New knives today

Plumberdv

Plumberdv

Joined
Sep 26, 2008
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As I posted before, I ordered a few new Bucks and they came today. The first two are the new Ergo Folder Pro and one of the new smaller Vantage Pros. I really haven't had the time to photograph them or do much else with them, so this is just my initial impressions.

The little Vantage Pro is just a downsized version of the big one and other than that there's not much to be said that hasn't already been said. It's smaller size will probably appeal to a lot of folks.

The Ergo folder? Hmmm, the jury's still out. My first impression is that I don't like the feel of the rubber handle, but I'm sure that others will like it. It will more than likely be easy to hold onto if you are using it for messy jobs, skinning and such. What appears to be rosewood inserts are actually just colored rubber, not wood.

As far as value goes or bang for your buck, unless the Ergo pattern just works better for your application, I think the Vantage Pro has it beat hands down. The Vantage Pro's (larger one) catalog price is $95, the Ergo Folder's is $170. They both have S30V blades, so is the Ergo folder worth $75 more? No way, at least not in my opinion. It just doesn't look or feel like a $170 knife (Ebay price delivered, $115.50).

I'll try to get pictures taken and posted this week end.
 
Plumberdv said:
As I posted before, I ordered a few new Bucks and they came today. The first two are the new Ergo Folder Pro and one of the new smaller Vantage Pros. I really haven't had the time to photograph them or do much else with them, so this is just my initial impressions.

The little Vantage Pro is just a downsized version of the big one and other than that there's not much to be said that hasn't already been said. It's smaller size will probably appeal to a lot of folks.

The Ergo folder? Hmmm, the jury's still out. My first impression is that I don't like the feel of the rubber handle, but I'm sure that others will like it. It will more than likely be easy to hold onto if you are using it for messy jobs, skinning and such. What appears to be rosewood inserts are actually just colored rubber, not wood.

As far as value goes or bang for your buck, unless the Ergo pattern just works better for your application, I think the Vantage Pro has it beat hands down. The Vantage Pro's (larger one) catalog price is $95, the Ergo Folder's is $170. They both have S30V blades, so is the Ergo folder worth $75 more? No way, at least not in my opinion. It just doesn't look or feel like a $170 knife (Ebay price delivered, $115.50).

I'll try to get pictures taken and posted this week end.
Click to expand...

ok Plum, I'm calling you on the carpet. You have always bought knives based on appeal of apperance, by your own admonition.(Certainly no criticism meant-actually great respect) So how do those Pro's stack up by your appearance standards only?

And does it look or feel like a $100 knife?
 
imafritz said:
ok Plum, I'm calling you on the carpet. You have always bought knives based on appeal of apperance, by your own admonition.(Certainly no criticism meant-actually great respect) So how do those Pro's stack up by your appearance standards only?

And does it look or feel like a $100 knife?
Click to expand...

:) After I have time to take some good pictures and think about it, I'll formulate an answer.
 
tom19176 said:
what does the new vantage pro go for ebay?
Click to expand...

The small Vantage Pro goes for $53.85 delivered from the eBay dealer I bought it from. If you buy more than one knife, the shipping goes down. I've bought a whole bunch of knives from him and I believe he also has either a brick and mortar or online store.

One of the most mentioned (in this forum) online dealers sells them for $57.45delivered.
 
Thanks Dave! As always your pics and reviews are highly anticipated! Maybe you could compare the Vantage pro large and small in a pic too? I am really considering buyin the smaller one, but I like the 347 soooo much! I am glad I waited on the folding ergo hunter now too, I didnt think it was colored rubber in the handle!

Thank you!

-Jim
 
Thanks Dave, I found the guy you mean.....I have bought from him too! I picked up one of those specail run Bucks from SMKW this morning and a close out on the folding omni hunter too.....
 
