Bradford knives- orwell tactical knife

[M.FREEZE]

I recently reviewed a fixed blade made by Bradford Knives. I put it through a few cutting tests that would help determine cutting ability and edge retention. Here are the results:

Knife Specifications/
Fixed Blade- Full tang measuring 8.5"
Blade Length- 4.5"
Blade Thickness- .110"
Blade Steel- M390
Blade Finish- Stonewashed
Rockwell Hardness- 60/61

Kydex Sheath/
Made by David Brown
Very good quality and keeps knife very secure

Handle/
Camo Micarta
Black Oxide screws secure the scales

The knife arrived in a white box that had thin wood shavings as packing. The knife and sheath were nicely placed in the box. Very good presentation.


The first test I did was to cut 1/4" x 50' poly rope. I performed cuts by using pull cuts. I would hold two ends of the rope in one hand and pull cut through the loop. I also performed a handful of push cuts while placing the rope on a wooden block. The pulling action cut better than the push cuts on this test. I think this is for 2 reasons. First, I think that the blade didn't have enough "belly" to push through the rope on such a flat surface. Secondly, the diameter of the rope was fairly thin (1/4"). I think a thicker rope would have been more satisfactory for this test. My fault!! Regardless, the Orwell made 260 cuts through the rope.

The next thing I did was to do a paper slice test. The M390 sliced paper even after making 260 rope cuts.

The second cutting test was to cut through a rubber bungee tie-down strap. On this test I placed the bungee strap on a wooden block and performed push cuts. I made a total of 100 push cuts. The blade cleanly cut each of the 100 pieces.


Next I did another paper slice test. The M390 Orwell sliced paper as well this time as it did the first time. This was after a total of 360 cuts, (260) then (100).

 

[M.FREEZE]

The next cutting test was to cut up a vinyl/plastic garden soaker hose. I started by cutting it into long strips, then cutting the long strips into several smaller pieces. All in all I made 75 pulling cuts in the hose. I used the same cutting method as I did with the rope.



Next I did another paper slice test. Amazingly, it still cleanly cut paper.

 

[M.FREEZE]

The final test I did was to cut up an Arizona Ice Tea plastic jug. The plastic is very dense, much more so than a milk jug. However, for this test I got the knife handle wet with water to test it's gripping ability. The micarta felt as grippy, if not more grippy when wet. Even though this test didn't have a lot of cuts, it was the most resistance that I encountered in any of the tests. I started by piercing the jug and then continued by severing the top portion of the lid/handle area. This is where the plastic was the most dense. The M390 Orwell sliced it well. It didn't slice through with the speed of a paper slice test, but it still had control. I was able to maintain straight cuts.

Finally I did another paper slice test. To my amazement, it still sliced paper. While I could not feel any noticeable hang-ups, I could hear a slight difference in the sound it made when slicing.


All four paper slice tests-




Overview:

I really like the look and performance of the M390 Orwell by Bradford. It was delivered in a professionally packaged box. The knife was ready to work right out of the box. I didn't sharpen it prior to or during the testing. The sheath is great but not cumbersome. The blade length was a great useable length for most anything that would require cutting while in the field. The edge retention was phenomenal. A total of 435 cuts through synthetic and dense materials, and it still sliced paper at the end. I believe that after it's ability to slice paper starts to diminish, the "working edge" will be retained for a long time.

The things I would change are minor, and personal preference. I think a lanyard hole would be nice, but not necessary. A personal preference would be a slightly thicker stock. However, I also realize that slicing ability will be compromised. Also, thicker stock, lanyard holes will result in more $$ in materials and time. This will ultimately mean an increased cost in the knife. Overall this is a great looking knife that performs. It has top notch materials and quality construction throughout. This is a great deal for the price.

$129 for the knife
$50 for the black kydex sheath made by David Brown.

 

[jac_solar]

It'd be a lot easier to read if you just posted them all in a single thread - ie, posting a thread and then replying..

 

[M.FREEZE]

So do you like the knife or not....?

 

[Rapt_up]

I think its a great knife. If you don't object I'll just add my thoughts as I wrote to the maker (if you do say so and I'll start another thread):

"Its a small knife meant for small knife work, at times just a little longer blade, and just a little thinner stock and grind would have made it better as a kitchen knife, but then it would be less suitable for other EDC or light camp tasks. So I think you've struck a really excellent balance. I would think it would also make an excellent dressing/skinning knife for game up to deer size, but I clearly haven't had a chance to try it.

Its a solid sturdy knife with a lot of blade in a surprisingly light package. I would say that it will carry with a much smaller feel and footprint than many shorter bladed EDC style knives. But I'm not sure I will get to find out. My wife loves it, so it looks like this one is becoming a permanent fixture in the kitchen.

That said I also think it would make an excellent pack/camp knife for a smaller person like a teenager (who understands knives and their use and wouldn't abuse it) or a woman. Or for a guy who values compactness and light weight. I think you'd be hard pressed to get more knife blade and performance into a smaller or lighter package.

The handle is superb although those with large hands might find it a bit small. The fit and finish, the level of precision in the knife work is really impressive. I really like this knife. "

Subsequently I have already arranged to purchase a second one from a fellow forum member who was turning one over.