One of the most under appreciated/overlooked: Buck Vantage Pro

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bradytx

Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Messages
220
First, I'm 28 and the tactical bug almost bit me again. I was searching high and low for a new knife; I wrote off Buck as a company as they tend to make older designs for older folks (I thought). This was stupid on my part; I know they make great products (and had no idea they had a gem such as the Vantage series). I was looking for a new knife and heard a fellow mention the Buck Vantage. I go out to Buck's site and was shocked. My eyes spotted the Vantage Pro (Large) and instantly thought this was the one. It is elegant, yet modern, and can do many duties. I can really see this knife becoming a classic. Buck should release more models with different handles, blade types, etc.

I can't rave enough about this knife. I purchased the knife for $60 from Amazon. I still cannot believe the knife I got for that price (S30V Steel, G10, BOS Heat Treatment). Another plus for me is that it's made in the USA! This is good and bad, because I can see myself starting a Vantage collection.

I know the Vantage Pro had some growing pains when it was first released, but those look to be sorted out. My blade centering is perfect, and the knife is sharp as heck (produced 5-29-13). In my opinion this knife is over looked by many. If Buck gets the QC issues under control (it looks like they have), I'm not quite sure what there isn't to like about this knife. For those that have ignored Buck, give the Vantage Pro a look. I think you'd be surprised. :thumbup:

Here are a few pictures:
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I used to own that knife and liked it a lot. Sadly it got confiscated at the airport last year when I forgot it was in my carry-on bag. I was upset at losing it. I finally replaced it last week with this one. Buck Vantage Force Pro. Same knife, just a little more money.
 
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maybe this has been discussed but how well does the vantage-pro blade perform, given the Bos HT, compared with top s30v models of other makers (you know what those would be)?
 
Wow, that is a good looking knife. And Bos treated S30V to boot! Bradytx, thanks for posting this, I'll definitely have to look in to what Buck is up to nowdays. Honestly, when my knife addiction first started I was really in to Buck and bought a few of their knives. Then I got a 889 (it was that Buck/Strider model) and it had lock failure! So that really turned me away from Buck. But maybe its a bit unfair to cut them off just because of that one knife (although lock failure is something I don't take lightly).
 
I had one and really liked it. Mine was perfect as well. Not the best flipper and the liners are a little thin, but at the price point it is a great deal for the S30V, Bos HT, nicely done G10, and deep pocket clip. I missed it so much I went and bought the Buck Vantage Avid. Same great quality.
 
Alnamvet68 said:
I just want a definition of "older folks".:rolleyes:
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Uh oh haha. The older Buck folding knives are made superbly, but they don't quite tickle my fancy in the looks department. The Vantage has a more modern look catering to my generation (without being all tacticooled up). Both styles are fantastic IMO, but in my case I would rather carry a Vantage.
 
DapperDan said:
I used to own that knife and liked it a lot. Sadly it got confiscated at the airport last year when I forgot it was in my carry-on bag. I was upset at losing it. I finally replaced it last week with this one. Buck Vantage Force Pro. Same knife, just a little more money.
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That is very nice! I like the matching finish on the clip and blade. I like this knife so much I think I'm going to get my Dad one.
 
That exact knife is in my edc rotation, I carry it when I fear that my knife could get confiscated (I don't want to lose my cts para 2!), it takes a wicked edge quickly, for the money it is hard to equal...
 
eschwebach said:
I had one and really liked it. Mine was perfect as well. Not the best flipper and the liners are a little thin, but at the price point it is a great deal for the S30V, Bos HT, nicely done G10, and deep pocket clip. I missed it so much I went and bought the Buck Vantage Avid. Same great quality.
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I don't think the liners are an issue. They're not thick but they're hardened nice so they're nice and stiff with great mid lock up. By comparison a lot of kershaw blurs have terribly weak locks because the li ers are fairly soft and the lockup is way too early. Lots of ti frame locks nib tend to jump out easily from overstrikes because of that too.
 
I've had a vantage Pro in my collection for a couple of years. It really is a great little knife. It deploys like lightening, holds a great edge for a looong time, and is utterly solid with no blade play in any direction. I'm glad that this thread came up, it's been way too long since I carried mine, I'm going to go pull it out of the SpyderPac to carry tomorrow.
 
jonnyt16 said:
Wow, that is a good looking knife. And Bos treated S30V to boot! Bradytx, thanks for posting this, I'll definitely have to look in to what Buck is up to nowdays. Honestly, when my knife addiction first started I was really in to Buck and bought a few of their knives. Then I got a 889 (it was that Buck/Strider model) and it had lock failure! So that really turned me away from Buck. But maybe its a bit unfair to cut them off just because of that one knife (although lock failure is something I don't take lightly).
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The Buck Tarani Strider is truly a POS.
 
I'm very surprised that this knife isn't the answer to most 'which knife is best for cheap?' threads. I can just picture it now...

Q; Which knife gives best bang for my buck??

A; A Buck Vantage Pro, of course!

:D
 
I've got the Vantage Force Pro (black S30V blade, blue/black scales). Mine gets a lot of use and one of my preferred users. Perfect out of the box. Blade dead center, tight w/no play in any direction, quick & smooth opening and closing.

I really like mine. Great knife at a reasonable price. :)

(picture borrowed from the 'net)

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I think a lot of the reason it goes overlooked is because the QC issues caused quite a fiasco, and one that lasted a a long time. Normally I try my best to avoid causing drama, but my experience with the Vantage Pro was overwhelmingly negative. I bought one in the summer of 2011 (which was during the height of the QC issues) and predictably the fit and finish was subpar. Wishing to give Buck a chance, I sent it back to them to have it serviced under warranty. Despite all I had heard about their fantastic customer service, my knife was returned to me in identical condition. I don't even think they gave it a second look because literally nothing had been fixed or changed, and they did not try to contact me about it either.

Ever since that experience I've had a hard time justifying what otherwise should be a great knife.
 
I'm an Ol' Timer and have a 346. For $40 bucks, the thing is freakin awesome, or for your generation, its the shizzle :)



 
The whole Vantage line offers a great value knife if you managed to avoid the qc issues. Very slim build yet still comfortable and the low riding clip makes a very capable knife hardly noticeable in the pocket.
 
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