Bradford Guardian 3 Questions

Dr Rez

Dr Rez

Pisser of the Couch
Joined
Jun 7, 2012
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Those of you with BG 3's (or 4s for the handle shape question) are you able to get a full 4 finger grip that is relatively comfortable? How big are your hands?

Second, those of you whom have tried the 3d scales and the flat one which do you prefer or find better on the 3 or 4 if you only have that?

Thanks for any answers!
 
I only have the Bradford Guardian 3 in M390, False Edge, with stonewash finish.

I'm 5ft 8, large build, 205lbs, L and XL clothing, and I get all 4 of my fingers on the grip area, but one of those fingers is in the choil(blade). It is a great lil knife and I can recommend it.

My scales are 3D and I like them. Never tried the flat.
 
Tommy-Chi said:
I only have the Bradford Guardian 3 in M390, False Edge, with stonewash finish.

I'm 5ft 8, large build, 205lbs, L and XL clothing, and I get all 4 of my fingers on the grip area, but one of those fingers is in the choil(blade). It is a great lil knife and I can recommend it.
Click to expand...
Any pics? Im guessing the sheath you got with it was the cross draw leather.
 
If you're concerned about the handle shape you could get a Guardian 3.5 as it is the same blade with a full handle.
 
I've had multiples of all configurations of the G3. Still have and carry 2 sabre-ground G3s, both with 3D scales. One is an M390 blade & the other is an N690Co blade. I carry mine in an Armatus kydex horizontal sheath. I like the Armatus because of the "pull-the-dot" snaps & straps that let me put it on and take it off without ever removing my belt. Knife retention is very secure but it's also easy to remove & re-insert the knife one-handed.

I wear a L man's glove with a little room to spare. I could squeeze into a M but it'd be uncomfortably tight. My hand is 3.25" across from the base of my pinky to the base of my first finger. I can get a good, 4-finger grip IF I use the choil. If I stay back on the handle only, it's 3-fingers, like a BM mini-Grip... grip.

The 3D scales are more comfortable to hold and use, but the flat scales disappear under a t-shirt a bit better. Honestly, if I had my 'druthers, I'd 'druther have the flat scales. They're textured so well that there's little chance of slippage and they do feel pretty good. My knives were both from BF's "pre-owned" marketplace and this is how they came.
 
I've carried a Guardian3 everyday for the last 6 weeks. I love it. It's so comfortable I forget it's there until it's time to cut. I've got the flat OD green G10 scales. I'm 6'1 and wear size large gloves. Using the choil my pinky fits right at the very end of the scale. Sometimes PART of my pinky hangs off the edge of the scale and over the cut out for the lanyard hole.
I don't have any complaints. I guess it could be a 1/4in longer but it's not something I think about or even notice at all. That being said, I usually only use the knife for a minute and put it away. It might not be a good size for real extended hard use.
This is my favorite knife next to my XM-24 and large 21 Sebenza. It's the only knife I carry every single day, my folders get rotated. My suggestion is to order the knife from a retailer who has a good return policy. See if you like it and if not, send it back. I have the M390. It's sharp as hell and has a beautiful blade finish. Ok, I've rambled enough...
 
I wear Mechanix L gloves with a tiny bit of room to spare (definately can’t fit a medium). Size 7.5 surgical gloves fit perfect.

4 fingers is no problem for me. The standard flat scales are super comfortable and provide a super secure grip. The Guardian 3 is one of the best knives I own, bar none, and is worth the cost. It would be my primary EDC if fixed blade carry (under my shirt) were legal in Cali. The DLC scratches easily; go for the stone wash.

Buy one. Unless you have XL hands (which I can’t comment about), you will love it.

Sorry if the pics are blurry (I’m late for a date). Note that on pic 1 my pinky is fully on the scale and the butt is still barely visible.

4CE7AE36-B21F-463D-AC3A-C383F1E927A0.jpeg EF7BF108-D0F6-4B4E-B189-AD86776843BC.jpeg FAB516D0-32C3-45FC-AB9E-7C4EF50A6110.jpeg
 
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Dr Rez said:
Any pics? Im guessing the sheath you got with it was the cross draw leather.
Click to expand...

Yes, it is a natural leather, cross draw sheath. Have not figured out how to post pics... looks just like BD_01 BD_01 handles, but the blade is stonewashed.

