Bark River or Bradford?

Ironbut

Ironbut

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I recently purchased a Bark River Bravo 1 & couldn't be happier. My previous fixed blade experience has been limited to a Camillus pilots survival knife that was issued to me in 1967 & a few Gerber & Bucks. The workmanship & finish on the BR is flawless. I'm thinking that I would like a quality small fixed blade, that could be concealed easier for EDC belt or pocket sheath use.

Since I'm so impressed with the BR, after researching what they have available, I'm leaning toward the Bark River Woodland Special with A2 steel. I think it'd fill my needs nicely.

Running a very close second is the Bradford Guardian 3. It's available in Bohler N690 & M390, with the 690 being about $40 cheaper. Is there really that much difference in those steels? The extra 40 bucks isn't going to break the bank, so it's not a big deal.

I've been puting razor edges on knives & woodworking hand tools for over forty years, so sharpening any of the new steels isn't a problem. Just thought I'd ask the experts before I pull the trigger on either.

Thanks.
 
I like the ergos of the bark river better, but that bradford in m390 is a ridiculously good user. I'd take it over N690 (a vg10 equivalent) everytime.
 
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Bark River Woodland is a great small FB and A2 is a great steel; very handy to slip into a pocket or belt carry, although I found the leather sheath a bit loose. My BIL now has it but I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
 
No experience with the BR, but I have a Guardian 3 in 3v and that little thing is a monster!
Very comfy in hand with a great blade profile! Tough as nails and nice looking too.
Excellent company to deal with also.
It comes with a really nice cross draw leather sheath that is very well made.
Joe
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Palonej,
The pics you posted earlier of your Guardian in hand are what made me consider the Bradford. Nice knife!
 
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Bradford is the better value, without question. I have handled both though and the Bradford handles do not fit ME well. You may have a different experience but get what you enjoy most. That is what matters.
 
Bradford knives are really impressive! You can always sand down the handle to fit your hand better, that is what I usually do. Build quality is great with both his fixed blades and folders!
 
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Ironbut said:
Palonej,
The pics you posted earlier of your Guardian in hand are what made me consider the Bradford. Nice knife!
Click to expand...

Thank you!!
I love this thing!
Joe

PS.......shameless enabler once again!!!
 
mmmotorcycle said:
Bradford is the better value, without question. I have handled both though and the Bradford handles do not fit ME well. You may have a different experience but get what you enjoy most. That is what matters.
Click to expand...

Brad has some new scales available on his site, might fit better.
 
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palonej said:
Brad has some new scales available on his site, might fit better.
Click to expand...

I will look into that. My uncle has larger hands and a need for stainless steels living on the Florida coast now. I think I know his Birthday gift this year......
 
That would be a great gift!!
Also, if you have questions go on their site and e mail. I couldn't find that blue in stock anywhere. Someone told me to go on their site. I did and sent an e mail on a Saturday morning. Brad Larkin responded and put one together for me! He shipped it that Monday!
Great dude to deal with!
Joe
 
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They both make great knives with excellent steels. I guess it would boil down to preference. That being said, I love my toxic green guardian 5 3v and my BR bravos equally. If you can get both then do it as you won't be disappointed by either brand
 
I've had both knives that you mentioned. I still have the Bradford. I never warmed up to the Woodland Special. Too much belly and not enough tip for the kinds of cutting I normally do on a daily basis. I also prefer a thinner and narrower blade for everyday carry. I have no issues with BRKT's A2, it just isn't a steel I particularly like. I do, however, really love other small BRKT's. I've had Essentials, City Knives, Bravo Necker 2s, Northstar EDCs, Little Creeks, and still have a mini-Fox River. I like their sheaths and their F&F, and I love their convex edges. I just found that the other small FBs they make do better in a concealed belt carry or pocket carry in one the Sharpshooter pocket sheaths.

All that being said... these days I stick to one of my Guardian 3s or one of my Doziers for FB carry. The G3s I have are M390 and CPM-3V. The blackwashed 3V is my favorite. It does everything I ask of it and never blinks an eye. It's easy to carry in a horizontal sheath, either leather or kydex... it's easy to sharpen... there's just no down side to me in the Bradfords. When I get another one, it'll be one with the sculpted scales. Mine both have the original flat, bolt-on scales. I'd like to try the other shape.

So I guess I'm voting for the Bradford if I were buying it for my use.
 
Well, thanks a heck of a lot everybody for helping me spend my money!

I just got off the phone with Brad & ordered a Guardian 3, in 3V, Nimbus finish, with the new Camo 3D scales. He said he'd get it shipped out tonight. I'm an old phart & love instant gratification!
 
Excellent choice iron but!! I also dealt directly with Brad, great guy that I really enjoyed dealing with! He will make sure you are thrilled with it!!
He e mailed me a couple weeks after I received the knife and asked if I loved it! Too cool!
I am LOVING the nimbus finish! It's tough and hides just about anything you do to the blade!!
The 3v will take just about anything you throw at it!
Congrats and enjoy it! Don't forget lotsa pics when it arrives......or we won't believe you!!
[emoji1417][emoji1417][emoji1417]
Joe
 
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