Vantage Select, how am I supposed to open it?

bobusx · Nov 3, 2010

I picked up a Buck 340 Vantage Select from my local P/x as a beater knife, and I really like it. The blade shape/profile is awesome, and while the plastic handles feel a little cheap, the shape and design is nice. Really a big fan of the pocket clip too.

Problem is, I can't open it easily at all. The little flipper part requires a lot of force to get the blade out at all, and I have to wrist slam it to open it that way. The thumb hole doesn't catch at all, so I have ended up using two hands to open it.

I already tried adjusting the pivot tension, but if I loosen it any more, it rubs the liner. The ball bearing system in it does prevent it from having blade play though, nice feature.

So my question is, is this par for the course for this knife, or is there something I need to do to get it to open up easier? Seems to me like the detent is very strong, especially compared to my Kershaw flippers. Will it loosen up as it wears in?

I really want to keep this knife, but if it doesn't get much easier to open, I am prolly gonna end up shelving it for my Tanto Zing as my beater EDC. Thanks a lot for the help.

imafritz · Nov 3, 2010

Those were issues common too the early model, I am interested to know what production date is on the box. If it is mid '09 you may have to send it in for repair or replacement. Wally world has the blue dymondwood Selects cheap and they should flip open with a wrist flick as they have just come out recently. Good luck.

edbeau · Nov 3, 2010

They should open with a push on the flipper and a wrist flick. The flipper is only to get it moving off the bearing. Have you tried a bit of lube on the pivot? See if they have any Militec-1 in the PX. Where are you in Korea? Lived in Daegu for ten years.

imafritz · Nov 3, 2010

edbeau said:
They should open with a push on the flipper and a wrist flick. The flipper is only to get it moving off the bearing. Have you tried a bit of lube on the pivot? See if they have any Militec-1 in the PX. Where are you in Korea? Lived in Daegu for ten years.

Good suggestion Ed, I meant to add that, although I lubed up my early model pro and it needs a stiff wrist flip but does open.

J Hubbard · Nov 3, 2010

The 340 (small version, which the OP is talking about) does not have as much blade mass as the 345 (larger version) so it takes more inertia to flip the blade open. We provide a strong detent ball so it does not open in your pocket. The 345 series has a good blade weight ratio so that it flips easier.

skyhorse · Nov 3, 2010

My edc knife for about the last 10 mounths has been the Buck Vantage Avid.When I first got it the action was slightly stiff but afer about a week of use it got much better so it did need a little break in.I then gave her a tiny shot of Break Free CLP to the pivot area and ever since then she's been quick as an auto with no wrist flip required.I also use Break Free CLP to clean my knives and firearms.The Avid is model 346 with Bos heat treat.I never had to adjust the pivot screw and open it using the flipper,the thumb hole is just to small to work for me.I use it every day and it's still sharp as a razor!The smaller models would be just to small for my hand.Not only has it been a great knife,it's also a great buy for the price.I would keep the 340 for a back-up and get a 346 or 347.Welcome to the Buck forum and thank you for keeping America Free! I hope this helped.

bobusx · Nov 3, 2010

Well I had already oiled the pivot with mineral oil, as I plan on occasionally using it for food. It didn't come with a box, it was in a clamshell, and I currently don't have the clamshell on me, at a friends house recovering from surgery, so not too mobile.

I will keep messing with it, and hopefully it just needs some break in time. Is it possible to use sandpaper to smooth out the detent to make it a little easier to operate, or would that have some nasty side effects?

*EDIT* It's more of a elbow flick than a wrist flick, I need to use most of my arm to get the force necessary to open it.

skyhorse · Nov 4, 2010

bobusx said:
Well I had already oiled the pivot with mineral oil, as I plan on occasionally using it for food. It didn't come with a box, it was in a clamshell, and I currently don't have the clamshell on me, at a friends house recovering from surgery, so not too mobile.

I will keep messing with it, and hopefully it just needs some break in time. Is it possible to use sandpaper to smooth out the detent to make it a little easier to operate, or would that have some nasty side effects?

*EDIT* It's more of a elbow flick than a wrist flick, I need to use most of my arm to get the force necessary to open it.

I don't think mineral oil is the best way to go,it will leave a residue and possibly slow the pivot action.I would spray it with the break free and see if that helps.

bobusx · Nov 5, 2010

It came from a clamshell, date on the sticker is 04/14/10, so its not that old. I am beginning to run out of patience for it though, the flipper is almost useless, and the thumbhole/slot is worse. If it doesn't break in by this weekend I think I am going to have to return it. Will probably give one of the larger Walmart ones a shot when I am back stateside either way. Heard too many good things to completely give up on it.