Just ordered a large paperstone Vantage

[dogstar]

I already have a small Vantage select. I've been wanting a larger folder, going back and forth between the 345, 486, and the 110 ecolite.

The Vantage won out because:

a) Vantage is a solid and durable design
b) I don't own any paperstone, and have heard good things about it
c) I like one hand opening; flipping is an affliction.
d) I'm curious about what quality will be like. Folks gripe about the Vantage sometimes; my small select was good out of the box, so what will I get this time?

I'll post some pics or a vid when the knife arrives.

 

[buckstuff]

I am thinking of doing the same thing either a large Select or Paperstone. I'll be waiting for your review.

 

[dogstar]

It is here!

I have to say, I lucked out in the Vantage sweepstakes again! Or, more likely, the majority of Vantages lack major issues these days? Sticker on my box says this Vantage was born on 8/11/11. Some photos (I have NOT tweaked the knife, yet):

The blade has small dings, oily fingerprints, and minor scratches on the spine. As I recall, the blade on my small select also had minor scratches. Should clean up nice for the most part. As with my small Vantage, it is razor sharp.

Blade centering is not perfect, but blade does not rub against liners. A slight turn of my T6 will center that. Blade grind as even on both sides as I could ask for in a production knife.

TONS of room between blade and back spacer, which is not the case with my small Vantage. No way the blade will contact back spacer.

Lockup is pretty much where you want it.

Other thoughts:
--Flipping is not so smooth. I intend to open this up, clean and oil. It should be smoother after this.
--Black paperstone is not pretty, but is strong and provides decent grip. They are very slab-like. I prefer the rounded contours of the FRN handles better.
--Center spacer is tight, does not rattle.
--Man, that blade is thin right near the edge! If I tried batoning a piece of hardwood on a cold day, it would smash to bits! Of course, that would be gross abuse.
--Although it does not look it in photos, large vantage is significantly more substantial than the small
--At 4 oz, it is a heavy knife, but weight is evenly distributed and does not feel ungainly
--Compared to the small select, the large has same thickness blade, but thicker liners.
--I'm glad USA is etched on the blade.
--The Vantage line is a great design, well worth the money.