Buck Vantage Pro Knife Review

Buck Vantage Pro Knife Review 

Comments:

-Also known as Buck Vantage TM Pro.  TM is trademark but it is not being accurately used on some websites and search engines.
- Liner lock with oval hole opening or optional flipper opening. 

-Steel is made from S30v, which is a very nice high end steel usually found on much more expensive knives.

-The steel heat treatment is the "Bos" key treatment, which is recognized as high quality.

-The handle scales are made out of G 10 and they feature a "CNC" style.  This is a smooth contoured G10 that you do not often see of low to mid-priced knives.  A version of the Strider knives feature a "CC" g10 which is the same as this.

-The knife is made in the USA.  

-The lock mechanism is a liner lock.  I would have like to have seen the liner lock a bit larger due to safety issue.  The very first time I opened the knife it did not "lock" in place.  Not a great first impression.  Make sure you hear the final click of the lock before you use the knife.  When the knife is brand new open and close it several times to break it in and visually inspect the lock before use.
-The pocket clip is reversible and it is a tip up carry design.

Best Uses:

- EDC, daily carry.
- Opening packages, groceries, random household tasks.

Collectors Viewpoint

-High volume production knife.

-Not rare or hard to find in 2012.

-No expectation of increased value overtime.

-Fun for a collection to represent a modern version of a historic American knife manufacturer.

Specs:

- Blade length is a 3 1/4 inch drop point or 8.3 cm.

-Close length is 4 3/8 inch or 11.1 cm.

-Weight 4 oz or 113.9 grams
-Liner lock with oval hole opening or optional flipper opening.

Recommendation:

-Good value for the money.  Recommended buy in this price range.

Places to buy:

Leatherman Charge TTi - 2 years later.

This is one of my most popular videos ever for some reason.  But I thought I would share with the group again and talk about this multi-tool a year or so later.

This is still a great multi-tool.  I consider it a premium multi-tool and is probably the only multi tool that I know of that uses S30v as a blade steel.  That is my favorite steel if you didn't know.  This MT is still a little bit large and heavy to carry in your pocket but it is good for weekend work or in cargo pants, etc.  The blade is really sweet looking and in function.  

After more than 2 years later it is still working properly, no rust on the blade, no broken parts.  Quality is still high and maintenance was low.  It didn't have high use, but it was used. 

The stuff I do like about it.

--Its high end.  Its fun to have your collection.

--Love the titanium and steel.  Titanium is the same stuff the SR71 Black Bird is made of (nerd alert).  Other high end knives are also made of this, such as the sebenza and the striders.

-Blade is ultra sharp

-Good shape / design of the tool.

-The locks work just fine and the blade can be used one handed.  Open and close.

-The fit and finish is better than the other Leatherman's.

-The grip and point of the pliers is better than most MT's.

Stuff I don't like:

-  It occasionally pinches me when using the pliers.  Let me repeat this that it occasionally pinches me when using it.. This sucks and is one of the reasons it isn't always my first choice.  Ouch!!

- Having the separate screw bits kind of useless.  You will never have them with you.  If you do have them with you then you probably have normal screw drivers with you as well.

-It was expensive relative to its peers.  

Alternative buys of the same or similar quality:

Recommendation:  Victorinox SwissTool Spirit.  - The knife doesn't have a point but the overall MT is as high quality or actually better in quality fit and finish wise, but not materials.

Overall recommendation after 2 years:  Still a "recommend" buy for those that don't mind spending just a little more.  You might consider wearing gloves for heavy use though.