New Buck Vanguard

T-BAG

T-BAG

Joined
Dec 1, 2006
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Has anyone here purchased the new Buck Vanguard?....I saw one on the cover of the new A.G. Russell Catalog with half water buffalo horn and half elder tree scales on the handle. Iv'e only had one Buck knife (A Pathfinder) about 30 years ago and was wondering if this new Vanguard was worth the $250.00 their asking for it.

Buck is sometimes sketchy about the blade steel. The Pathfinder I had was a pretty good knife but it was only about 30 dollars then. Has anyone seen or purchased the new Vanguard?....thanks ahead of time:confused:
 
The knife your asking about is a "Special" edition made for A G Russell. It's the same blade steel as Buck's standard Vanguard line, which is 420 HC. It's the finish on the blade (polished), handle materials, sheath and limited production run that drive the "Special" edition's price.

A "standard" prodution Vanguard with a rubber handle, satin blade finish and nylon sheath can be had for around $50.00

For all practical purposes, both knives are functionally identical. Only you can decide if the aesthetics properties of the "Special" edition are worth the added cost.
 
dullone said:
The knife your asking about is a "Special" edition made for A G Russell. It's the same blade steel as Buck's standard Vanguard line, which is 420 HC. It's the finish on the blade (polished), handle materials, sheath and limited production run that drive the "Special" edition's price.

A "standard" prodution Vanguard with a rubber handle, satin blade finish and nylon sheath can be had for around $50.00

For all practical purposes, both knives are functionally identical. Only you can decide if the aesthetics properties of the "Special" edition are worth the added cost.
Click to expand...

Cabela's has Vanguard in CPM S30V with TiAlNi coating. I do not like Back idea of premium knife to have premium hanle and craftsmanship with entry level steel. So for me only that Alaskan Guide from Cabela's look special.

And it is with all its beauty pretty affordable, I even say underpriced.

buck-Vanguard-31.jpg


Thanks, Vassili.
 
+1 to what Vassili said. Below is a product description of the S30V version. At approx $90.00 for the rubber handled/nylon sheath and $95.00 for the Rosewood handled/leather sheath, both represent a MUCH better value than the "Special" edition because of the premium steel used. The $5.00 extra for Rosewood/leather is a BARGAIN!

"Sporting a 4-1/8" drop-point blade crafted of strong S30V steel, the Vanguard has a rosewood handle and a polished brass butt and guard. It also has a leather sheath. Available in a rubber handle Vanguard version with Cordura nylon sheath. Developed by Crucible Steel for the cutlery industry and known as the pinnacle of knife-making metals, S30V is comprised of metallic powders fused together under intense pressure and heat. It is then tempered under extremely high temperatures. This process is quickly followed by a cooling cycle in a cryogenic freezer. The resulting metal delivers the absolute finest combination of edge retention (45% greater than 420HC), flexibility and hardness (59-61 Rockwell) while remaining easy to sharpen with conventional stones. This steel also exhibits a high chromium content for oxidation resistance. For even greater corrosion resiliency each knife has been treated with a Titanium Aluminum Nitride coating. Our field testing and independent C.A.T.R.A. (Cutlery Allied Trade Research Association) tests prove these knives will outperform those crafted with other blade metals. Made in USA.
Overall length: 8-1/2".
Weight: 6.3 oz.
Available: Rosewood handle Vanguard w/Leather sheath
Rubber handle Vanguard w/Cordura nylon sheath "
 
May be I am just a steel junkie, but it is so hard to see that Buck, knowing how and being able to make excellent knives, with best most respected Heat Treatment expert Paul Bos, just I guess does not has a curage to make best knives with best steel, best craftmanship, best coating, best materials etc as it was at 1964, when 110 hit the World. Look like that they just do not care too much any more...

I hope they will came up with at least just one model which will meet current expectation of modern premium knife. Of course they are just fine selling tons of regular knives for regular Joes, but at least one concept model will not be too much. Just same 110 with titanium handle and G10 with CPM S90V or ZDP-189 or BG42...

Sorry, it is bit off topic.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
wh4f said:
Wait until you see the 2007 knives Vassili...
Premium steel and awesome new designs (IMHO) :D

I haven't seen the AG Russell knife but if it is one you like or want, its up to you, if its a user I would definately buy the standard version vanguard!
Click to expand...

OK, looking forward to see them.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
WH4's post is very heartening.

I shall keep my eyes and ears open for the new 2007 knives.

Might just have to crack open the piggybank.
 
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