The sheath is tight. As new, the knife would never fall out.

Another small knife is the Winkler Knives, Everrycarry. It has a more focused "penetrating" blade shape, is in 80CrV2, and pretty expensive at around $345.
 
I've had about eight Bradford 3G's. In 3V, M390, and Vanadis 4E. I still have a NIB m390 in the safe, but have been carrying the Vanadis for the last six months since it became available in that steel. Great knives in great blade-steels. I've carried the 3G in one steel or another for well over one year...cross-draw sheath, and love it.
Bought one or two in 3D grip and sold them immediately. The basic grip is by far my favorite.
Yes, I have large hands, and have carried a large Sebenza, but the 3G fits my hand just fine...4-finger grip, as long as I use the choil..which is intended to be used.
 
I wear an XL glove, though I don't have thick fingers. As stated by others, a proper grip of the G3 requires the index finger in the choil.
I never cared much for the G3 until I tried the 3D scales - I find them much more comfortable than the flat ones.
*The size difference between the G3 and G4 is more significant than I expected. I posted a comparison shot a while back, I'll see if I can find it.
prTSJsV.jpg
 
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Dr Rez said:
Those of you with BG 3's (or 4s for the handle shape question) are you able to get a full 4 finger grip that is relatively comfortable? How big are your hands?

Second, those of you whom have tried the 3d scales and the flat one which do you prefer or find better on the 3 or 4 if you only have that?

Thanks for any answers!
Click to expand...

They have a new Bradford 3.5 which has the same blade length as the 3 but a slightly bigger handle.

I prefer the 3d scales because they are more comfortable pressing against you imho.
 
I wear XL gloves, and carry a Guardian 3 with the 3D scales. I never tried the flat scales, because the 3D ones looked more comfortable to me. When I hold my Guardian, my pinkie finger is right at the end of the hilt, but it does just fit on there for a full grip.
I did add a paracord fob when I got the knife, and when I choke back and don't use the choil, my pinkie wraps around the fob.
full

I am sure you will be happy with either the Guardian 3, or the 3.5 that others have suggested. The 3.5 is on my wishlist (with about 10 ... or 100 other knives).

Enjoy
 
I’m not good with using the 3. My index finger comes right up to the cutting edge. 6’6”, 240lb, XL glove size. I’m probably just going to put this one on the Exchange. The Spyderco Steet Beat and CPK EDC fit me much better.
3066B9AF-2B2E-48C0-930D-17DD84B37DBB.jpeg
 
I generally wear XL gloves. I can't get a full grip on the handle but I can get enough grip for that size knife.
 
hhmoore said:
I wear an XL glove, though I don't have thick fingers. As stated by others, a proper grip of the G3 requires the index finger in the choil.
I never cared much for the G3 until I tried the 3D scales - I find them much more comfortable than the flat ones.
*The size difference between the G3 and G4 is more significant than I expected. I posted a comparison shot a while back, I'll see if I can find it.
prTSJsV.jpg
Click to expand...

I really wish they made an in between size. The jump from 3 to 4 is massive. If they made one sized right between the 3 and 4 I'd definitely buy one.
 
the Bradford 3 although I think is a great knife is just a bit small for my hand with either handle option (I wear and XL glove and they are snug) ... I tried both handle options but just couldn't get a good grip ...

I think the 3.5 would fit my hand but I haven't tried it yet ...

for a smaller fixed blade I went with the CPK EDC2 and the New Winkler/Jason Knight colaberation Jager ... the Winkler Jager comes with a nice sheath and you can carry vertical or horizontal ... can get with a clip or tek loc or add a drop loop.
 
I just got the new 4.5 yesterday, awesome blade! 4.25 inch blade, with lots of handle. Very comfortable, and all around great design. Kind of wish they would switch from spanner bits to torx though.
 
ATJ999 said:
I just got the new 4.5 yesterday, awesome blade! 4.25 inch blade, with lots of handle. Very comfortable, and all around great design. Kind of wish they would switch from spanner bits to torx though.
Click to expand...

I got a Guardian 4.5 a week or so ago and I agree the ergos of the knife ... the new extended handle just made it one of my favorite mid size belt knives ...

feels great in hand ... and I would highly recommend it for anyone with larger hands that is looking for an extreme value knife in 3V in that 4" range ... will make a great all around knife.
 
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