[ArfinGreebly]

So, I'm looking for something unrelated today, and I stumble upon this item here (http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Buck%20Paradigm%20Knives&srch=eqCATE%20CODEdatarq%3DBU%26eqKEYWORDdatarq%3Dparadigm).

The Buck Paradigm
111540


Two models, the Paradigm Avid (in 13C26 Sandvik steel & Micarta) and the Paradigm Pro (in S30V steel and G10).

I don't know why I'm surprised, but I am. These are very like the new line of Buck Vantage knives, but the Paradigm is assisted open, where the Vantage is all manual.

Evidently they've changed the lock (which is a Good Thing, the old lock was awkward) and are using something new called the Shift Mechanism™ that doesn't interfere with the grip.

On some sites they are evidently in "pre-sale" only, and not actually shipping. Others claim shipping "next business day."

Naturally, I must have one.

Let the drooling begin.

[ArfinGreebly]

So . . . I went to a local store (Black Sheep) to see if they had any Paradigms in stock. Heck, why not, I had to pick up a Vantage for a gift anyway.

No Paradigms.

(And the Vantages were nearly sold out -- got a good one, though).

So, yesterday I dropped by the Buck Knives factory store to get a better look; I wanted to check out how the new safety mechanism works. And . . . they aren't there either. Because, evidently, they haven't actually been released yet.

Bummer.

Not a total loss, though. I got a chance to meet and fondle the Buck Mayo TNT. I think that will have to be a separate post. I will say, however, that it has raised the bar for me on what I consider "quality."

[Vonderek]

And the Vantages were nearly sold out
Bass Pro has the Vantage Pros for $44.95. I had to hold off buying one because my fiance was with me and I had just lectured her about frivolous purchases. When I went back a couple days later they were all sold out and no longer listed on their website or in their fliers. I guess the word is out on the Vantage Pro.

[JTW Jr.]

When I go to harass Mr Mayo at the Buck booth at SHOT show , I will make sure to check these new ones out. And indeed the Mayo TnT is a great folder as well.

[ArfinGreebly]

And indeed the Mayo TnT is a great folder as well.

Roger that. I've never held a Sebenza, but if the fit and finish of the Sebenza actually exceeds that of the TnT, then I will understand the pricing thing.

When you hold a production knife next to one that's actually hand finished, hand fitted, and assembled in a process that can consume an hour or more for an individual piece, the "little" things become glaring.

"Fit and finish" is a nice vague term that doesn't really express the careful polishing, carefully measured fitting, and attention to "little" details that make the piece a joy to hold and operate right from the box.

[JTW Jr.]

My son has a Buck Mayo TnT that Tom went over and reground the blade , tuned the action , chattered the frame holes and he loves it. I think I got it for him as an honor roll award when he was 12 or 13. It is one of his most cherished knives , along with his Fred Perrin neck dagger.