Buck

Buck 505 Knight Review

Last Updated: July 26, 2019
When we think of Buck lockbacks, our first thought goes to the 110. That’s the knife that launched a genre, and started thousands on their journey as folding knife collectors. The 110 remains one of the most iconic and popular folding knives today. At least on paper. In practice it’s a bit of a boat anchor, and by today’s standards you can see that we have come a long way from the 110.

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If you are looking for some of the old school charm of the wood and bolsters of the 110, but want something more practical, then I think the Buck 505 “Knight” may be a better option.

The 505 shares the 110’s aesthetic, but is a fraction of the size. It’s slim, light, yet polished up enough to wander into gentleman’s folder territory. And it’s also well under $50. Frankly I was surprised to learn about this knife, and picked up after a reader asked me to review it. I figured it would have come up more in the circles I frequent. At any rate, the 505 shall be a mystery no longer, and I look forward to sharing a review of this sleeper blade with you today.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Buck 505, aka the “Knight” has an overall length of 4.6″, a 1.875″ blade, and weighs 1.35 ounces. The Knight is made in the USA. The 505 Knight is one of the smallest knives in my collection. It’s tiny, even when compared with my Spyderco Dragonfly. It may be too small for some, or relegated to the role of a backup knife. Still, it’s a capable little blade and has performed admirably as an EDC knife.

The 505 has a simple drop point blade with a high hollow grind. It is simple with a belt satin finish. The tip is not particularly fine, and when they put the edge on this knife they bumped the plunge line with the belt grinder. The edge is almost a continual belly. It has been neatly applied, and came razor sharp from the factory.

Predictably this knife comes in Buck’s 420HC steel. I was actually pleasantly surprised with how this little knife cut. It still shaved hair after breaking down a good size cardboard box. It does fine with opening letters and packages, slicing fruit, and performing other light duty EDC chores. I have been able to maintain the edge with light stropping. Maybe that Bos heat treat is more than mere marketing.

Handle, Ergonomics and Carry

The 505’s handle is made of stainless steel. There are no liners, and the handle is milled from 2 slabs of steel that sandwich a stainless steel backspacer and lock bar. Stabilized Rosewood handle scales are riveted on. Handle construction is simple but solid. The bolsters and rivets have been buffed to a high polish, and the transition between the scales and the bolsters is baby bottom smooth. The end result is a knife with gem like qualities. This attention to detail elevates the 505 from humble tool to more of a more refined piece.

The downside to such a small knife is you have less to grip onto. With the 505 you are afforded a 3 finger grip, maybe a 3.5 if you choke up onto the blade. However, you can still get a lot done with the Knight. I have no issue breaking down boxes, cutting string, and using the 505 for other light duty tasks. I wouldn’t recommend the knife to a rancher or police officer, but the 505 makes for a capable backup knife, a light duty EDC, or even a gents folder.

Although it would spoil the lines, I can see the advantage to having a lanyard hole on this knife. It might make the 505 a little easier to retrieve from the pocket and provide something for your pinky to grab onto a la the CRKT Minimalist. That said, I’ve never been a fan of lanyards on folding knives, and I don’t miss having one on the Knight.

There is no pocket clip on the 505, so I can only comment on how this knife carries loose in the pocket. The Knight is the kind of knife that disappears into the pocket. That should come as no surprise as it’s a slim sub 2 ounce knife. You may want to consider carrying the 505 in a slip sheath if you can find or make one small enough. Another option could be or carrying the 505 in the coin pocket of your jeans.

Deployment and Lockup

This is traditional lockback, and the 505 comes with a nail nick to open the blade. It’s a generous nail nick, and that combined with the saber grind gives you plenty to grip on to as you grip the knife. The backspring is mild. There is no chance of the knife opening accidentally, but it won’t take much effort to manipulate the blade open either.

That same mild backspring makes the lockback mechanism easy to disengage. The tab is placed at the very end of the knife, so there is no danger of accidentally releasing the blade in your hand, but when you are ready to close the 505 it will not be a chore. Lockup is tight and free of blade play. The 505 performs just like you would expect from a good lockback. Blade centering is perfect on my example.

