I have the one with the rubber handle and love it. Have been carrying it for a few years now. I also have the Buck Zipper which is basically the exact same knife but with a gut hook. Both hold and edge well have held up through many deer.

 

I'd like to hear from others who own the Vanguard and whether the wood or rubber handle would be a better choice.

My buddy has the Vanguard with the rubber handle. I used it a couple years ago. Quite frankly, either one will be slick as snot when it's bloody. I'm still trying to find the right material when it's covered in blood. If you get the Vanguard, I'd get the one with S30V steel. More expensive, but should hold an edge a LOT longer. I don't really care for the longer non-folding knives. If I use them I keep them in my pack. Ya, the folders are harder to clean, but I still prefer them. I don't care for the guthooks so I have been looking at the folding Kalinga with S30V steel.

 

vangaurd zipper with cocobolo handle got it the first year they made it and it is my favorite knife!

 

Picked up a Vanguard - Cabelas Alaskan Guide Model Today

I read a bunch of reviews on the web and checked out the Vanguards at Cabelas today. Loved the weight, feel and overall design. Being a practical guy interested mostly in the utility features of this knife, I was planning to get a plain Vangaurd with the rubber handle and 420 steel. Then I saw the Alaskan Guide Model with the rosewood handle and the S30V steel blade, titanium aluminum nitride coating and leather sheath. It was love at first site and that's the one that came home with me. Problem now is that it's almost too pretty to use. I was teasing my wife that I need to make a display case for it and put it in the family room.
This knife was very sharp right out of the box. I shaved the back of my hand with it pretty easy. Can't wait to try it out on the next deer or elk. It also has potential as a survival knife - something that's probably more important to western backcountry hunters who try to go light and cover all the bases with one tool. I wouldn't hestitate to make firewood and build a shelter with this knife, except I would be worried that I might put a scratch in it. :wink:
I'll probably wish I had the rubber handle when it's covered with blood but I'm used to a slippery grip after years of hunting with a Buck 110 folding hunter. The Vanguard does have a finger guard to keep your hand from slipping forward towards the blade. Feels and looks like a custom knife for a lot less money. I think I'm really going to like it.

 

I've been using a wood handle Vanguard for years now with no problems. EHolds an edge, but it is easy to sharpen when needed. No complaints here. Never noticed it being too slippery while field dressing whitetails, and it's been through alot of them.... :wink:

 

Here's a Picture of the Buck Vanguard

Alaskan Guide Series

 

I had a Vanguard for a few years, I miss it. I left it in my garage, went back inside for a couple minutes, came back out and don't know whether I lost it or what. I would gladly use another if I didn't have my KOA Elkhunter. Orange handle, D2 steel. Cost twice my Buck but the steel is amazing.

Buck is good stuff for the price.

 

I have a Vanguard with the rubber handle which I think is superior to the wood handle. That said, its a good knife but in my search for a better knife I now use one with the S30v steel. It outcuts the vanguard about 2 to 1.

Not much of a sales pitch but I could be talked into selling my Vanguard....




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Any Alaskan Guide Series Vanguards out There?

This is my first knife with S30V steel. It's supposed to hold a great edge but is harder to sharpen. Fortunately for me the Buck Knife factory is only about 25 miles from my house (Post Falls, ID) and sharpening is free!

 

I have a Vanguard with a rubber grip. I've had this knife for at least fifteen yrs, i've cleaned rabbits, squirrels, deer and it still looks as good as the day I bought it.