Knife similar design to Buck Vanguard with better steel?

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Sep 6, 2007
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I like the way the buck vanguard feels in my hand and like the guard. I dont like the steel it comes with and do not like the look of the cabelas alaska series in s30 nor the handle material. Can anyone recommend a brand/maker who makes a knife similar in profile/design with the guard in S30, d2, or another quality steel that will hold the edge?
 
I like the way the buck vanguard feels in my hand and like the guard. I dont like the steel it comes with and do not like the look of the cabelas alaska series in s30 nor the handle material. Can anyone recommend a brand/maker who makes a knife similar in profile/design with the guard in S30, d2, or another quality steel that will hold the edge?
What’s your intended use for the knife? Have you used Buck’s 420HC and been disappointed with the edge retention? If so, the simple answer might be a Vangaurd Pro with 20CV.
 
Gerber Gator Premium fixed blade. S30V for around $90. The handle is similar to a Mora and that is a good thing in my book. I have a big hand and like a thick, grippy handle. Sheath isn't bad either.

Made in the USA if that is important to you as well.

I'm not a Gerber fan but the Gator fixed blade and folder are two I would and do recommend.
 
What’s your intended use for the knife? Have you used Buck’s 420HC and been disappointed with the edge retention? If so, the simple answer might be a Vangaurd Pro with 20CV.
General hunting/hiking knife. Skinning, and making feather sticks will probably be the bulk of it's use. I havent used buck's 420hc steel but figured the steel would be too soft and would rather spend a few more $$ to get the right knife.

Gerber Gator Premium fixed blade. S30V for around $90. The handle is similar to a Mora and that is a good thing in my book. I have a big hand and like a thick, grippy handle. Sheath isn't bad either.

Made in the USA if that is important to you as well.

I'm not a Gerber fan but the Gator fixed blade and folder are two I would and do recommend.
That looks like another decent option. thanks for pointing it out.
 
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Nothing wrong with 420HC the way Buck does it. I thought the Vanguard was available in S30v though.
Yep, some SFOs are s30v and I’ve heard some complain that Buck 420hc is to hard or hard to sharpen. Lol. There’s a lot of misinformation out there and most of it is hear say or misunderstanding of steel types.
The vanguard in 420hc is a good decent steel but also available in some upgrade steel like 20cv as well as the s30v if a person wants to pay a bit more.
 
General hunting/hiking knife. Skinning, and making feather sticks will probably be the bulk of it's use. I havent used buck's 420hc steel but figured the steel would be too soft and would rather spend a few more $$ to get the right knife.

That looks like another decent option. thanks for pointing it out.
You should really try their 420hc. They treat it very well.
 
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