Bradford 3 ,what's all the fuss about ?

S

sfrigon1

Joined
Oct 2, 2016
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So I've owned a 4 for a good while and wasn't sure if I'd like the 3 because of blade shape, steel and the scales . Long story short I am very impressed , the blade is very versatile , the scales fill my hand very comfortably (3d) I guess we will see how the n690 holds up. Now I know why so many people have purchased and positively reviewed this knife ! Does anyone else think this is the perfect edc ?
 
If I could conceal carry a fixed blade in my area, it would be the perfect EDC, for a fixed blade at least. FFG M390 Micarta G3, beautiful thing.
 
sfrigon1 said:
So I've owned a 4 for a good while and wasn't sure if I'd like the 3 because of blade shape, steel and the scales . Long story short I am very impressed , the blade is very versatile , the scales fill my hand very comfortably (3d) I guess we will see how the n690 holds up. Now I know why so many people have purchased and positively reviewed this knife ! Does anyone else think this is the perfect edc ?
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I'm quite fond of mine, it's just big enough. I have the N690 version as well, and it's performed nicely. No complaints.
 
Totally. I've got it in M390 with the G-wood handles and it has replaced all of my folders for EDC. Ticks all the boxes for me- would work as a tactical blade, full flat grind makes an excellent slicer, and it looks fairly rustic so it doesn't scare people. Perfect blade length and comfy handles. If it's legal and you can afford then you need one. Good choice OP :)
 
I think the cross draw sheath is a big part of the attraction. My bk14 gets way more use since I made a nice cross draw sheath for it. For that size knife they are extremely comfortable, accessible and concealable. One of these days I will try a guardian 3.
 
sfrigon1 said:
Is the cross draw sheath my only option ?
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Of course not, you can have someone make any sheath you want, with whatever materials you want. From the manufacturer you get what is shown on the site, but that doesn't mean that is your only option.
 
RevDevil said:
Of course not, you can have someone make any sheath you want, with whatever materials you want. From the manufacturer you get what is shown on the site, but that doesn't mean that is your only option.
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sorry I meant from the manufacturer
 
While I've not tried out the 3d scales yet, they do look great btw, I've had several of Brad's knives, here is one review I did a while back seen in this thread and check down to post 54, I show an adapter piece I came up with to turn the horizontal sheath into a vertical sheath.

G2
 
One is on my list after in make a few more home repairs ! I handled one at the range a few weeks ago and was very impressed.
From my view, it's a American made, hierloom quality knife.
 
Yes it's worth it. Great little EDC knife! I sold mine in a moment of weakness but will have another someday. Very nice knife.
 
I've had four of these...and have worn one crossdraw since I received it. I still carry my folding knife, but find myself using the fixed blade at least as often as the folder. I have them in 3V and M390 and both steels are great.
I've also shown Brad's G3F (folder) which is excellent, and also in M390.


 
The Guardian 3 and Spyderco Street Beat are two of the best EDC fixed blades on the market. The cross draw sheath is excellent on the Bradford as it is comfortable to wear all day, the blade is very secure. The sheath is comfortable to wear in the car woth a seat belt. This is something alot of knife sheath makers overlook, how comfortable is the sheath to wear in different sitting positions.
 
If you're on the fence about getting a G3 don't hesitate. If you're comfortable with the size then it's more than capable of any task you throw at it. I've used mine which is cpm3v for tasks of a 6" fixed blade and it performs beautifully.. There are custom sheath makers that will make whatever your heart desires. Personally this is the one I'm planning on getting.

http://www.armatuscarry.com/store/p179/Bradford_Guardian_3_Architect_Sheath.html
 
I'm sure the 3D scales are much more comfortable when in use but I'm thinking for a knife this size that's not as important. So, I am thinking of getting the thinner scales as they will carry better but I'm afraid it will be similar to the ESEE Izula with Micarta scales which was very awkward and uncomfortable in hand. I would order one with the 3D scales but to me it doesn't seem practical for a knife this size to have a handle as thick as my inches-longer Bark River knives. Any input?
 
I just picked one up and went with the 3D scales. I liked them better. Either seemed like great options, I just liked the 3D ergos over the more grippy thinner scales. Given no 3D option, I'd have easily opted for the normal ones.

At the show they also had options to get a sheath made by Eric at Mashed Cat, so I went with that. I really like it!

I cannot speak more highly of Brad and his wife, either. Very kind and gracious people.
 
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I have the Bradford Guardian3 in N690. I was considering one for a while and I did not know I ordered one until I got my confirmation email. My guess is I bumped the Amazon "Buy Now" button when looking at it on my phone. I decided not to cancel the order, but, instead, I ordered the Kydex taco style sheath on the Bradford Knives as well. I did not thing I world like the standard sheath, but, so far, the standard sheath is a very good carry method. I have mine at 11 O'clock for easy access right or left handed. It rides well there and stays out of the way, is always easy to access and hides well under an untucked shirt. I use the Kydex sheath at home, when I am wearing shorts and no belt. The Kydex sheath offers a lot of flexibility in carry methods. I note, there are two variations in the scales; keep that in mind if you order the sheath. I have the non-3d scales, it it works fine with my medium-large hands. Retention in the Kydex sheath, as delivered, is secure and not overly tight.
 
I ordered one up in M390, I wanted to like it but it doesn't fit my hand, the grip is a little small for me. Going to use it for trading on something different. Not to say that it isn't well made as the quality is there, just doesn't fit me.
 
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I don't own one right now but, if I was in the market for a small fixed blade, the #3 would be on my list for consideration. Made very well, thoughtful design, great steel and super customer service from the maker. What's not to like?
 
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