Just Arrived: Buck Vantage Select, Avid, and Pro

[Gary007]

Bought all three.

Had plans on buying one nice Spyderco, but thought I'd give Buck some business. They were all pretty inexpensive, made in the U.S.A, and I do like Buck knives.

All of them had blade center issues, so I adjusted the pivot screws and tightened them up, it fixed the blade center problems, although it made them slightly harder to open, no big deal I suppose. One of them the blade center was so off, it made a metallic clicking sound when I closed it.

On a positive note, they ALL came VERY sharp, was surprised.

Well, here are some photos-

first the Pro, paid $46.95 at Knifeworks, probably the best one of the bunch, the one with best fit and finish:

Here's the lock up on the PRO:

Here's the blade center after the adjustment:

Here's the Avid model, paid $30.95, with the Sandvik steel and Dymondwood handles. I like the Dymondwood handles, it's what's on my Mini Alpha Hunter

Here's the lock upon the Avid:

Here's the blade center after I adjusted the pivot screw:

Here's the Buck Select, paid $21.95, 420HC and Black Glass Reinforced Nylon handle

Here's the lock up on the Select, what do you think?

Here's the blade center after adjustment:

rides real low, just my style:
Shown in my 511 Tactical pants, back pocket.

 

[GWashington1732]

Does the blade lock up firmly? If it does then you shouldn't worry about it that much, mine locks up to the center but if it's locked good then it's probably no big deal. If it's not locking nicely in place then it's probably a defect and buck should be able to handle that for you no problems.

 

[tom19176]

Nice! I have several of all three and a few of the smaller ones....Great knives.

 

[philwar]

That Vantage Pro is incredible value for money. If it had just .5" longer blade, I'd buy 10 straight away.

 

[Snotwad]

“Had plans on buying one nice Spyderco, but thought I'd give Buck some business.”

Wise decision, you’ll never regret it. I never miss a chance to beat the Buck drum

 

[Jeff S1]

I have been very happy with my Avid, holds a nice edge and sharpens well. Great knife for the money.

 

[Morrow]

I have two of the Pros. I couldn't be happier with them. Both had centered blades....came exceptionally sharp and lock up tight. There does appear to be some QC issues with this model that I hope Buck works out.

 

[Gary007]

Nutnfancy did a nice review on the Vantage:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=nutnfancy#p/u/0/awY9uYZuaU8

 

[eah990]

I just got the select. And today purchased the pro, have alot of people had blade centering problems? It seems to be an issue. I hope I can fix it with simply adjusting the pivot screw and not have to send it back.

 

[110 Dave]

i really got to try one of these some time ...

 

[eah990]

i got my pro and the liner lock doesnt even engage. This sucks

 

[jonsforeal]

This may sound dumb but was the small select model made to have a zip tie on the handle hole????

 

[skyhorse]

Here's a couple of poor photos of the Avid that I've been using for about 6 months.As you can see the blade is off center.At fist glance it sort of bugged me a little but after using it for some time now I believe it's just due to the pressure of the liner lock against the base of the blade in the closed position.When the blade is deployed and locked it's perfectly aliened with no blade play issues at all.It works great,opens fast and the blade being off center no longer concerns me at all.I think you got 3 cool knives.It replaced my Spider knife that now resides on my workbench.I'm not knocking the spider,just like this one better!

 

[joewest69]

I have never had a lot of interest in Buck knives or liner locks in general but I really liked the looks of the Vantage. Unfortunately the steel liners on my model were pretty sharp so I had to sand them down to smooth everything out. After that I figured I might as well just grab the dremel and polish them up, along with the spine of the blade. It really makes the Avid look like it belongs in a much higher price range. Hard to capture just how nice it looks with my cheap camera.

 

[CJ Buck]

great feedback on the knives. believe me there are quite a few of us from Buck monitoring the threads and it is good to hear...both the good and bad.

 

[LG&M]

My vantage pro has been my #1 EDC for a wile. I think the select might make a great knife for my 12 year old scout. (I would hate to see him lose the pro). Also I would like to see a little more texture on the handle. How is it on the select?

 

[THE_LONGBOW]

Irrelevant