Bradford Guardian in M390 or CPM-3v?

Lord_Balkan

Lord_Balkan

Joined
Aug 25, 2016
Messages
600
What do you guys think? I want a harder use fixed blade that can still slice well so I was looking at the Bradford Guardian 4 or 5. I have a CRK Nyala so I wouldn't mind a fixed blade in something tougher that I can beat on. I'm not sure if 3V would suit me well.

Thanks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vba
3V would be my top choice anytime it's offered as an option. It'll handle pretty much anything you throw at it and come back for more.
 
3V for your tasks. M390 would be better for lighter duty and it's extreme stainless properties, where as 3V is stupid tough, and edge retention is a non-issue for both.
 
3v all day!
I have a Bradford Guardian 3 in 3v and use it as a work knife. It will take whatever is thrown at it, easily!
I don't let it get that dull, so when I use it, I will strop it a bit that night.
Great steel! And Bradford makes an excellent knife! You will NOT be disappointed!!
Joe
Here's mine after ~ 6 months of use. Love the Nimbus finish!
1521d1d94846e7abba740aeed8027f22.jpg
 
I am looking to get a Bradford 4 full flat ground in 3V... I think it will be a good harder use around the house / home improvement knife.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vba
I just got my Guardian 4 full flat ground, 3V, 3D scales, and Nimbus finish. I love it. It came razor sharp. I haven't had any time to really use it other than cutting paper, whittling some wood, and cutting cardboard.

I debated about getting M390, but I wanted a full flat grind and that is currently their only choice. I plan next to get a Guardian 3 with full flat ground, but in M390.
 
I've got a 4 in the satin finish and swedged blade using N690 and I've no complaints whatsoever. Black scales, just a great knife. Seems like lots of blade with a very very good ergonomic handle. Leather sheath. Between my 311 and this for a f.b. carry I don't think I could do much better. keepem sharp
 
I want a Bradford 3, my choice of steel would always be 3v first.
 
a guardian 3 is pretty small, I would consider m390 for it (depending on how you use it 3v might still be preferred). anything larger I'd go with 3v

and always consider the 3D scales, the flat ones are terrible I dunno why they even offer them still.
 
I would have done a Guardian 5 or 6 but I really want a leather sheath. So I think I am going to go G4 in 3v, stonewash, full flat and rounded black micarta handles.
 
Lord_Balkan said:
I would have done a Guardian 5 or 6 but I really want a leather sheath. So I think I am going to go G4 in 3v, stonewash, full flat and rounded black micarta handles.
Click to expand...

This is a good choice. Bradford does very well with both steels. Like others have said, CPM-3V is almost always my choice if it's offered. It does so many things so well. That being said... both of my current G3s are M390 and that ain't no slouch, either.

I've had his 3V in several FFG G3s. They were really great knives. I think you'll like your G4 in 3V, esp. with the contoured handles. They do change the dynamics of holding and using the knife quite a bit over the flat textured scales.

We want to see pix when it arrives.
 
Your guys got me thinking. I've had my eye on a three for a while as I currently have small fixed with a 2 inch blade and then two with 4 inch blades. I thought one in between the two sizes would come in handy. I want it in either 3V or M390 but I'm considering what I'd be using it for. I'm leaning toward M390 because it seems too small to chop with and the thought of the steel on fixed blade would be nice. But, I only have convex-ground 3V knives which I can get sharp but not Wicked Edge sharp so I'd be curious to try it in a full-flat-grind. What to do...
 
  • Like
Reactions: vba
I live in a somewhat humid climate... I already have some frog lube and this will be my first non stainless knife. Is just coating it in frog lube and ensuring it stays clean and dry be enough ? I like the idea of a knife being able to take a beating but that beating might include liquids.
 
CPP said:
Your guys got me thinking. I've had my eye on a three for a while as I currently have small fixed with a 2 inch blade and then two with 4 inch blades. I thought one in between the two sizes would come in handy. I want it in either 3V or M390 but I'm considering what I'd be using it for. I'm leaning toward M390 because it seems too small to chop with and the thought of the steel on fixed blade would be nice. But, I only have convex-ground 3V knives which I can get sharp but not Wicked Edge sharp so I'd be curious to try it in a full-flat-grind. What to do...
Click to expand...

I'd probably go with M390 then. M390 isn't a brittle as other "super steels" IMO, so you can beat on it, but I wouldn't suggest using M390 for super hard use. It's superior edge retention and outstanding corrosion resistance make it a phenomenal EDC steel, even for a fixed blade.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vba
Lord_Balkan said:
I live in a somewhat humid climate... I already have some frog lube and this will be my first non stainless knife. Is just coating it in frog lube and ensuring it stays clean and dry be enough ? I like the idea of a knife being able to take a beating but that beating might include liquids.
Click to expand...

I clean both of my 3V fixed blades with Frog Lube but wipe them down afterward not leaving much of a coating and have yet to have a problem with rust. I have used them in humid weather, rain and snow.

I'd probably go with M390 then. M390 isn't a brittle as other "super steels" IMO, so you can beat on it, but I wouldn't suggest using M390 for super hard use. It's superior edge retention and outstanding corrosion resistance make it a phenomenal EDC steel, even for a fixed blade.
Click to expand...

You're probably right, thanks
 
CPP said:
I clean both of my 3V fixed blades with Frog Lube but wipe them down afterward not leaving much of a coating and have yet to have a problem with rust. I have used them in humid weather, rain and snow.



You're probably right, thanks
Click to expand...

Yeah, it would be nice to have a knife that could be used for heavier home improvement tasks or heavier duty kitchen tasks without worrying about it. I think I will have to wait for my next paycheck before picking one up. Does anyone know if these are built on order or do they ship out as soon as you order on the bradford website?
 
Lord_Balkan said:
Yeah, it would be nice to have a knife that could be used for heavier home improvement tasks or heavier duty kitchen tasks without worrying about it. I think I will have to wait for my next paycheck before picking one up. Does anyone know if these are built on order or do they ship out as soon as you order on the bradford website?
Click to expand...

Built to order, AFAIK. I ordered a FFG G3 M390 w/ black micarta and they went to build it the next day. I say went to, because they ran out of micarta handles and I had to wait about a week for another run of micarta to be done.
 
with my guardian 3 i went with 3d scales, ffg and m390 steel. I wanted it to be comfortable in hand and very corrosion resistant for EDC needs. I also don't plan on using it for super hard duty, although it does seem very tough. For me m390 was the better choice.

 
M390 or 3V? IMO, neither. I paid just over $100 for the N690 + "3D" micarta handles version and it's a fine steel for a small blade like the Guardian 3. The cost difference is huge, the performance difference is small for small fixed blade use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top