Vantage

[stevekolt]

Just going to throw this out there...I think it would be AWESOME if Buck added the Vantage to models available for customization in the Custom Shop. There, I said it

 

[revnewk]

Just going to throw this out there...I think it would be AWESOME if Buck added the Vantage to models available for customization in the Custom Shop. There, I said it

Stevekolt, I couldn't agree more. The Vantage (both sizes) has been my favorite Buck design since it first came out. Sleek with the best pocket clip. I would love to see micarta, aluminum, and even carbon fiber scale actions, upgraded steel options, and perhaps a few blade shape options (e.g. tanto, clip). Even bring the Select version back in both sizes, offering different color scales like those offered for the 112/110 Selects.

I bet it would outsell (or at least rival) the Spitfire in the custom shop.

Most of the Vantages in my collection center well and have very good action.

While we are at it, why not dream of additional locking mechanism options? Cross-bar, lock-back, frame-lock, button-lock....

As I recall, the special offering of the fixed blade Vantage sold well too. Just saying.

Overall, we just need some more Vantage love in this world!

 

[Old Hunter]

Sleek with the best pocket clip

Man, ain't that the truth, love my Vantage pocketknives. I'd buy another one with an upgraded blade (have this Cabela's Guide with an upgraded blade). OH

 

[plb]

Fun fact about the Vantage and Vantage Force models. All model numbers and date codes are etched on the blade, even the 420HC models. Think this is Bucks only line that doesn't follow the "stamp 420HC" and "etch premium steel" rule of thumb. Maybe J JHubbard or Buck Knives Inc. can explain why this is?

Here are some of my small Vantage variations:

 

[jbmonkey]

and make a xl version.....

 

[Happy Hippo]

Meh ... I don't think I personally would spend money to customize a Vantage; however, it looks like there are some that will. I would rather see a 101, better steels on the 110,112, more handle material selection, and some of the fixed-blade 100 series be on the customize list (like the 117 and 124, but really all of them).

 

[matthewtstock]

Would love to see the Vantage added to the custom builds. I think a chipflint blade and an elk scaled handle would be sublime. Something similar to.....

Buck Knives Inc. Might you have an idea if elk scales would work on a Vantage? Seems like there could be problems with that application, stabilty, durability or some such..

 

[rhino]

and make a xl version.....

Indeed! A Vantage with a 4 or 4+ inch blade would be a welcome addition.

 

[jbmonkey]

Indeed! A Vantage with a 4 or 4+ inch blade would be a welcome addition.

even 3.5 or 3.75 I'd be good with. just be a better length for more tasks. that little bit of blade makes a big difference. calling a 3.25 a large always seemed odd to me. that's a medium size in my book......

 

[rhino]

even 3.5 or 3.75 I'd be good with. just be a better length for more tasks. that little bit of blade makes a big difference. calling a 3.25 a large always seemed odd to me. that's a medium size in my book......

Fair enough! I could embrace a 3.75. I wouldn't be that thrilled by 3.5 . . . that's still "medium" in my book, with a 3.75 inch blade being the transition between "medium" and "okay, I like that."

 

[matthewtstock]

even 3.5 or 3.75 I'd be good with. just be a better length for more tasks. that little bit of blade makes a big difference. calling a 3.25 a large always seemed odd to me. that's a medium size in my book......

Sounds like a good start for this year's BCCI knife.

 

[plb]

Maybe we'll see something new in the Vantage series when Stealth #003 comes along!

If the past is any indication of the future for the Vantage, it doesn't look so bright. The Force series was discontinued years ago. The Select series with handles of nylon, Paperstone and Dymondwood has been phased out. We haven't seen a Vantage as the Buck for the Month in over 2 years. In the meantime, it appears that Buck has discontinued the Pro, S30V with G-10 models. So we are left with only the Avid series in 420HC and rosewood.

Overall impressions:

Pros
The worlds greatest deep care pocket clip!
Very good cutting geometry.
Rugged and durable
Comfortable Ergonomics
Good value for the price
And let's not forget - Made in the USA!

Cons
Pinned internal construction - cannot be fully disassembled
Blade rub due to poor centering not always correctable.
Poor flipping action - could use ball bearing pivot and/or assisted opening...(?)
Nylon handled models were very slippery in the hand
Large models are on the heavy side.

After 14 years (can you believe it?) it appears to me, that development on the Vantage may be dead and has run its course. The Paradigm came out the same time as the Vantage, and we saw Buck give it a facelift and re-release in 2021. Let's hope they revive the Vantage series and makes some improvements!

 

[bertl]

I think the Vantage is a great knife. Here is my favorite variation (pocket clip removed).

Bert

 

[bertl]

I'm not a fan of pocket clips, coated blades, or serrated blades but, nevertheless, this is a good little knife.

Bert

 

[Xr6x]

The pinned construction is a turn off. It would be nice if Buck could incorporate the TRX type components into the Vantage line along with brass thrust washers for better blade flipping

 

[GPyro]

I'm thinking the Sprint series has replaced the Vantage.

 

[Lesknife]

I have several of the large vantages in various steel, s30v, s35vn, 20cv. I use my brown micarta 20cv vantage edc at work and it’s a great work knife. I use the s35vn for off duty edc , it was a botm release. I’ve given some as gifts and they love em.

I only have one of the small size and I prefer the large size.

I agree that the vantage is an excellent design and would like a custom choice. As far as flipping them open, I’ve discovered a way that’s as smooth and quick as an automatic. I’ve got a video but it won load up here.

 

[ohen cepel]

Big Vantage fan here! Copper and Clad did well I think with their offerings with micarta handles.

 

[Xr6x]

I'm thinking the Sprint series has replaced the Vantage.

I’m thinking you’re right. It just doesn’t have the same blade profile that I like about the Vantage.

I still like the Vantage for its simplicity in design .

 

[rhino]

I remember when the first Vantage in CPM S30V appeared. Along with the original Spyderco Native (from Waldemart), it was available at a surprisingly low price for what was at the time "the" super steel.