Buck 505 Knight Review – Final Thoughts

The 505 Knight may be the surprisingly good little lockback that you have never heard of. Or maybe I’ve been living under a rock. Regardless, I am glad I came across the 505 as I think it represents an interesting value proposition. This is a more practical alternative to the 110 for the urban EDC crowd, and is an all around nice knife.

The biggest potential issue is whether the 505 swings too far in the opposite direction of the 110. While the 110 is a big and bulky knife, the 505 is diminutive. It is probably the smallest knife I have reviewed. You can’t get a full 4 finger grip on it, and the absence of a pocket clip or lanyard hole increases the likelihood of misplacing the knife. Personally, I haven’t been bothered by the small size, but there are limitations to the 505 and they may be too great for you to seriously consider this as your daily carry. In that instance the 505 may still be appealing as a backup EDC option or a dress knife.

Another option may be to jump up to the 501 Squire or the 503 Prince. There aren’t any particularly good size comparisons on these knives, but here is a link to an old BladeForums thread with some pictures and opinions. Maybe I need to pick some up for a proper comparison?

For under $40 you get a solidly built folder that is made in the USA and nicely finished. The cutting performance is surprising given the 420 HC steel. That said, the Knight is not perfect. I wish a little more care was taken when they put the edge on it, but for the money I’m not sure I can complain. And the handle construction and performance make up for it. I say buy it if you like it.

Buck Knives 505 Knight Folding Lockback Pocket Knife, 1-7/8" 420HC Blade, EDC

Razor sharp & VERSATILE- 1-7/8" Drop point 420HC steel blade delivers excellent strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The full bellied blade is suitable for every Day tasks. Closed length 2-3/4", weight 1. 5 oz.
Strength and safety - easy to open with a nail notch on the blade. The lock back mechanism locks the blade open for reliable strength and safety while you work
Handsome handle - Rosewood handle with nickel silver bolsters provide a knife that is as handy as it is handsome!
Classic and Compact - the Knight is the smallest knife in the 500 series. Its slim design fits perfectly in your pocket for easy access and every Day use.
Made in the USA - Forever - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a Lifetime on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.

I recommend purchasing the Buck 505 Knight at Amazon and BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 62 Comments

No history of the folding pocket knife is complete without the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. It is arguably the first modern folder, in ethos if not in design. “Buck knife” is now a catch-all term for a certain style of blade, and the 110 is responsible for that. More than other knife besides the Swiss Army Knife, the Buck 110 is an icon.

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But for all that it heralds modern folder design, the 110 is more antithetical to a Paramilitary 2 or a Griptilian than a traditional knife. It’s a question of refinement. Traditionals evolved on a separate path, and even if that evolution peaked 100 years ago there is a lot more refinement in a Case Peanut than in the 110. Its design is iconic and influential, but it does seem crude by modern standards.

Is it fair to hold the 110 to modern standards? Well, Buck still markets this knife as a tool, not a collectible. The implication here is that they believe it is a competitive offering in today’s knife market. And crude doesn’t necessarily equate to bad. So I’ve tested it as I would any other knife under review, and after several weeks of dedicated carry and use, I have come to my conclusions regarding the 110.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 110 has a handle length of 4 ¾”, a blade length of 3 ¾”, and an overall length of 8 9/16”. It weighs 7.2 oz. The lines of the 110 are so familiar that I hardly need to go over them. The gleaming brass bolsters and wooden scales have been copied by dozens and dozens of manufacturers over the years. Although I take issue with Buck’s decision to keep the 110 design more or less as is for 50 years, I can certainly sympathize with it. Buck struck a chord with the 110. There are major issues with the tolerances, but the finish on the 110 is quite good for a $40 knife. This is a handsome blade.

And beyond looks the 110 has plenty of merit, mainly thanks to its utter simplicity. I’ve talked about handles being task neutral before, but here we have a task neutral knife. Although called a hunter, there’s just an alchemy between the lines and proportions of the 110 that make it able to perform any kind of cutting task.

