Shortly after the Buck Vantage model was released, I bought a few versions (the Avid edition with Dymondwood handle scales, and the Pro version with G10/S30V in both the large and small sizes). Predominantly, I consider it to be one of the very best designs that they've done (and given their time in the knife world, that's saying something).

As much as I like the original Vantage model (particularly the Pro edition), it came with a couple of downsides; the flipper wasn't jimped...and neither was the spine of the blade. Other than those two absences, the rest of the Vantage was quite well done.

Enter April of 2011. Buck's "tactical" version of the Vantage is now available. Guess what? They addressed the issues that I complained about (I actually sent a letter in to CJ a little over a year ago...and gather that I wasn't the only one requesting jimping). This edition of the Vantage is called the "Vantage Force".

Frankly, Buck's previous forays into "tactical" weren't all that great. However, the Vantage Force actually delivers "the goods" pretty nicely. The handle...with black and blue sculpted G10 scales, really "locks" into the hand. Additionally, the aesthetics of the handle are very nicely executed. The S30V blade is blackened...and features a Paul Bos heat treat (as do the Vantage Pro models). The spine and the flipper of the blade are "jimped".

The overall quality of the Vantage Force is actually slightly improved over the early edition Vantage Pro models...which is to say that it's quite good!


WELL DONE BUCK KNIVES!