Skyline Vs Vantage

T

ThirdEdge97

Joined
Feb 8, 2013
Messages
105
Alright, this is a long time coming
I've been without and EDC blade for almost 2 years (besides a folding utility knife that I only carry for work occasionally)

I'm debating the two knives stated in the title
Buck vantage and Kershaw skyline

Both not super expensive so I don't have to worry about protecting the knife from use and both seem to have good reputations (from what I have read)

Here's what I want to know:
What knife will perform best as an EDC?

I've heard things that the Skyline eats pockets, is that true?

As I have not looked at the Vantage in person, (I did look at and hold a Skyline) what's the thickness difference between the two? I'd like the know if the Vantage is a bulge.

Any information is appreciated,
Thanks!
 
If you're talkkng about the full size avid model then its apples to apples. About the same price, same price similar steel. The build quality on the skyline is better but the clip on the vantage is better. As far as eating up your pockef you could just lightly sand under the clip to smooth it out and then you're gtg. The liner lock on the vantage is stiffer and not as easy to disengage but its also probobly stronger. The ergos are better on the skyline since it's more rounded. Either way you get a great us made knife.
 
I had the vantage it is bulkier then the skyline for sure. I ended up getting rid of it because it just wasnt a knife I was happy with. The skyline on the other hand is one of my favorite to EDC its just so light and feels great in hand. The 14c28n steen takes a beautiful edge and holds it pretty well. The flipping action is extremely smooth specially for a non-assisted, non-bearing pivot. Its one of the few knives I have more then 1 of.
 
I'm more likely to carry the Vantage because of its terrific clip, plus it slides in and out of the pocket much easier.
 
I have both, and one is limited in use, while the other doesn't hold up so well.

The Skyline is a great light use EDC. It's featherweight, and the thin blade is a freaking scalpel. The flipper works as a flipper should, and it opens without even having to flick your wrist while maintaining solid lock up. However, if you crank on it the G10 liner does have some flex. If you plan on using it hard, i would look elsewhere. If you want something for light cutting duties, it's pretty good. I do wish it had a deeper pocket clip. The steel holds an edge okay'ish. It does however get razor sharp really easy.

The Vantage has a terribly thin liner for the size of the knife. Mine wore out and now has considerable fore and aft slop. The liner also protrudes from the grips significantly which bothers me. While it's supposed to be the same heat treat, Buck's S30V doesn't hold an edge near as good as my other S30V blades. I have a few other complaints but they're quality control related, so I'll leave them out based on not seeing it in my buddy's example. The action of the knife is stiffer than others as the pivot bearings aren't finished very well. The knife carries super deep and Buck is magicians with G10. If they fixed the terribly designed liner and stepped their game up in quality, it would be a great knife. Because of those issues and seeing them on multiple examples, I recommend avoiding the line.

Now keep in mind I use knives daily. There will be some who have used their knives much less that will be offended by my post as usual. I'm very critical of knives as I use them so often that an issue most would overlook will land a knife in my junk drawer.

I now carry a ZT 0350. I hate ZT's new knives, but I'd walk over 100 Skylines and Vantages just to get to one 0350. It's a little heavier, but it's incredibly ergonomic and tough. If I had to do it over again, i would have two 0350's instead of the Vantage Force Pro and Skyline.





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