Some of that versatility is delivered by the blade shape. A low-slung, sharkish clip point, it leverages its length to great effect. The larger blade means that you have a decent run of straight edge before the sweep to the tip, so sawing and slicing are on the table. In relation to the handle, the belly is angled so that you can really push down and get through material quickly. The tip is acute for effective leading and good piercing. And, unlike many large blades, it is a great slicer. A workhorse blade shape that manages to retain its grace as well.

The steel is 420HC. Much is made of Buck’s Paul Bos heat treatments. I have no experience with this steel outside of Buck knives so I can’t say whether it makes a difference. The Buck/Bos 420HC is probably a smidge better than 8Cr13MoV, but not quite as good as AUS-8A. It dulls rather quickly, but you can sharpen the hell out of this 420HC very easily. Some steels, like VG-10, I can work and work and work on without getting past a certain level of sharpness. Here, 420HC got super sharp super quick, which I appreciate.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

I have no complaints about the 110’s handle shape. The bow shape handle is as neutral as it gets. A lot of makers seem to think that we need finger grooves and scallops and jimping to show us the different ways we can hold our knife, but it is always better when the handle lets us decide. There isn’t a wrong way to hold the 110.

I find balance to be an essential part of good knife design. The closer the balance is to the pivot, the more control we have over the blade. The 110’s Dymondwod and brass construction lead to a rather Rubenesque knife. Balance is right in the middle of the handle, where the swell is most pronounced – a decent distance from the pivot. There’s nothing unpleasant about this while holding the knife, but in use it means you lose so much control for finer work. A shame, considering the surprising competency of this nearly 4” in delicate tasks.

But where the weight really kills the 110, of course, is in carry. There is no better way to learn about the advantages of lightweight knives than to spend a little time with a Buck 110. No clip here. My 110 came with a leather sheath, the traditional carry method for this knife, but I find that to be impractical for day-to-day suburban life, so my 110 rode in the back pocket. It wasn’t good, but at 7.2 oz. you’re going to notice this thing wherever you have it. It’s less ‘just bad’ than it is ‘really unfeasible.’

Deployment and Lockup

The 110’s two-handed opening is a bummer. Nail nicks are part of the charm of traditional knives, but the 110 isn’t a traditional knife. That’s why it’s famous. On the other hand I understand that thumb studs weren’t a common sight when the 110 came out, so I’m not faulting Buck for releasing the 110 without them, I just wish that they would have added them at some point in the last 50 years.

Complaints aside, the nail nick on the 110 works well, as does simply pinching the blade as I normally do on my Opinel. The opening action is smooth and positive, and the sound when the lock engages is satisfying, and all of this was how the knife was out of the box. You expect these things to feel right on a classic, and they do.

Much less right is the lock. I have faith in its safety, but it’s sloppy. From day one there was play in every direction on my 110, and the lock bar flexes quite readily during hard downward cuts. If I don’t sound particularly disappointed it’s probably because it’s the level of QC I’ve come to expect from Buck – which is itself the worst kind of condemnation.

If Buck is going to continue to espouse the virtues of stateside production, I really would like to see them recognize the level of competition out there and up their game. Newer products like the Marksman seem to indicate they’re capable of tight tolerances and complicated designs, and I for one would willingly pay more to see that same attention to detail on their flagship product.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter – Final Thoughts

There is no unqualified recommendation I can make for the 110 other than collectability. If you’re interested in knives and the history of their design, the 110 is 100% required reading. But as a tool, in any application, I can suggest a dozen other knives that outperform it. I can suggest better cutters, better locks, better fit and finish, all at or around the same price and all considerably lighter.

Buck is a company with a proud history, and the 110 is central to that history. I think they’ve convinced themselves that, by changing the 110, they are flouting the tradition it represents. That’s simply not true. Spyderco has been tweaking their flagships for years and nobody’s forgotten the significance of the Delica. There is a difference between honoring your past and being imprisoned by it. It’s frustrating that there aren’t readily available modern variations on the 110 from Buck. A model with G-10 scales, aluminum bolsters, and a clip would be cool. KA-BAR recently released such a knife and it is 2 oz. lighter than the 110.

