Buck Vantage Pro review

[jmr40]

I bought one of these about a month ago and for the money I'm impressed. It is comparable in size and features to the Kershaw Blur, Spyderco Paramilitary, and Benchmade Griptillian. But considerably cheaper, and as is darn near the same quality. Better than the Blur and about the same as the Griptillian.

For under $60 on Amazon you get G-10 handles and a S30V blade. It locks up tight feels good. Some would consider it a disadvantage, but I like that the clip puts the blade deep in my pocket. It isn't spring loaded like the Kershaw, but you can flip your wrist and open it fast using the flipper. Or use the hole and open it like a Spyderco. Not quite as easy to use as either of those, but not bad either, especially for the money.

They also offer a version with plastic handles and the same 420 HC steel Buck uses on all other knives for about $25. I liked mine well enough to order a couple of the cheaper versions to give as Christmas presents. Other than cheaper steel and handles the fit and quality is just as good on the others.

If anyone is making anything of this quality with S30V blades for anywhere near this price I'm not aware of it.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Thanks

 

[red rick]

Is it made in the USA ?

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I love mine! My only gripe is that i need to tighten the main screw up every few weeks. Stays very sharp and durable, would definitely buy it again!

 

[ugaarguy]

Some would consider it a disadvantage, but I like that the clip puts the blade deep in my pocket.

I really like the deep carry clip on the Vantage and I'm a huge fan of how the mounting screws thread directly into the steel handle spacer.

If anyone is making anything of this quality with S30V blades for anywhere near this price I'm not aware of it.

The Kershaw Camber is $72 on Amazon, and Amazon is still running their seemingly never ending $10 off at checkout on $50 or more Kershaw purchase.

I bought one of these about a month ago and for the money I'm impressed. It is comparable in size and features to the Kershaw Blur, Spyderco Paramilitary, and Benchmade Griptillian. But considerably cheaper, and as is darn near the same quality. Better than the Blur and about the same as the Griptillian.

Here I'm going to have to disagree with you. The Vantage's liner lock (in my limited sample size) isn't very robust compared to other liner locks. Even the best liner locks are nowhere near as strong as locks like the Benchmade Axis or Spyderco Compression Lock. I have had poor experiences with Spyderco's clip mounting screws though, so I'll concede that to the Vantage. Buck themselves offer the very similar 801 Marksman with the G&G Hawk designed SLS lock.

 

[jmr40]

I don't think it is the perfect knife. There are features on the other 3 that I prefer. But overall, and for the money I think it is a pretty good option especially if someone really wants S30V blades. I'd rate it slightly better than the Kershaw shown in the photo as to construction, but I'm seeing the Blur with S30V selling for at least $80.

The Benchmade has a better locking system, but to get a Benchmade with S30V blades is going to be more than 2X as much. I understand the concern over liner locks. I've seen others fail, but this seems like it should work for any task I'll be using this knife for. I'll go with a fixed blade for heavy duty use.

The Spyderco is in my opinion the best knife of the 4 shown, but once again almost 2X the price. My only concern with the Spyderco is that the blade tip seems like it could be easily broken.

Is it made in the USA ?

Yes