Recommendation? Bradford Necker, or jump to Guardian?

B

benhar

Joined
Apr 17, 2012
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Looking to try an EDC fixed blade (in work/office backpack) vs a folder. I’ve about narrowed it down to a Bradford Guardian 3 or G-necker. (Started to get Izula but prefer an uncoated stainless)

Question for owners, is the comfort factor on the Guardian worth the extra size, or is the Necker a better option? Trying to hit the balance between low profile and usuasable, so it doesn’t just sit in the safe next to my 4” blades.

Thanks for any help!
 
I'm not really a fan of neck knives, but I absolutely love my Guardian 3 (I would have also preferred uncoated steel, but there were limited options available in Europe at the time) :thumbsup:

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Jack Black said:
I'm not really a fan of neck knives, but I absolutely love my Guardian 3 (I would have also preferred uncoated steel, but there were limited options available in Europe at the time) :thumbsup:
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Thanks! Are the rounded scales worth it over the flat? Assuming there more comfortable but definitely a little thicker.
 
FWIW, I don't have a Bradford Guardian 3, but I love its look and size so much that it's on my short list of buys this year. I just have to sell a knife to buy it. One-in-one-out sort of thing.

Zieg
 
The Zieg said:
FWIW, I don't have a Bradford Guardian 3, but I love its look and size so much that it's on my short list of buys this year. I just have to sell a knife to buy it. One-in-one-out sort of thing.

Zieg
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I hope you like it as much as I love mine :) It's really one of my favourite FBs, and I have a lot :) :thumbsup:

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I have a Kydex sheath for it too, but I prefer the original leather one :thumbsup:

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The Zieg said:
FWIW, I don't have a Bradford Guardian 3, but I love its look and size so much that it's on my short list of buys this year. I just have to sell a knife to buy it. One-in-one-out sort of thing.

Zieg
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I get it, I’m in the same boat! Just sold 2 and netted $200, so it’s game on for a new knife and remainder is going to my outdoor griddle upgrade lol.
 
Many times I have been so close to buying a Bradford, but just bought a Lionsteel M1.

A Guardian 3 will be next. It seems everybody and their brother loves them :thumbsup:
 
.577NE said:
Many times I have been so close to buying a Bradford, but just bought a Lionsteel M1.

A Guardian 3 will be next. It seems everybody and their brother loves them :thumbsup:
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Yeah it definitely seems to be highly regarded! Though now I’m thinking about pivoting and getting a White River Backpaker instead. Originally discounted it due to price, but once I get the Bradford how I want it and with a Kydex sheath, it’s much pricier than I realized.
 
benhar said:
Though now I’m thinking about pivoting and getting a White River Backpaker instead...
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Just a few days ago I checked out a White River Backpacker at Sportsman's Warehouse and was very pleasantly surprised how well it handled.
 
My input on edc fixed blades through trial and error are:
The smallest I’ll go is 6.5” overall length
The largest I’ll go is 7.5” overall length
The reasons are any smaller you’re giving up comfort and function for conceal ability. Any larger it won’t fit in the pocket comfortably. I do prefer pocket carry.
The Bradford guardian 3 is right within that range, and I think it would be the better choice.
Currently I have an LT Wright Great Plainsman, LT Wright Campmuk, and Bark River JX6.
 
Neither of these are stainless but neither of these are coated either.
The Izula and Izula-II are 1095 with a black oxide finish rather than a coating
The Becker BK24 D'Eskabar (ESEE & KABAR) is a semi-stainless, noncoated D2
Flat sheaths helps these to be quite pocket friendly. I pocket tote even with the handle covers.
And they're all very versatile while quickly able to convert to either belt or neck carry (with belt attachments or paracord).

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benhar said:
Yeah it definitely seems to be highly regarded! Though now I’m thinking about pivoting and getting a White River Backpaker instead. Originally discounted it due to price, but once I get the Bradford how I want it and with a Kydex sheath, it’s much pricier than I realized.
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.577NE said:
Just a few days ago I checked out a White River Backpacker at Sportsman's Warehouse and was very pleasantly surprised how well it handled.
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White River Backpacker looks like a good knife :thumbsup: European knife prices tend to be much higher, particularly for US-made knives :(

Of the two sheaths I have for the Guardian 3, I much prefer the lined leather sheath. I carry it on my belt, right front, but it can be carried vertically with the help of a removeable leather strap, and pocket-carried very comfortably. I ordered the Kydex sheath at the same time as the knife, but found I much preferred the leather sheath, which is also much more secure. I now have the Kydex sheath set up for IB carry (or to clip to the edge of a pocket).

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Jack Black said:
I hope you like it as much as I love mine :) It's really one of my favourite FBs, and I have a lot :) :thumbsup:

w5Lt6x7.jpg


I have a Kydex sheath for it too, but I prefer the original leather one :thumbsup:

Nur7ap8.jpg
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Does the guardian have a sharp spine? Or is that a special ferro rod with striker?
I love your Kydex set up!
 
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