I don’t even know that it’s a particularly good value at $40. The finish is good in a rough and tumble, barroom countertop kind of way, but the tolerances are way below par. I think that Buck is still trying to work out its priorities and in the meantime customers are left in the lurch with some very shoddy production. The Mini Spitfire I handled was worse than this, but not much worse.

The iconic character of the 110 saves it from being a total pass. This is real knife history that can be had for $40. Go grab one and see how far we’ve come. You’ll learn a lot, but don’t expect to end up using it much. It’s hard not to like the 110, but it is even harder to want to carry it.

If you are considering buying a Buck 110, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com, keep the website free of annoying banner ads, and help produce future reviews. Thank you very much.

Buck Marksman Review

by Dan Jackson 12 Comments

Last Updated: December 2, 2019
You may have noticed a lack of reviews of Buck knives. I have nothing against Buck. I reviewed the Vantage a couple years back, and haven’t gotten around to reviewing anything else because nothing else in their lineup interested me that much. That is, until I saw the Marksman.

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The Marksman is a collaboration with Grant and Gavin Hawk. Grant and Gavin are known for pushing the envelope with unique designs and locking mechanisms. They have done a number of collaborations with Kershaw, Chris Reeve, and Zero Tolerance. I think it was especially cool that they teamed up with Buck, because Buck is so well known as a traditional brand, and Grant and Gavin are so well known for re-imagining the folding knife. It is an interesting juxtaposition, and it definitely got my attention. Toss in a 154CM blade, bearings, “made in the USA” quality, and a retail price of under $100, and I’m thinking there might be room for another Buck review on this website.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Marksman has an overall length of 8.25″, a 3.5″ blade, and weighs 4.3 ounces. This full size knife feels surprisingly lightweight thanks to the aluminum handle. I have mostly been using the Marksman for yard work and weekend chores, and it has made a great carry for those heavier duty applications. I have cut down bamboo, busted open zip ties, broken down boxes, and performed mild food prep. The Marksman cuts well and is lightweight and functional.

It’s the kind of user knife like the Benchmade Volli, Hogue EX04, and Cold Steel American Lawman, that manages to remain in my collection. For whatever reason, most of my fancier knives end up getting sold, but I have a hell of a time parting ways with a good user.

The blade shape of the Marksman is classic Buck drop point. It has the oval thumb hole that they seem to favor, and the design is mild mannered when compared to the handle. It’s also a functional blade shape with a sturdy tip and high hollow grind. The blade has been left with a matte finish which isn’t anything too spectacular. You can still see some rough grind lines and the finish will pick up scuffs and scratches. The laser etched logos on the blade also has shown signs of wear and have faded after the occasional application of Bar Keepers Friend (a metal cleaner). I photographed the knife after using it regularly for a couple months and you can see how the black laser etching has been scrubbed away. I consider this a “happy accident” as I’m a big fan of sterile blades.

Buck went with good ole 154 CM stainless steel heat treated by Paul Bos. The edge has held up well and the Marksman is a fantastic cutter. I have mentioned earlier how I have been using this knife pretty hard (for me at least) and I have been pleased with the performance. It keeps a good edge yet remains easy to sharpen. I have always been a fan of 154CM so I am not particularly surprised by my experience. I will say that I have had 154CM rust on me a little on more than one occasion, so you need to keep an eye on it, especially if you are going to use the knife for food prep and not clean it like I have on several occasions. If you don’t let the knife get too crusty, a little of that Bar Keepers Friend will bring it back to new.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Marksman has a black anodized aluminum handle with a steel backspacer. This makes for a lightweight and strong handle. The anodization on the aluminum has held up well and there are grooves milled into the handle for a little texture and visual interest. The backspacer integrates with the strap lock (more on that below) so you have something of a “closed construction” design. While aluminum isn’t the most sexy of handle materials, it is very practical. I think it suits the design of this knife. Although it first appears as if there is a lot going on with this knife, at the end of the day construction is simple and sturdy. All the pieces have been nicely finished and the handle has been well executed.

