A few years back Buck released the Vantage Series of knives, and has steadily expanded the line. All knives in the series share a basic design, but are offered in different materials and sizes. For the past year, I have been carrying the Buck Vantage Avid as my every-day-carry (EDC) knife, and it has more than proven itself.
My Avid has not had it easy. I’ve used it in the mud while gardening and working in the yard, cut open countless packages, used it to help prepare food, and accidentally sent it through the washing machine. Overall it has worn well (see pictures at the bottom of the post) with a little scuffing on the blade and handle finish. The blade holds an edge well, and rarely needs sharpening.
Specifications
| Edge Type | Plain (partial serrated is available) |
| Lock Type | Liner Lock |
| Deployment Mechanism | Flipper System |
| Pocket Clip Configurations | Tip Down and Up, Left and Right Handed |
| Overall Length | 6.375″ |
| Closed Length | 3.75″ |
| Weight | 2.3 oz |
| Blade Length | 2.625″ |
| Blade Material | 13C26 Sandvikâ„¢ steel |
| Handle Color | Charcoal |
| Handle Material | Dymondwood |
Impressions
After a year of carrying the knife, my favorite features are how quick the blade can be deployed and the pocket clip. One hand deployment is smooth and quick. A slight pressure on the flipper and a flick of the wrist is all it takes to deploy the blade. I also can’t say enough about how good the pocket clip is. It positions the knife so low in the pocket that it is easy to forget it’s even there. I haven’t had any issues with the knife falling out or sliding during use. Buck got the clip perfect. Other manufacturers should take note.
I do have one issue with the knife. Out of the box my Vantage’s blade almost touches the liner. I don’t consider this a deal breaker, but this is an issue Buck needs address. You can fix this issue yourself. All you need is an appropriately sized Torx driver.
Wrapping Up
For around $30 on Amazon, the Vantage Avid is an amazing deal. It is very sharp out of the box, can take a beating, and is a good choice for a cheap EDC knife.
I love Buck knives. I have a Buck 112 Tylan 200 knife. Even though it is more a hunting knife, I carry it sometimes. I like the little Bowie style of it.
I want some more knives & I found this Vantage & I want it. I am a leftie, so the flipper deployment system is great. I love that the clip is at the end of the knife too. I have seen problem with knives that the clip sticks out too much of the knife.
Way to go Buck. Cheers, Russ
Thanks Russ – there are a bunch of Buck Vantage options (sizes, colors, steel). I think you’ll love it!
I effin love my Vantage. Super smooth and handles abuse really well. It is so smooth in fact that the way I carry mine it will open up in my pocket. I have got jabbed a couple of times before I got the good sense to switch the pocket clip around. I carry it in my left pocket tucked to the rear. I wish th pocket clip was at the pivot end like most other knives. That would solve the issue altogether.
This may sound like a dumb question but is this the small or large version you reviewed?
I sent my Vantage in to the warranty department because the blade was so off-center that it was rubbing on the liner. I was told before sending it in that the repair department would do more than just tighten the pivot screw and call it good. The knife was returned with the pivot screw tightened so hard that the flipper no longer works. I could have done that myself as I own a complete set of torx bits! The knife is now a dust collecting paperweight.
My Avid according to tracking will be delivered later today. This review has me looking forward to getting it even more than I was. I’ve been using an inexpenisve Gerber from Walmart and I’m sure this will be a major step forward. Thanks for the good review.