Yet another Vantage thread.

Plumberdv · Jun 15, 2011

I've come to be quite fond of the Vantage line and finally got around to buying a couple of the Force Avid models. I decided to start with it because I liked the idea of the new aluminum handles, but I've had second thoughts on that decision since I got them.

I know that they are designed as Tactical knives and the handles are made to give maximum grip, but to me it feels like having a cheese grater in my hand. All the "sharp" edges from the machining or whatever method is used to make the grooves and patterns in the aluminum are just not comfortable for me.

For those who have the Pro version with the machined G10, how does it feel in your bare hand? It appears from the pictures to have a similar pattern of grooves, and I wonder if it has the same "feel".

Or perhaps my hands have become too soft after several years of retirement and sloth?

JD Mandrell · Jun 15, 2011

I went to buy the Avid myself, and once I got in the store and handled both, went with the Pro. The aluminum handles just didn't "feel" right to me either.

Can't really explain it, just didn't care for them as much as the G10.

sitflyer · Jun 15, 2011

I got the small pro and LOVE IT ! The G10 is smooth but not polished. Good grip once you remove the pocket clip!
It just didn't feel right to me, the handle shape gives a great three finger hold and it rides quite comfortably in the pocket.
The texture of the G10 with the grooves gives me a rather positive hold and good feel. Side note, a considerable amount of blade for a nife this size!

flash900 · Jun 15, 2011

sitflyer said:
I got the small pro and LOVE IT ! The G10 is smooth but not polished. Good grip once you remove the pocket clip!
It just didn't feel right to me, the handle shape gives a great three finger hold and it rides quite comfortably in the pocket.
The texture of the G10 with the grooves gives me a rather positive hold and good feel. Side note, a considerable amount of blade for a nife this size!

I think you're describing the small older Pro Vantage, not the Force model.

I have that small model and also the new Force Pro and Avid models. I have no issue with the feel of any of them.

hogger · Jun 16, 2011

I think the force pro has great feel and grip. The only problem I have is trying to get it out of my jeans back pocket, it grips like a mofo. Keep those Vantage threads coming!

draftpick · Jun 16, 2011

I handled all the force models at blade. And liked the pro force the best. But i dont think the machined handles are worth the $30-40 price increase versus the regular vantage pro. I was wanting a force pro as I really liked the hadle design and color, and was supposed to have a thicker locking liner. But liner looked to be the same.

flash900 · Jun 16, 2011

draftpick said:
I handled all the force models at blade. And liked the pro force the best. But i dont think the machined handles are worth the $30-40 price increase versus the regular vantage pro. I was wanting a force pro as I really liked the hadle design and color, and was supposed to have a thicker locking liner. But liner looked to be the same.

Where is this "supposed to have a thicker locking liner" coming from, please?

And more importantly, specifically what is it that you can't do with this folder as is?

The Vantage Force is one tough folder -- try it for yourself and see.

mbjannusch · Jun 16, 2011

Maybe those that like the look and feel of the Force Avid that arn't going to be using it during BLACK OPs can just give it a buffing and work out some of the "sharp edges". You can give it the Quickie Break in. All things that come straight from the factory will have fresh machining and a few sharp spots until they are broke-in a bit.

skyhorse · Jun 16, 2011

I haven't handled the new Force model but the G10 does sound good.Out here where I live about the only models in stores are the 110,119, and the import version of the 301.I have the Avid Vantage and it's been a great knife.

flash900 · Jun 16, 2011

I have the Vanatage Force Pro as well as the Avid and like both.

Which is another way of saying, if you haven't been able to handle them and aren't sure which you want, start with the Avid -- it's a terrific value.

draftpick · Jun 16, 2011

flash900 said:
Where is this "supposed to have a thicker locking liner" coming from, please?

And more importantly, specifically what is it that you can't do with this folder as is?

The Vantage Force is one tough folder -- try it for yourself and see.

In the Buck website it states that the vantage force pro 0847BLS-B
"using an oversized liner lock and stainless steel frame". If you compare the vantage force pro to the vantage pro 0347BKS-B
the locking liners are the same. That is where im getting the "supposed to have a thicker locking liner" from. No where does the vantage pro say anything like that. IMHO if you make an updated model and use stuff like oversized liner would lead many to believe that the liner was beefed up considering it is aimed at the tactical market and that the first wave of vantages were plauged with locking issues.

heng em · Jun 16, 2011

In the Buck website it states that the vantage force pro 0847BLS-B
"using an oversized liner lock and stainless steel frame". If you compare the vantage force pro to the vantage pro 0347BKS-B
the locking liners are the same. That is where im getting the "supposed to have a thicker locking liner" from. No where does the vantage pro say anything like that. IMHO if you make an updated model and use stuff like oversized liner would lead many to believe that the liner was beefed up considering it is aimed at the tactical market and that the first wave of vantages were plauged with locking issues.

The liners being used in all the Force models are from the Vantage. That being said, the description needs to be changed.

draftpick
I handled all the force models at blade. And liked the pro force the best. But i dont think the machined handles are worth the $30-40 price increase versus the regular vantage pro. I was wanting a force pro as I really liked the hadle design and color, and was supposed to have a thicker locking liner. But liner looked to be the same.

The price increase is do not only to the new handles, but also becasue there is more material in the blade, there is now a solid back spacer to add strength, and the blade/hardware are all coated. Its just like buying a new car, if you get all the options it adds up quick!

flash900 · Jun 16, 2011

draftpick said:
In the Buck website it states that the vantage force pro 0847BLS-B
"using an oversized liner lock and stainless steel frame". If you compare the vantage force pro to the vantage pro 0347BKS-B
the locking liners are the same. That is where im getting the "supposed to have a thicker locking liner" from. No where does the vantage pro say anything like that. IMHO if you make an updated model and use stuff like oversized liner would lead many to believe that the liner was beefed up considering it is aimed at the tactical market and that the first wave of vantages were plauged with locking issues.

Someone from Buck should address why that marketing language is there.

Please note that it doesn't say anything about the Force having a thicker liner than the older Vantage.

As the owner of both the Vantage Force Pro (two of them) and the Vantage Force Avid, I haven't found any reason for the liners to be one bit thicker. They're plenty strong.

Try them yourself -- and then you can complain if you find a problem.