Since no one else has replied yet I'll put in my .02. I don't have the Vanguard but I do have a PBS Crosslock folder which uses the same steel in the main blade. It takes and holds a wicked edge. Maybe it's due to the heat treat as well, but whatever it is Buck knows how to make blades. Since my PBS isn't by any stretch a "survival knife" I'm not sure how much help this is.