The Marksman is a full size knife. Ergonomically it is straightforward and performs like you would expect. What impresses me most when I use the Marksman is how nice and light it feels in hand. I will say that the strap lock is uncomfortable to use repeatedly – at least until you build some callouses up on your hands. The serrations on the lock are no joke, and they tore up my thumb at first. Having used the knife for months now I don’t feel anything uncomfortable, but it took some getting used to.

Buck went with a deep carry reversible pocket clip mounted on the butt of the handle. This is a lot like the clip found on the LionSteel SR-1. The clip itself is simple and sturdy. It buries the knife discretely into the pocket. I like the clip and the way the Marksman carries. It’s worth mentioning that the knife is fully ambidextrous.

Here is your pocket clip shot:

Deployment and Lockup

Grant and Gavin really know how to shake things up in the deployment and lockup section. Sometimes I find myself starting to yawn when I put this part of the review together, but the Marksman really gives me something to talk about.

So you are probably already aware that the Marksman uses a “strap lock” to lock the blade in place. Chances are you have never encountered a strap lock on a knife before. It’s a big strip of stainless steel that runs the length of the back of the handle and snaps into place over a protrusion on the back of the blade. What makes it cool is that in the closed position, it serves as a big spring, and when you hit the flipper the knife launches open effortlessly.

Here is a size comparison with a Spyderco Delica and Spyderco Endura:

I have never been a huge fan of assisted openers, but the action on the Marksman is really cool and satisfying. It’s unlike any other spring assisted knife I have handled, to the point where I am reluctant to even identify it as an assisted opening knife. Closing the blade is kind of like setting a bear trap, and the trigger takes only a very light touch. It makes a very distinct tinny sound when you deploy it. Even my girlfriend could pick up on the fact that something was different with this knife. If the novel deployment system wasn’t enough, Buck also included a caged bearing system. The bearings work great and the action is so smooth that the blade just falls shut. This is a knife that you can easily open with the flipper or the thumb hole.

To disengage the blade you have to pull up on the strap with the serrations on the side of it. The serrations are rough and your thumb will get chewed up when you first start using the knife – especially if you obsessively open and close it like I did. The initial pain is definitely a negative, but overall I found the strap lock mechanism endearing, and like it more than I thought I would. With some practice you can learn how to open and close the knife one handed. It takes some tough thumbs and a little finesse but even this southpaw has managed to figure it out.

Another interesting aspect about the lock is that it is fully adjustable with a set screw on the pommel. I have used the knife for months and have opened it thousands of times. I have yet to notice any blade play, but if some were to develop you could tune it out with the set screw and pivot.

Here is a parting shot with my Spyderco Para 2:

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Buck Marksman Review – Final Thoughts

The novelty of the Marksman is what made me buy it. The thoughtful design, solid build quality, and excellent performance are what made me keep it. I would have never guessed that I would like the Marksman as much as I do. I wrote this review back in 2014, and as I update it in 2019, the Marksman is still part of my rotation. It’s a truly excellent knife. Perfect for those looking for a workhorse EDC that’s different.

The knife definitely has some novel features to it, and it doesn’t disappoint in that respect. But at the end of the day what impresses me most about the Marksman is that it’s actually a really good knife. The strap lock is unique, and I love how the blade deploys. The knife is also lightweight, tough, and functional. The materials are all high quality and it’s nicely put together – especially at the price point and considering that it is USA made. It carries well, cuts cleanly, and is a lot of fun to open and close. The Marksman has really grown on me. I would go so far as to say this is one of my favorite designs in 2014. I am glad I gave it a chance.

With all of that said I realize that this knife isn’t for everyone. The futuristic design is bound to polarize people, and the strap lock and it’s sharp edges could be a deal killer as well. But if you are in the market for something different and like a good user blade, then the Buck Marksman should definitely be on your radar. I liked it so much it earned a spot on my recommended EDC knives page.

