<4" fixed blade EDC

MVF

MVF

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This was previously the Bradford Guardian 3/EK&T Companion thread. Then I realized that I was asking the wrong question. Please give your thoughts and favorites in the small, lightweight, but comfortable to use category. Thanks!

Original text below:

These both seem like great knives- any chance someone out there has both and could give us a comparison? Not asking/expecting to hear one is better than the other (but if you think so, I'd love to hear why), more just some thoughts about them that would help people figure out which they'd be happier with.

My only thoughts now are that I'd prefer the M390 of the Guardian, but I'm leaning toward the more compact design of the Companion which looks like it might have a more comfortable grip.

Any comments appreciated, thanks for your time.
 
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Wow, 74 views and no comments? How about anybody who owns either one give their thoughts? What do you like the most about yours? What would you change?
 
As one of the early viewers of your thread; I didn't respond because you wanted a comparison between a fairly popular knife and a new, relatively obscure model (no offense intended to the maker).
I have a Guardian 3 (FFG model) - it arrived sharp, the kydex sheath is well done, and, overall, the knife is quite usable. What I dislike about it is that I can't use it without having my index finger in the large choil, as the grip is too insecure. I get that it is designed to be used with that more forward grip; but, when I do that, my finger rests at the corner of the sharpened blade. I've never been cut by it...but I'm aware of it against my finger almost every time I grip the knife. For that reason, I tend not to carry it - but I still grab it from time to time when I'm doing something around the house.

I looked at the EK&T Companion when it was first coming available, and it didn't quite do it for me....but I don't really NEED another small fixed blade, as I have that category well covered.
 
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Thanks hh! That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. I'd love to hear about your other knives in this category, especially your favorites. This is a new category for me- I have either 4" and up, or ultra-light/small neckers and such that don't "cut" it comfort-wise for much use. Thanks for any guidance. I can see now that I should have asked this question rather than limiting it to these two knives.
 
Personally I would look at something from one of the custom makers here. In something like 10V or one of the other high V steels. I really like my Bradford knives, but they are thicker grind than I would have on a lighter knife. If I wanted a heavier use knife I'd still keep the lighter grind and have it in 3V for higher toughness and still lots of slicing. The you get exactly what you want... the real trick is using and trying lots of knives so you actually know what you want and not what someone else thinks you might want, or that they want.
 
I don't have any knives from EK&T, so I can't comment on them. I have 2 from Bradford, the Guardian 3 and 4. Both are very well made from M390, and they cut well and hold their edges very well. The 3 is only a 3 finger grip, which is a little too small for me, I like getting 4 fingers on a handle. I would suggest taking a look at the Dozier Arkansas Traveller. One of my favorites, but don't get the cheap Boker copy.
 
Lots of options, depending on what you want & what you're willing to pay.
My most carried fixed blade is an EDC Utility by bacustomknives; and the second is an LT Wright Patriot...or maybe the Bark River Mini Fox River (not pictured)


I also highly recommend the Swamp Rat Rodent 3 (unfortunately, their custom shop isn't currently taking orders; but there's nothing wrong with the standard options), and the Dozier Modified Personal.

The EDC Utility gets carried the most for a couple of reasons...one of the main ones being that I can carry it without concern about people freaking out that I've got A WEAPON!!.
I would carry the Dozier more than I do if I had a pocket sheath that I liked better. I've put on just enough weight that the angles cross draw sheath is annoying.
The Mini Fox River, Rodent 3, and Dozier have great handles for small knives - I'll try to find a pic.
Rodent 3s in grey bone and snakewood:


Patriot, Rodent 3, Dozier, Mini Fox River, Bravo EDC, an old AG Russell, BK24, and Patriot
 
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Oh, to put things in perspective, the EDC Utility is just over 7.5" overall, with a 3.25"(?) blade; whereas the Patriot is just over 5.5" overall, with a 2.5" edge.
 
I have the EK&T companion, my wife took the first one so I ordered another for me. I've have a few smaller fixed blades to compare it to like the bk14. and a crkt minimalist bowie.

I REALLY enjoy the companion, ergonomics on this small fixed blade are fantastic. I have wide palms so on smaller fixed blades handle design is key for me, and the companion is a home run in this regard.

The ability to change the handles to a different color is awesome, I have orange, blue, jade, black, and my wife has purple, and jade.

Brian is a pleasure to talk to, he backs his knives completely and provides a lifetime warranty against breakage no matter what, stupidity included.

Sheath is kydex and very secure with zero rattle. Steel s35vn is good, I've tossed mine into wood, made shavings, cut food, and made spears. The knife is small enough to be carried with out ANY inconvenience but has a handle that allows it to be comfortably and securely held for serious knife tasks.

Just today I dropped my knife in the woods, and was SO grateful I put on my blue handles last night because the leaves on the ground make the black and orange scales disappear.

I highly recommend EK&T.

The pic attached is an older one of it as i'm too lazy to take and upload more.
 

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Thanks guys, some great stuff here! Keep it coming!
 
i have esee 4 which is about 4" or so and a izula 2, highly recommended izula 2 since it fit my hand perfectly (m/l glove size). feel very comfortable.
 
I've cleaned deer to chickens and it stays sharp. Has a nice handle for a full grip which a lot of small knives lack
 
Thanks for all the pics. Those are some great looking knives hh!

Cut it out, what model Dozier is that? Looks like a winner and I really like his knives, though for the price I may have to try the companion first. I have a feeling I better start selling some knives, as this looks like my next "category"- much better chance to get more use than my larger knives.
 
IMO, Dozier pretty much sets the standard for F&F. I have several, and have yet to find any grinds off centers, any scales that don't exactly fit, etc. You get a very high quality knife.
 
MVF, the Dozier shown above is the "Modified Personal". A.G. Russell has them with Desert Ironwood scales in stock right now. If you are interested I would jump in quick, they won't last long.

Z
 
Yes misterz is correct on the model name. I e had this knife for many years now. It's a awesome knife. His sheaths are also. Dry nice. Love the scout style carry they come with. He is the man when it comes to D2
 
Yeah, this just keeps getting harder! I do like Doziers and his sheaths, and the Patriot is pretty appealing, too. Then again, the Companion keeps calling to me, just for its uniqueness. Good thing I enjoy the research/shopping - and it's so much cheaper than the buying part! Ahh, but then comes the using!

It looks like Bark River has a good selection of smaller blades (although some seem awfully pricey!), any comments, or particular favorite models? How's that Mini Fox River treating you, hh?
 
I've both a CS Pendelton Hunter in VG1 steel and a mini Pendeleton that are both superb as edc fixed blade carry knives. Especially the mini hunter. keepem sharp
 
Boker has interesting EDC small fixed knives in the offer. I've got Nessmi and Rhino Stag - both were designed by Jesper Voxnaes. Verry, very nice knives. You can see it in my gallery thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1236577-Collection-Knife-photo-review
And you can find my reviews on Bladeforums.

Nessmi has the blade of S30V steel, and Rhino 440C.
Boker-Nessmi_by_Jarek-Konarzewski_12.jpg


Boker-Plus-Rhino-Stag_by_Jarek-Konarzewski_03.jpg


Size comparison
Boker-Nessmi_by_Jarek-Konarzewski_07.jpg
 
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