My new Buck 347 Vantage Pro "S30V"

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SmallBlock327

Joined
Aug 10, 2013
Messages
47
Well I just purchased my new Buck Vantage Pro with the S30V blade. I have other Vantages but they have 420HC blades which have been good but im always looking for something better. I anxious to see how hard it is to get razor sharp. I'll get it there, and then some!:thumbup:
 
Feel free to post in the Buck sub-forum as well if you want to directly address Buck users and collectors.
 
First off, Welcome to the forum!

I bought the Vantage Pro several years ago as my first 'Modern' style Buck. Mine was and still is a great little knife. I believe it was my first knife with S30V, and mine came VERY sharp right out of the box. I've heard that there were quality issues with this series, but mine came perfectly centered and the fit and finish was excellent. I've primarily moved up to collecting more expensive knives now (this forum is much to blame for that), but I'm always happy when this knife comes up in the EDC rotation.
 
Hey KrisOK, what kind of quality issues are their suppose to be on this knife? Man I hope their aren't any because I spent close to $70 for the damn thing and I sure hope their aren't any problems with it! I have 3 other Buck Vantage models with the 420HC blades and their all excellent knives. Let me know what to look for as far as quality flaws.
 
I have an Avid and mine exhibits the off-centered blade issue. Yes, you can adjust the pivot for a better centering, but you lose the ability to flip the knife. I left mine slightly off-center and can easily flip it - and very quickly. It is not a big deal, as far as I'm concerned and I really like the knife.

Rumor has it that this issue has been addressed, but I have no personal knowledge of it.

I'd be willing to bet you will love your new Vantage.
 
Mine's just a tad off center, but everything works fine.

Enjoy the Buck. You got yourself a good one.
 
The blade being off center is because of the tension in the liner-lock pushing against it all the time. At least thats whats happening to my current Buck knives. If thats the only issue I'll be very happy. I'll let you know sometime next week how I like it. I have 2 Vantages but they both have the 420HC blades. This will be my first knife with the S30V material. Im looking forward to the challenge of getting it beyond razor sharp and I promise I'll get it there no matter how much work it takes! Ya'll have a good evening!
 
QC issues I heard were mostly addressed. And they were thinks such as the blade being off center and rubbing against a liner, and scales not being perfectly flushed if I remember correctly. If you need to re-center the blade there is a way to use paper to re-center the blade a quick google search should pull up instructions, how well it works I couldn't tell you I never felt the need to do such a thing.
 
SmallBlock327 said:
Hey KrisOK, what kind of quality issues are their suppose to be on this knife? Man I hope their aren't any because I spent close to $70 for the damn thing and I sure hope their aren't any problems with it! I have 3 other Buck Vantage models with the 420HC blades and their all excellent knives. Let me know what to look for as far as quality flaws.
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You overspent. They are available for less.

Buck does the best S30V in the business. This is not random opinion. I've done a fair number of side by side comparisons.

The blade shape and edge geometry are superb. The lockup is 100%. The G10 handle and steel liners make for a very robust knife. I also appreciate the deep pocket clip.

I have knives that I spent 3 times as much for that don't get as much pocket time as my Vantage Pro.

I have an early one. The blade is somewhat off center in the closed position. I do not find that objectionable as it does not rub, and is square in the open position. The one thing I did to modify the knife was to slightly round the corners of the G10 grooves. I found them objectionably sharp. To do this, I dragged a knife blade across them. Took a couple of minutes.
 
Update

Followed the video to the letter. Sanded the inner edges of both liners to make them nice and smooth, thoroughly cleaned the pivot area (including washers) - it was gritty, lubed and reassembled paying particular attention to the lockup liner side orientation.

WOW! Very smooth flick opening with "only" about 50% lockup (was essentially 100%) and a dead centered blade. Hard to believe the difference.

If you are thinking about doing this, I would recommend it. Take your time. It's not too difficult and the rewards are well worth it.

Pics to follow.

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Well I actually paid $61.00 for it, and I don't think thats too much for a knife of this quality. Im very pleased with the Buck 347 Vantage. The one I just purchased is absolutely perfect! The blade is perfectly centered when closed. When it's open the liner-lock is dead center on the blade. The handle material is flush with the frame and it is razor sharp right out of the box. Thats the first thing I checked. I have a big bald spot on my arm where I shaved all the hair right off! You know this knife will cut just as good as the best Spyderco, or any other brand for that matter! As far as paying too much...... I don't think I did. Oh im sure if I shopped around for several day's I could find one thats a little cheaper "$8 or $10 dollars but that don't bother me at all. It ain't like im going to buy one every other day. Anyway im here to let the people that are thinking about buying one know that it's a fantastic knife! The S30V blade steel is very nice to have. If you've been thinking about getting one, DO IT!!! You won't regret it! Have a good day! :) :)
 
I have a 346 with the Sandvik blade, and I love the thing. It's centered, flips great, and always makes me happy when I carry it.
 
I own a 347 and can catagorically say that nobody does a better heat treat on their knives than does Buck. My tune-up consisted of just using the knife until the minor annoyances solved themselves. I am quite happy now.
 
A.P.F. said:
I own a 347 and can catagorically say that nobody does a better heat treat on their knives than does Buck. My tune-up consisted of just using the knife until the minor annoyances solved themselves. I am quite happy now.
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My 347 and 345 (420HC model) came perfect out of the box and have remained so for the last five years. That was during a time when there were complaints about f&f, but I got mine at a shop where I had the opportunity to look them over before buying. The same was true of the smaller 340. However, a 342, the S30v version, was troublesome, and after two trips to Buck without satisfaction, I gave up on it. I think the problem was with the liner lock pushing the blade out of alignment, only on that model. In fact, the nice Buck lady said that was a known issue with that particular design, so we worked something out, and Buck was true to their customer service claim. I remain a loyal customer of a great company.
 
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