Buck Knives 830 Marksman Folding Knife with One Hand Opening Action

RAZOR SHARP BLADE- 3-1/2" Drop Point 154CM Steel Blade delivers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and is suitable for heavy cutting applications. Closed Length 4-3/4" Weight 4.0 oz.
AMBIDEXTROUS ONE HAND OPEN - Opens with the flick of a finger. The unique SLS Strong Lock System is one of the strongest locking mechanisms on the market. Once deployed, it offers the strength of a fixed blade knife
SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Black anodized aluminum handle provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work. This tactical knife will hold up in the most demanding situations
CONVENIENT CARRY - Includes a removable, reversible, tip-up discreet deep pocket carry clip for easy attachment to your belt, pocket, or in your bag
MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.

I recommend purchasing the Marksman at Amazon.com or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Buck Vantage Pro Review

by Dan Jackson 20 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
I know my father has a couple Buck Knives stashed away in a sock drawer somewhere, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that a majority of American men over the age of 50 are in a similar position. Buck is known for making reliable hunting and outdoor blades, and they have been doing just that for over 100 years.

Buy the Buck Vantage at BladeHQ

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Oddly enough, part of what made Buck so popular then is part of the challenge that Buck and many other classic cutlery companies face today. I’m talking about keeping their products relevant, their designs iconic, and their products in the hands of the consumer. Knife companies want their knives on your belts and in your pockets, not stashed away with Walkman’s, brick-sized cell phones, and other every-day articles of yore. And while the cutlery industry may not have evolved as rapidly as the electronics industry, it has certainly experienced its fair share of change. Things like pocket clips, exotic steels, and one-hand deployment have gone from curiosity to industry standard in a relatively short period of time.

And it is also important to note that the US cutlery industry is not without it’s casualties. Long standing companies like Schrade and Camillus have literally gone the way of the dodo. Both companies filed for bankruptcy in the past decade. Their assets were liquidated to satisfy their debts, and rights to their trademarks and designs were sold to the highest bidder. The knives made under these brands today are hollow shells of their former selves with their lineups largely comprised of cheap knives manufactured overseas.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. From the ashes phoenix soar to new heights. Plenty of new US knife companies have stepped up to the plate, and Buck is still going strong as they adapt to new market realities. In many ways the Vantage Pro is leading Buck’s charge to both preserve their brand and provide their take on the modern folding knife. The Vantage is made in America, features high end materials, and is priced reasonably. Lets see if this is enough to bring Buck into the 21st century.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Vantage comes in 2 sizes (small and large) and in a variety of trim levels. For the large knife, our overall length is 7-1/2″, our blade length is 3-1/4″, and we have a weight of 4 ounces. The small version weighs 2.3 ounces, has an overall length of 6-1/4″, and sports a 2-3/4″ blade. At 4 ounces I find the large Vantage a little on the chunky side, but find both sizes to be well suited for EDC. As for listing the varying trim levels, well, I figure it’s easier to do this with a chart.

Model	Steel	Handle Material
Pro	S30-V	G10
Avid	13C26	Dymondwood
Select	420HC	Zytel

Since we have a total of 9 possible configurations here I decided to simply buy the largest, most expensive version, and also the smallest most inexpensive version. So what you are looking at in the photos is a large Vantage Pro and a small Vantage Select. But this is mainly a review of the full size Vantage Pro. The large Pro is the flagship of the series, and is the knife that I was most interested in examining.

The blade on the Vantage is a no frills drop point design with a high hollow grind and a nice sweeping belly. Buck selected an adequately thick piece of steel here and I found the tip to be both sturdy and functional. The edge on my Vantage Pro was neatly applied although my less expensive Vantage Select was a little less precise. All in all I like the blade shape – it’s simple and extremely functional. A great choice for an every day carry blade.

Per my chart, steel runs the gamut from lowly 420HC to excellent S30V. Given that the prices range from approximately $25 up to $60 I think that is pretty interesting. I was very pleased to learn that the Vantage Pro included a S30V blade. S30V is something you don’t see on a lot of knives in the $50 range (with the Spyderco Native being the only thing that immediately comes to mind), especially $50 knives made in America. If you are contemplating a Vantage, my advice is to spring for at least the “Avid” level Vantage. Sandvik 13C26 will be a substantial improvement over 420HC, which a soft steel that is easy to sharpen, but doesn’t hold it’s edge particularly well.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The Vantage features varying grades of handle material over full stainless steel liners. On the full size knife these are thick liners, and I suspect that they add a fair amount to the 4 ounce carry weight. Price permitting, I’d prefer to see them milled out. I like how everything is screwed together, and the clean flow through construction. I found both my knives to be solid, but I did notice that some of edges of the G10 peeked out a little over the liners on my Vantage Pro. All in all this is a well-made handle.

