Guardian 3.5

GatorMedic

GatorMedic

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Jan 12, 2014
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I've seen a few mentions of an impending Guardian 3.5 in the works. Does anybody know much about it? I'm mainly interested in whether the cutting edge will be 3.5" or whether it's just a longer handle than the Guardian 3. Also anyone have an idea of the release date timeframe?

I have an Esee 4 but the blade is too thick for my liking. So I purchased an Esee 3 online yesterday to replace it. Now I'm reconsidering that purchase and thinking about a Guardian. The 3 might be too small for my liking but a 3.5 cutting edge would probably be a winner for me.
 
IMG_4693.jpg

I did some IG creeping and found this. Apparently the big change with the 3.5 is no finger choil. The cutting edge doesn't look any longer though, but it's hard to tell without anything else in the pic to compare it to.
 
They also posted some info along with the pic (maybe at different times) on IG... They've posted at least one photo with scales.

The 3.5 will have no finger choil with the more pronounced hilt to create the front of the grip. Blade length in front of the hilt is the same as is in front of the choil on the standard 3's.
 
JJ_Colt45 said:
But I think that will make the handles a biy larger for a fullgrip instead of 3 fingers. At least my understanding and hope for it.
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Yeah, I was just hoping for a longer cutting edge as well. 3" is too short for my liking. 3.5" would have probably been my sweet spot

Cereal_killer said:
Out of the knives you've mentioned here and your feelings on them I think the G4 is the knife for you.
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Yeah, the 3 would definitely be too small for me. That's been proven time and again with my 3" folder history. I worry the Guardian 4 would have the same complaint from me as the Esee 4, mainly that it's too thick. In addition, I'm not sold on the finger choil. Seems like I should stick with the Esee 3 I have coming in the mail. Doesn't have the sweet aesthetics of the Nimbus finish but should fit my other preferences better. Unless of course that Guardian 3.5 gains half an inch before it's release date lol. I'm the Goldilocks of knives apparently--always seem to want a size in between the sizes that are actually offered.
 
My Bradford 3G has a straight-line blade length of 3.1", and 3.5" when adding in the finger-choil. With the choil, this knife fits my large hand just fine, and I use it every day. I really enjoy the finger-choil.
I have owned seven or eight of this model; you can see that I respect it a lot. If Brad Larkin really wants to make this knife better for casual users, then he should reduce the blade thickness from its present 0.140" to 3/32"...and preferably with a high hollow grind. THEN, and only then, it will be a solid slicer.
As it is now, my large CRK Sebenza with its 0.125" high hollow grind blade beats the heck out of any competition that I've compared it to. The Sebenza slices an apple; whereas the other knives, flat grind or whatever, just act as a wedge and finally break the apple apart when you push hard enough.
IMO
 
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Even if the cutting edge stays the same I will probably try this 3.5 version.

My major gripe about the 3 is there was zero finger protection meaning the Guardian 3 did not make a very good knife for guarding yourself.
 
GatorMedic said:
I've seen a few mentions of an impending Guardian 3.5 in the works. Does anybody know much about it? I'm mainly interested in whether the cutting edge will be 3.5" or whether it's just a longer handle than the Guardian 3. Also anyone have an idea of the release date timeframe?

I have an Esee 4 but the blade is too thick for my liking. So I purchased an Esee 3 online yesterday to replace it. Now I'm reconsidering that purchase and thinking about a Guardian. The 3 might be too small for my liking but a 3.5 cutting edge would probably be a winner for me.
Click to expand...
Spoke to them about something else but I asked them about the 3.5 and they said the are frantically working to get it out. I think they are overwhelmed with their orders as it is. They told me that the cutting edge would be 3.5" and the overall close to 4". It will fall between the G3 and the G4. I have looked around at other knife companies and found that there were not many choices for a 3" cutting edge blade at a reasonable price. I now have the regular G3 and the G3 Wharnie, Both in M390. Got them on the secondary market at very reasonable prices. They are very well done and very comfortable to wear IWB with my shirt out. I am looking forward to the G3.5. If you have never had a Bradford I highly recommend them.
 
Lapedog said:
Even if the cutting edge stays the same I will probably try this 3.5 version.

My major gripe about the 3 is there was zero finger protection meaning the Guardian 3 did not make a very good knife for guarding yourself.
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Hey Lapedog how are you doing. I got it and love it Thanks. Mike J
 
Given the rather significant size difference between the G3 and G4,
prTSJsV.jpg

I was hoping that the 3.5 would be the sweet spot right in the middle.
 
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hhmoore said:
Given the rather significant size difference between the G3 and G4,
(Image to be added momentarily)
I was hoping that the 3.5 would be the sweet spot right in the middle.
Click to expand...
From what I understood that is exactly what they are doing. If you call them they are very helpful and will be glad to tell you what is happening
 
emjay4248 said:
They told me that the cutting edge would be 3.5" and the overall close to 4". It will fall between the G3 and the G4.
Click to expand...

If that's the case they might have a sale from me. I emailed them last night to ask a few different questions, including some about the 3.5. Hopefully I'll hear back soon and confirm this.

hhmoore said:
Given the rather significant size difference between the G3 and G4,
prTSJsV.jpg

I was hoping that the 3.5 would be the sweet spot right in the middle.
Click to expand...

You and I want the same thing :) Does the 3 in that pic have the OD green scales?
 
I understand you wondering the comparision between the Esee 4 and Guardian 4 and I haven't measure blade thickness ... but I can assure you Bradford's Guardian 4 in their Full Flat Grind is an incredidle slicer ... and I like my Esee 4 for general camp chores but it doesn't compare to my Guardian 4 ...

The Guardian 4 in FFG really surprised me and I liked it so much I now have 2 in FFG and one in Saber ... I haven't put the Saber grind to work yet but I think its going to be a very nice slicer as well with a bit more behind it.
 
hhmoore said:
Given the rather significant size difference between the G3 and G4,
prTSJsV.jpg

I was hoping that the 3.5 would be the sweet spot right in the middle.
Click to expand...
That is exactly the reason they are making it. I will be getting one for sure when they come out.
 
Interested to see how that 3.5 turns out. I think it should be called something else though, since the handle is going to be drastically different from the rest of the guardian series.
 
Bad news for me :( This is the direct quote response from Brad Larkin I received in response to questions I asked about the 3.5:

"It will be a 3" cutting edge as well, almost identical blade geometry, main difference is the handle and choil area. Stay tuned, this should be ready for release by early February."
 
GatorMedic said:
Bad news for me :( This is the direct quote response from Brad Larkin I received in response to questions I asked about the 3.5:

"It will be a 3" cutting edge as well, almost identical blade geometry, main difference is the handle and choil area. Stay tuned, this should be ready for release by early February."
Click to expand...

Weird that they would call it the 3.5 when the 3 is actually 3.5" long and this one is actually 3" long... :confused:
 
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