Vantage Avid or Bantam 285

J

Jessero

Joined
Jan 12, 2011
Messages
168
Hi Buck-o-holics!

I am looking to get a new folder to carry when im out in the woods on short trips. Right now i bring a CRKT drifter or M16-10Z, but ive got buck fever and want a heavier duty American made knife.

I have it narrowed down to these two. I was leaning heavily towards the Vantage as i like the way it looks with the dymondwood vs the plastic on the bantam. Also like the fact that it is fully made in USA, not just made in USA with some imported parts, and that the Vantage has a slightly higher quality steel. But then i read someone saying that there are some QC issues with the vantage, like the liner lock is not that great?

So i have a few questions. What seems to be the more solidly built knife? Which one is thicker in the pocket? Have you guys heard much negative about the vantage avid? The light weight Bantam seems nice and pretty popular, but i think the Vantage just looks so classy.
 
As far as Buck knives go I have only two knives one is the 482 and the other is the Vantage Force Select. I have really only used the Vantage and it has astounded me. I was a Benchmade Spyderco man all the way. This little knife opened my eyes to the world of Buck... I think that the Bantam is similar to the 482. The Vantage feels like a much better knife. More sturdy. I would buy both :D After all you can buy both of these for the price or maybe even less than most Benchmade knifes and in my eyes its just as good if not better than some Benchies. :thumbup:
 
I wouldn't touch a Bantam if you paid me. My Bucklites croaked real fast and the Bantam has a softer plastic frame (at least the ones I've seen).

I would stick with the Vantage. Or the Ecolites.
 
If you are going to use it in the woods then go with something a little more beefy. I would go with a 426 or 422 or the Ecolites.
I have a Bantam 285 and a 426. The Bantam is okay for EDC but if you need something in the woods, when things can go wrong, then go with a heavier knife.
The 426 is exactly like the 110 but lighter version. The 422 is exactly like the 112 but also lighter.
This is just my opinion.
Good luck in your choice.
Myya
 
Thats and apple to oranges choice. Love em both but the Vantage is head and shoulders better and more expensive knife. Conclusion, you should have both.
 
imafritz said:
Thats and apple to oranges choice. Love em both but the Vantage is head and shoulders better and more expensive knife. Conclusion, you should have both.
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:thumbup: +1

The Vantage Avid will cost you two to three times what a Bantam will run you, but it s a way better knife in my opinion. Most of the issues have been worked out and if you can handle one prior to buying it, even better. I love my vantage and would choose it over most any other knife Buck makes if out in the field as a pocket knife. It aint gun'a split kindling or do other camping chores but it will always be in my pocket.
 
Im the worst. On Friday i had to stop at Wallyworld and they had a 285 bantam in the color that i like best (the orange with deer antlers and skulls) for $20 so i picked it up. It is nice! However i still want the vantage avid... so both the small and large have been ordered lol. I think i have a problem :)
 
Close call, used for what a knife that size should properly be used for, either one is probably gonna do anything you'd want a pocket knife to do in the woods. The Vantage with steel liners, is maybe a little stronger overall, but I wouldn't classify either as a heavy duty knife.
 
Got the large and small vantages in the mail today! Right away I can see the ad-"vantage"s of the vantage over the bantam 285. Much more solid and dependable feeling. This will be my new "woodsloafing" knife lol.
Mbjannusch, you are right, they do seem to have the QC aspect down pat now. Both knives are 2013's and I cant find any fault with them whatsoever.
In my research on these knives, someone asked the question of small vs large for EDC. I recall someone saying "go large, its only a little bigger and you get that much more blade". Well, I disagree with that. The small is quite pocket friendly, only a few mm thicker than my crkt stainless steel drifter. The large on the other hand is...large. This is good for the woods, but it really is larger all around, not just longer...

This is my first knife with 13C26 steel. Does anyone have care recommendations? Should it be treated like a carbon opinel/mora, or more like other bucks that have the standard 420HC steel?
 
I LOVE my Buck Vantage Selects (Small, and Large)
I usually carry a Spyderco Delica, or a Benchmade Mini Grip 556, but These Bucks have changed my mind. I never really thought of Buck as a quality brand.
That is until I bought my Vantage's. They are my gentleman's folders now. I love the action, and the deep carry pocket clip, they are also nice and slim.
Great value for about $20 on the big auction site.
 
Vantage all the way. That Sandvik steel is just lovely. Takes a laser edge in no effort, keeps it well, and has a really good grain structure for excellent cutting properties.
 
The Vantage Avid will cost you two to three times what a Bantam will run you
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I paid $36 a year ago for my Vantage Avid (346GYS), $25 for my Vantage Select (345 BKS), $55 for my Vantage Pro (347BKS), $15 for my Vantage Select Small (340BKS).
 
HotSteel said:
I paid $36 a year ago for my Vantage Avid (346GYS), $25 for my Vantage Select (345 BKS), $55 for my Vantage Pro (347BKS), $15 for my Vantage Select Small (340BKS).
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Yeah $36 for my avid vs $20 for 285 bantam. So about 1.75 times as much?
 
Vantage is by far the better knife. However, the Bantam is probably better than most knives in it's price range.

I think the 420HC is a better steel than most knives have in that range.
 
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