Just pulled the trigger on a Vantage Pro

Cosmic Superchunk

Cosmic Superchunk

Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
3,709
Hey all. I just pulled the trigger on a Buck Vantage Pro and I am sooooo looking forward to it. Now, I have to admit I haven't bought a new Buck in a number of years and really haven't lurked through the forums or kept up with Buck's knife catalogue in a while, but by chance I came across one of the basic Vantage models (420HC blade) and immediately thought what a great EDC this knife would make (I loved the blade profile and the feel of the knife in the hand). I was also pleased to learn that the knife is available in the the Avid and Pro versions, so I jumped and placed an order for one of the Pro models. The street prices on these seem rather low considering the S30V blade, G-10 scales and made in USA.

So, to all the Vantage owners out there, how have yours held up? Pros? Cons? opinions? Differences in performance between the varying models?
 
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The Vantage has had some controversy and plenty of talk. I personally love the knife. I have have several (well all production models) and carry a few on a rotating basis. I like the Avid the most. I think the 13c26 sandivic steel is better than the s30v but that is my opinion. The Vantage has a few flaws that can be fixed and you may see this as well. The most complained about flaw is the blade centering issue. Some knives come with an off center blade. if you get one like this, send it back to Buck and have it fixed or replaced or tighten/;oosen the pivit pin. I have never got an off center blade but they are out there. Most people Blast the model as soon as they get one with an off center blade. Unless it is rubbing the liner, and scratching the blade, it really makes no difference. The knife is an all around great knife and I believe it will rival the 110 in popularity.
 
Great knife. I've been carrying mine for the past two months. My blade is a tiny bit off-center, but I learned that if I tightened the pivot screw and then loosened it a little, it would be buttery smooth and perfectly centered. I do wish that the design had come with a little "softer" liner lock, but it is my favorite knife anyway. I've used it on outdoor stuff, fish, food, everything. You won't be disappointed. I just wipe the blade down with a hankie after dirty use and it's good to go. I actually like using the flipper for quick opening and the thumbhole for slow opening. I like having both options.
 
Got mine for half a year now. It's a vantage pro as well, and I really like it. I might purchase a smaller one in the future, seems more practical for edc around college. The bigger one tends to get more nasty looks:)
All in all a great knife. A bit heavy maybe and mine is leaning towards one of the liners (but not touching it so that isn't a problem for me). The s30v takes a while to sharpen but it can get really sharp and however it doesn't remain shaving sharp for ages, it does keep its working edge very long. Since the knife is rather heavy and has a rather large hollow ground blade it's not ideal for any food prep though. Sometimes, the liner is rather stiff but I got used to it. The blade seems to be quite stiff after a while (faster than for example my delica), but some oil allways fixes that right up. When you have it in your pocket, some dust may gather inside rather quickly because of it's open construction. However, that same construction allows it to be cleaned very easily.
My favourite edc when I'm outdoors. It's a tough knife and I've never had the idea it would ever fail on me.
 
Well, my Vantage Pro arrived yesterday and so far I like it. I really like the way the G-10 scales are done and the knife feels great in the hand. The blade opens smoothly and locks up with no blade wobble and came very sharp out of the box, but I noticed it doesn't have much of a sharp point. Looks like it might of been rounded off a tiny bit when it was sharpened at the factory. Nothing serious, though. Aside from that the knife is great and I like the way it rides in the pocket. I wish more manufacturers would position their pocket clips the way Buck has done on the Vantage series. Anyway, I think the Vantage Pro is quite a steal for the price considering it's a USA made knife with an S30V blade and G-10 scales.
 
The Buck Vantage Pro is my ideal EDC knife, also due to its price point (I bought it at $45 when it first came out). I did not have blade centering issues like the earlier iterations, and I've been carrying it for almost 2 years now. I've only had to sharpen it twice after putting on a convex edge (stroping once a week). The S30V may not be from crucible, but Buck's heat treat is about as trustworthy as it gets. I've slain MREs, boxes, carved fetching sticks on the fly while walking my dog, cut wire, scaled and cleaned fish, etc.

There's nothing I dislike about it. USA made, great price and great performance. I also slapped dymond wood scales on it. I wish they had scale options to purchase at Buck. Rescue Orange G10 would be sick.
 
I really like the Vantage. Carry the Avid version most days. Just got a Pro version but I think I like the smoother scales of the Avid better, plus it seems thinner. Personal preference, in the end I think the Vantage is a winner all around. I'm now working on getting some custom scales made for one just to make it more personal.

Excellent knife at that price point!
 
mbjannusch said:
Here are a few of my Vantage collection... These aren't the users I EDC.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us
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Starting from the left side and going down are the Pro, Avid, and Select Vantage Force, The limited run red wood Avid, The Bond arms Black ash, the Bond Arms red wood, and the New Desert Tan Vantage Force Pro .
Top right side and down, The Paradigm Pro and Avid (I know, these aren't Vantages but I still dis-agree), The New OD Green Vantage Force Pro, The Vantage Pro, Avid, and Select and lastly the Hornaday red wood select with black coating on the blade and Gold lettering.
 
I have the Pro and the Avid. I carry the Avid pretty often, the Pro I decided to put back in the box and just keep. I decided I could stand to lose a knife that is $35 verses losing one that is around $60. The only complaint I have is I wish the handle material wasn't so slick, it's the wood handle version not sure of the correct name. I guess I need to get some sand paper and rough it up a bit.
 
The Charcoal diamond wood Avid is a bit slick. The scales are interchangeable, I removed the G10 scales from the Pro and put them on the Avid because I like the 13c26 better but I like the G10 better than the diamond wood .
 
i have about 14 or so of em. i find they are to urban use what the 110 is to the trail/camp use. i like the balance of tactical "ability" and real world usability. as quick to open as my paradigm/sirus models and as good for general daily cutting/slicing as my 301s. i always have one on me w/ either the 301 for around town or the 110 for the trail. slim enough i can keep one in the glovebox/briefcase/maxpedition/backpack so i always have a spare knife if needed. have a couple w/ clip reversed so can carry in left pocket if need by and still open due to the flipper (which i prefer over thumb hole but nice to have both options).

price point spread is great so my higher end spyderco/benchmade friends can pickup a inexpensive s30v in the Pro yet my "it's just a knfe" friends can get the Select for the same price they'd pay for an import and still have the wtty and usa made. love the two sizes so can slip the smaller in my slacks along w/ a 305 lancer for church/office and have the same familiar feel/use as my regular edc
 
LOVE the Vantage Pro! of my small collection, that includes a BM Griptilian and Skyline, the Vantage Pro is my favorite. it's simply beautifully designed. Now i'm really itching for the Small version so I could carry that instead of my little Gerber ripstop.
 
hogger said:
Is the black coating on the Hornaday the same as the coating on the Vantage pro black blade?
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I don't think so, it looks and feels different and it has gold lettering. I wouldn't imagine it was meant to hold up to any kind of use.
 
I remember seeing that photo of your Vantage collection but it looks like your ImageShack account is busted. Any chance you could repost a pick of your Vantages?
 
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