Vantage killer?

Yo Mama

Yo Mama

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2011
Messages
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Let me start by saying I love the direction Buck has gone in with modern designs. I loved the Vantage line up, I have a select and avid.

With that in mind I was glad to see the Sprint, got the carbon fiber, liked it then went to loved it, now just ordered the micarta one.

I'm seeing with all the options and improvements made with the Sprint, is this a Vantage killer? I don't see a reason for the Vantage line to go on. The Sprint reported by Buck has as strong of a lock in a stronger and smoother package. Both are made in the USA. The action between them is night and day with the bearings. The upper tab on the Sprint is the perfect size. The materials are I interesting and is money is a concern there are different levels to choose from.

What are your thoughts, does the Sprint end the Vantage?
 
not for me either. I like both, but prefer the vantage a bit more. only wish we could get an xl version in it. although an xl version in either I wouldnt complain.
 
Big Vantage fan, have many of them. I haven't tried a Sprint yet but need to. Just not sure it will beat out the Vantage for me though. I thought the Buck Slim 110 would or the Marksman, or, several others.....We'll see.
 
Yep, it’s vantage for me! I think it’s the perfect edc knife. I have a small pro s30v and two large pro with one s30v and one in 20cv. I mostly use the large 20cv now and I couldn’t imagine a work day without it and keeps an edge for extreme amount of work. I’ve handled a sprint and it is a nice knife and the flipper is sweet but just didn’t feel as good in hand as the vantage and I can flip vantage open just fine. Also the Sprint pocket clip at an angle looks to be a pocket top eater. The only thing I’d like to see different about the vantage is a stretched version the same length as the large vantage but with a depth from top to bottom like the small. That would make a great gentleman knife for dress carry. Lol.
 
I have had and use my Vantage s30v since 09. Got a Sprint select and really liked the bearing action, so smooth just to flimsy feeling to me. Gave the Sprint to my brother in law after using it for awhile. Went back to the Vantage. With that I think a Vantage with bearings would be great. I like the solid feel of the Vantage action. I do not like the Spirit pro blade shape, and do not care for the black and blue pro.
 
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I really disliked the sprint model. I purchased the blue G10 version and thought to myself, “how could this knife not be awesome? I love the vantage series and own about 7 variants or large and small, and this new knife will be just like them except with bearings..” I was certain the sprint was everything I had been waiting for.

when I got the knife and was immediately let down. It had a weak detent, meaning that it coule be easily shaken open from the closed position. I don’t use pocket clips and that gave me fear of it being easy to open in my pocket. The knife was lightweight and it gave the impression that it felt more like a toy than tool. I sold it the next day.

maybe the knife is good and I didn’t give it a chance. i know I have personal bias and Hindsight says I wanted the Sprint to become the Vantage 2.0, which is isn’t. That being said, no, it isn’t even close to being a vantage killer in my book. I guess that’s more than a few pennies of thought, but yeah. The Vantage was my first flipper and my favorite buck because it was the model that got me into collecting knives.
 
Could we get a Vantage with bearings maybe? Not sure it would be a huge improvement but I would likely get one as I have issues :-)
 
I’m not a fan of bearing flippers as they are so easy to unintentionally open if the detent becomes weak. And I’m satisfied with the Vantage pro series and they are not difficult for me to flip open and they also have a thumb hole that’s just as easy. I like a bit of resistance so I can have better control to how rapid I want to deploy the blade. I don’t need a screaming sharp blade to open at the speed of light or make a cool sound or have a reason for a trip to the emergency room for stitches. Mostly I think it’s a fad that will fade in time. Btw, I do have an urban trapper bearing flipper and I use it for casual light duty, dining and it’s a nice steak knife but I wouldn’t use it for anything rough unless I just had to. Lol

I have concerns about dirt and contamination getting into the bearing and wearing out. I’m a mechanic and a country boy who is used to working around dirty, cruddy, messy stuff and I want a knife that’s easy to clean. More moving parts are just more things to go wrong and add to cost of manufacturing.

The Vantage series is a simple yet effective design that is rugged enough for hard work and easy to clean and maintain. I think it has great eye appeal and the ergonomics is just right for me for a edc pocket knife. I sure hope Buck continues to make the vantage series.
 
Wow! People love their Vantages! Alot!

I appreciate the thoughtful responses and points of view everyone.
 
I just looked at the Sprint tis morning. With no blade hole or stud for optional thumb opening, it doesn t exactly replace the Vantage.
I pass on flipper only knives.
 
I would say that the Vantage series is something that exists on its own for most folks. I love all the series mentioned here, but have to admit that they all fit a different billet. The Vantage is my kind of catchall when it comes to uses. It is big enough to handle most tasks, but small enough to fit as an easy carry. The Spitfires are my slimline model that carries easily and has the ever enduring lockback. The Sprint series is my "fancier" carry for when I want something small and quick that has a bit of flash to it. Honestly, I think they all do well in the market because they can each fill a role for us collectors.....Maybe that, or I am just making excuses to buy more Bucks :p
 
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whp said:
I just looked at the Sprint tis morning. With no blade hole or stud for optional thumb opening, it doesn t exactly replace the Vantage.
I pass on flipper only knives.
Click to expand...

I've never used the thumb holes on the vantages, mainly due to getting a better lockup with the flipper and a wrist flick.

That said the bearings on the sprint make it fly out. No worries the lock won't engage.
 
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