In hand the large Vantage is pretty good. The G10 is given a smooth finish, but the handle isn’t slippery. There is plenty of room for a full grip, and the flipper doubles as a small finger choil to prevent forward sliding forward on the blade. The edges of the handle were a little sharp for my taste, but they are reasonable given the intended use. I actually liked the way the small Vantage fit in my hand a little more. It’s a tight fit for larger hands, but the corners aren’t as sharp.

The Buck Vantage Pro sports a nice deep carry pocket clip. This clip offers ambidextrous tip up carry, has nice retention, and is very discrete. I like the clip a lot. The Vantage itself is a flat knife and makes for an easy and unobtrusive carry.

Deployment and Lockup

Deployment is achieved primarily by means of a flipper, although you have the option of using a small oval thumb hole set close to the handle. This thumb hole is blocked somewhat on the left side, so really it’s best used by a righty. For me the easiest way to deploy this knife was by the flipper. I found that the Vantage snapped out crisply with a little wrist action. Buck included phosphor bronze washers to aid in a smooth and reliable deployment. They are small washers, but they get the job done.

For lockup the Vantage makes use of a liner lock. Lockup was nice and tight on both of my knives, and I detected no blade play at all. However, I noticed that the lockup was pretty late on my large Vantage, and sometimes it would engage a little earlier, sometimes it would engage a little later. For EDC use I’m not terribly concerned, but I’d like to see Buck iron out this kink.

I also wanted to mention blade centering and other matters of fit and finish. When this knife first came out in 2009-2010, there were reports of off-center blades rubbing liners, and tips getting blunted on the backspacer. Buck responded to these issues like champs, both fixing customer’s knives and refining their manufacturing process to avoid future issues. I am pleased to say that I didn’t experience any of these fatal fit and finish issues with my two knives (purchased late 2011).

Buck Vantage Pro Review – Final Thoughts

All things considered I feel that the Buck Vantage Pro is a very solid offering. I especially like the price, the high end blade steel, the G10 scales, the attractive design, the nice pocket clip, and seeing “USA” stamped on the blade. Fit and finish isn’t quite 100%, and I think the ergonomics could use some tweaking, but these are relatively minor issues that I can easily overlook when presented with the bigger picture of this knife.

What Buck has done here is provide something appealing to the modern knife user without sacrificing the core values that built their business in the first place. It’s so refreshing to see a high quality steel like S30V on a ~$50 knife, let alone a ~$50 USA made knife. I hope Buck will continue along this path of success by continuing to pay attention to the consumer, refining their designs, and releasing more knives that stand out from the pack. In a stormy knife industry Buck has decided to make their own waves – and that’s great news.

Buck Knives 0347BKS Vantage PRO Folding Knife with Clip

SUPREMELY SHARP BLADE - 3-1/4" Drop Point S30V Steel Blade delivers a combination of edge retention, ductility, hardness, toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance for optimal performance. The full bellied blade offers remarkable cutting ability
CONVENIENT ONE HAND OPENING - A Thumb Hole on the blade facilitates a smooth one-handed opening action and locks open using a stainless steel liner lock. Built with two stainless steel liners for extra durability and safety.
SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Ergonomic Grip made from Injection Molded reinforced nylon with CNC contoured G10 material provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work. Closed Length 4-3/8", Weight 4 oz.
EVERY DAY CARRY - Includes a removable, reversible, deep pocket tip-up carry clip for easy carry in your pocket, on your belt or in your bag. The Vantage Series comes in two sizes, handle choices and steel options. It's an ideal knife for every day carry
MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.

I recommend purchasing the Buck Vantage Pro at Amazon or BladeHQ.