Bradford Guardian4 vs Esee 4

[Therom]

I am looking for a full tang fixed knife between 4 and 5" to start bushcrafting
I have identified the Bradford Guardian4 FFG M390 and the Esee4

Does anyone has experience with those knives
How do they compare?
Is the Bradford worth the extra money?

I have medium size hands

 

[Jedi22]

I considered those when I found boker buffalo soul 2, it's a beautiful thick capable blade. Check it out


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[miltmaldo]

I don't own the Bradford but I do own the esse4 and I like it . for bushcrafing you don't really need a thick knife so both will be good choice the one thing you really need to look for is ergonomic on the handle and knife balance . If you are looking at the the GSO 4.1 or BRK Aurora are my suggestion .

 

[michaelm466]

Very different steels, M390 has much better edge holding, very good stain resistance, but will take longer to sharpen and will not be add tough. I prefer M390. For ergonomics I'd say the 3D contoured handle of the Bradford, then the ESEE then the standard grippy Bradford handles. I'd say go with Bradford unless you struggle with sharpening or plan to pry/baton with rocks a lot.

 

[Therom]

The GSO4.1 looks like a very good option indeed, maybe more confortable and lighter than the Guardian4.

Does anyone has pictures comparing ESEE4 and GSO4.1?