I m very interested for Ergo Hunter series of Buck knives, fixed and folding.
It will be interesting to see the photos and to hear the opinion.
 
postfallsidaho said:
Thanks Dave! As always your pics and reviews are highly anticipated! Maybe you could compare the Vantage pro large and small in a pic too? I am really considering buyin the smaller one, but I like the 347 soooo much! I am glad I waited on the folding ergo hunter now too, I didnt think it was colored rubber in the handle!

Thank you!

-Jim
Click to expand...

Here you go Jim.

Top-----Vantage Pro mod. 347

Middle---Ergo Hunter Pro

Bottom--Vantage Pro mod. 342

VantageProandErgoFolders.jpg


At first glance, the Ergo doesn't appear to have a liner but when you look closer, you can see that the metal liner is either recessed into the rubber or the rubber has been molded around it.

ErgoFolderback.jpg


You can see that the lock pops into a good position to secure the blade in the open position.

ErgoFolderfront.jpg
 
I kinda like the blade shape on that Ergo.

Massive........impressive. It looks strong.
 
imafritz said:
ok Plum, I'm calling you on the carpet. You have always bought knives based on appeal of apperance, by your own admonition.(Certainly no criticism meant-actually great respect) So how do those Pro's stack up by your appearance standards only?

And does it look or feel like a $100 knife?
Click to expand...

You're right about that Kevin. Since I don't hunt and don't really use a knife for any kind of work, appearance is what attracts me. A knife can be the most utilitarian one ever made, but if it's appearance doesn't appeal to me, I'm not interested.

The Kalingas for instance. For a guy like me, they serve no useful purpose, but I just love the looks of them and have as many versions as I can get my hands on.

There was something about the little Ergo Folder that attracted me visually, but after getting it, not so much. The rubber handles kinda turn me off. Up close, to me, it doesn't look or feel like a $100 knife, but that's a subjective opinion. I'm more than sure there are many, many folks that will disagree.
 
:thumbup:Great photos Dave,nice blade shape on the Ergo.What model of the Vantage do you like best? ( Avid or Pro ) :cool:
 
skyhorse said:
:thumbup:Great photos Dave,nice blade shape on the Ergo.What model of the Vantage do you like best? ( Avid or Pro ) :cool:
Click to expand...

:) Well, here I go again with the esthetics thing. I couldn't begin to say which of the two is the best user. All I can say is that according to the steel hierarchy, the Pro should be the best, but I can't say from my own experience.

I like the looks of the Dymondwood handles on the Avid maybe just a little better than the G-10 on the Pro. Other opinions though are just as valid as mine, it's a little like a guys taste in women. ;)

I do, however REALLY like the Bond Arms Vantage Avid with the "Rosewood' handles the best of all.
 
imafritz said:
And does it look or feel like a $100 knife?
Click to expand...

Best way I can answer that is to say to compare it to the Rosewood Kalinga Pro Folder with S30V at a catalog price of $164 (2009). Now THAT knife looks and feels like a $100+ knife for sure. The little Ergo Pro at $170, not so much.
 
thanks for the pictures,can you tell me if that ergo folder is comfortable while holding in your left hand?It looks like it is designed for a right handed user,almost looks like it might be uncomfortable for a south paw like me...any input would be so helpfull as i'm looking at one of the s30-v models now,THANKS!
 
I can't say as I'd be the best judge of that, but it feels fine to me. The handle is so small in comparison to the big fixed blade Ergo, that I don't even feel the palm swell on the right side (held in my right hand) like I can with the big one.

Held in my left hand, my first finger just seems to fall naturally and comfortably in the cutout for the liner lock. I don't see where it would be a problem for a lefty.
 
Thanks Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cant believe how close they are in size! Is the 342 still comfy in the hand or is it a tad small? I like and use the full grip on my 347, and am thinking now maybe I should pick up another 347 :D

I love the blade on the ergo folder, but like you Dave, the rubber grip seems to fall short of the price tag... (IMHO) only of course.

Thank you very much for the great pics, I really appreciate it!

-Jim
 
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