So i have a $70 credit from Buck

E

El_Piloto

Joined
Sep 4, 2010
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The blade on the Whittaker Summit (Taiwan) my g/f got me a few years ago broke and Buck has given me a $70 credit. I've decided to go with their Vantage series based on the reviews I've seen. More specifically the Vantage Pro. I like the fact that it comes with the S30V steel. My question is, without spending too much extra cash, should I get the small Pro, or the large Avid? I'll be using the knife mostly for odd jobs and opening mail etc. Mind you this will be the only knife I'll own, so I want to make sure that I'm getting the right one. My biggest concern will be the blade steel quality. The Avid comes with the 13C26 Sandvik steel which is cheaper, while the small Pro comes with the S30V. What do you guys recommend? Thanks.
 
the small is very small it would be great for doing small task, the large model is alot bigger by a large margin.


i'd go with the small one you would probally use it more often.
 
The small Vantage is a nice knife and I like mine but it is a gentleman's knife largely due to the size. Also, the small size makes using the flipper hard to use or at least for me. I generally give it a flip and then push it on out with the thumbhole.

The large Vantage is a super knife. I have several in different blade steels. I really like the Sanvik steel on this knife. Do not hesitate to get the Avid if that's your budget.
 
The vantage Pro, #347, is a decent size - with an S30V blade the same general size as their #172 Mayo TNT, which costs over three times as much:

IMG_4128.jpg


The 172 is a nice knife - Ti-framelock, etc - but no longer available. The 347 is a deal!

Stainz
 
After much research I've found the small Vantage to be too small. What I can't figure out is whether or not it's worth upgrading from the 13C26 Sandvik (Avid) to the S30V (Pro) steel. I have found that the 13C26 Sandvik is a razor blade steel while the S30V is harder/better for durability. I plan on using a natural stone to maintain sharpness. What do you guys think?
 
The pro is a great knife. If you only plan on owning one knife (which is crazy talk around here), you should go for the better one and at least use up all your credit.
 
Get the Pro and you won't have any regrets.

That said, I happen to like the S30V for it's edge retention.
But I really like the 12C26 because I can get it scary sharp.
Since I have both steels...kinda the best of both world in the same pattern.
 
Is the S30V difficult to get scary sharp? I'll be using the Buck Arkansas Washita Honing Stone and maintaining it regularly.
 
you would get more opinions from the buck forum if you posted this there.

the buck vantage is great. i have a avid in large and prefer the small size buck i have that in select. if i had the money for it in pro i would definately get it.
 
El_Piloto said:
After much research I've found the small Vantage to be too small. What I can't figure out is whether or not it's worth upgrading from the 13C26 Sandvik (Avid) to the S30V (Pro) steel. I have found that the 13C26 Sandvik is a razor blade steel while the S30V is harder/better for durability. I plan on using a natural stone to maintain sharpness. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

That sums up my experience between these two steels.
 
i prefer the avid, i have both. the avid just feels better in hand.

if i were you i would get the buck avid and the 371 stockman.:thumbup:
 
for one if its a desk knife you don't need the high durablity. you just need the sharpness. and 2 knives are better than 1.:)
 
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