handle materials have good grip and are comfortable
Cons
None of them flip well - why do these even have flipper tabs? With some work I can get some of them to flip ok
They are pinned together - older ones had screws. I get why Buck would do this, but it's negative for me
Some have dual washers (PB + nylon). Why not just use a thicker PB washer (this may be only on the SK knife - don't recall)
The naming of these is confusing - you need to be careful when ordering
Some of the handle materials are slippery (ex: rosewood)
Love my large Vantage Pro in s30v with G10 scales. Mine flips OK but takes a lot of wrist effort. I slimmed down the scales at the pivot end, using a belt sander, to make it a bit less bulky in the pocket.
As much as I love mine, I would not buy a new one. I really dislike how Buck switched to scale materials that are all bordered in black plastic. It seems you can’t get a single-material scale in this knife anymore. Cost saving move? I find it to be ugly & cheap looking. Just my opinion.
As much as I love mine, I would not buy a new one. I really dislike how Buck switched to scale materials that are all bordered in black plastic. It seems you can’t get a single-material scale in this knife anymore. Cost saving move? I find it to be ugly & cheap looking. Just my opinion.
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2011
- Messages
- 29,946
most of mine flip easily enough, and without wrist use to do it. I don't mind the newer versions. I'm guessing its kept the cost for it low and that ain't a bad thing for many.
it could be a better knife. larger blade 3.5" or a bit more and some bearings and I guess back to the screw together so solid scales. upgrades in steels.........i'd add even more of those to my collection of them. cost a lot more but id pay it.
that wishlist aside.....I do like the vantage blade shape and geometry. they are great affordable users as is.
it could be a better knife. larger blade 3.5" or a bit more and some bearings and I guess back to the screw together so solid scales. upgrades in steels.........i'd add even more of those to my collection of them. cost a lot more but id pay it.
that wishlist aside.....I do like the vantage blade shape and geometry. they are great affordable users as is.
I really like mine. I think I got it 2013 or so and it has been my EDC ever since. I've used it for pretty much everything - kitchen, bushcraft, utilitarian chores... I really like the blade shape for most tasks. It's thin enough to carry great and wide enough for rough work. I too prefer a fixed blade for hunting but the Vantage good at opening things up and take them apart. Resharpens easily and holds an edge well.
I bought extras just in case I ever lose it or manage to wear it out.
I bought extras just in case I ever lose it or manage to wear it out.