Vantage Force Pro

Joined
Apr 20, 2001
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Picked it up Tuesday in my favorite Buck dealers store in Eddyville, KY.

Actually intended to get the Force Avid, but when I got them both in hand, liked the blue/black G-10 more.

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I got one today as well. Too early for any in depth observations. I do think the liners are a bit thin though.
 
The liners on the Vantage series have been comparable to most of the liner lock knives I've had a chance to handle at my local knife shop. I've seen a couple of liners thinner (mostly on the cheap dollar knives they have in a bucket) and thicker than the Vantage (but these are on larger beefier knives like a Zero Tolerance for instance). But mostly, for knives of a similar size to the Vantage, I'm seeing liners the same thickness as those on the Vantage.

So when people say the liner on a Vantage is really thin, do they mean in comparison to most other liner lock knives ie the Vantage liners are thin compared to a typical liner lock knife, or do people mean that liners in the typical liner lock knife are generally too thin? I would assume that people are expecting more from the Vantage Force than a normal Vantage and thus expect beefier construction, but I've seen this same criticism leveled at the non-Force regular variety of Vantages too.
 
Just got my Vantage Paperstone Select (small version) and the liners seem plenty thick for the knife size....assuming they are similar to the Force model.
 
This is one heck of a sturdy knife that should prove more than sufficient for serious service.

I've had a Vantage Force Pro for several months and highly recommend it. I've just ordered a second Pro along with a Force Avid to check out.
 
When I say thin. I'm comparing it to other knives of similar price and quality. I've carried the knife for a couple of days and have a few more observations. The lock up is way too late and I'm not confident that this knife will provide years of service. The flipper is way too small to be of any real use. On the positive side. I think the ergonomics are excellent. It just really feels good in the hand. The blade lays perfectly centered and it is very sharp of of the box. The knife that others received may be a horse of a different color. Take any given knife from any given day from any manufacturer and I guarantee you will see variations in quality. Overall, I have to say; "I doubt that I would buy buy it if I knew what I know now".
 
Talk about a difference in perceptions: I'd say the Vantage Force Pro ranks high in parts quality, f&f -- and especially STRENGTH with even its more expensive competitors.

Blade is centered and lockup is strong on the two I've tried.

As for the flipper, speaking as one who's always preferred thumb stud or hole openers, the Force is the first flipper to woo me away from the hole opener. It's fun to use.

The Force hits out of its league. Buck has hit a home run.

Now looking forward to trying the Avid version.
 
Anyone hold a Select vs the Pro? I really like my Force Select as I like the thinner rounded scales compared to the Vantage Pro (Non-force) The Pro G-10 on that model had thicker scales and were squared off at the edges...didn't feel as comfortable so I keep the cheaper one and I like the thumb ramp/jimping of the Force. Curious how the Pro Force compares....
 
When I say thin. I'm comparing it to other knives of similar price and quality. I've carried the knife for a couple of days and have a few more observations. The lock up is way too late and I'm not confident that this knife will provide years of service. The flipper is way too small to be of any real use. On the positive side. I think the ergonomics are excellent. It just really feels good in the hand. The blade lays perfectly centered and it is very sharp of of the box. The knife that others received may be a horse of a different color. Take any given knife from any given day from any manufacturer and I guarantee you will see variations in quality. Overall, I have to say; "I doubt that
 
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Resurrecting a five year old thread and promoting a brand other than Buck on the Buck forum? Hold on, let me get my popcorn. ;)
 
Hey BUCKSHAK,, if I got it correct. Well for one this is my most common mistake of mine before I reply. I fail to look at the date, Before I saw your post I went back to this post and looked at the date, then removed my reply. So now you can really get your popcorn out.

But you obviously read my reply so my challenge stands. People that write in such broad speculations, in my view, often lack the knowledge to back it up.
 
I am going to assume the misspelling of the responder to your thread #10 was not a dig.

Dreamknife, did come back and admitted to a knife culture mistake in hitching his evaluation to a several year old thread. The culture of Blade Forums and the Buck forum is to start a new thread of your own once you have researched a subject and found something you want to comment on. And then create a link back to the old researched thread. Especially if it is multi-paged.

As a person with a low Posting number we will call this a learning experience and move on. So no popcorn needed.

Bearclaw has always been a Vantage supporter as I have. I prefer the small Vantages, have a couple of custom scales and polished blade ones I carry, all three in 420hc. Have a S30v but don't like carbon fiber. Have two large Vantage Force models in beige scales. I dyed one with orange RIT dye and carry it some when out in the woods. Bought a second one because they were discontinuing them to have as a future dye backup. I do not favor serrated blades except for water knives that might cut rope.

300Bucks Moderator
 
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I have the vantage force pro in my pocket now and have been carrying it for a month or so. Initially I thought the flipper was to small but I have gotten use to it. I really like everything about this knife except for the weight. Buck could easily get this knife down to around 4.0 ounces by skeletonizing the liner without compromising strength. That would turn this very good knife into a great one. It would make the knife a little more expensive but well worth the price.
 
When I drop 10 20 lbs I will worry about that oz or 2 on my knife.:thumbup:
 
It is much easier to shave a little weight off the handles of a knife that it is to shave weight off the handles around our waist.
 
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