In the market for my first EDC style fixed blade, need recommendations.

[Ironbut]

Another vote for Guardian 3 or 3.5. I'd go with M390 or 3V for blade steel. Both come with horizontal sheaths. Brad also has kydex sheaths for both on his web site, which give you several ways to carry in addition to horizontal.

 

[Dingle1911]

Of the knives you listed I would probably go with the Guardian 3. I have an EK&T and I have handled a friends G3. For belt carry I think the G3 is a more useful knife because it is a bit larger. As a neck knife I would chose the EK&T. My EK&T Companion is in S35VN and I do get very light surface corrosion under the scales and around the laser engraving.

The other place I would look is DCL knives here in the exchange.

 

[Lapedog]

What's up everyone? So recently I've realized that I have a significant hole in my collection - no fixed blades!


What I'm looking for:

- Cutting edge between 2-3.25 inches, around 3" is preferred

- Horizontal belt carry - NOT interested in vertical carry

- Easy to conceal - This is a must

- No serrations

- Soft price limit of $150

- Will be used in light EDC tasks

Right now I'm considering:

Bradford Guardian 3 in n690 - Strongly considering this one

Esee Izula in 1095

White River Knives Backpacker in S30v

Evans Knife and Tool Companion in CPM 20CV

Enzo Necker 70 in 12C27



Outside of the 5 I'm considering, what are some other knives yall would recommend/pick?

How compact are you willing or wanting to go in carrying an edc fixed blade. One of my favourite edc fixed blades is a Brous Silent Soldier Ranger which I wear in by waistband with a static cord. The handle actually makes it very comfortable in a variety of grips.

 

[Shotgun]

Bradford is great, I’ve only ever found one EDC fixed blade that is better than it imho and that is the Spyderco Street Beat. This knife is so confortable to carry I literally cannot feel it is there. That Evans knife and tool looks amazing too, though I’ve never owned one of those.

It conceals great without printing.

Check out the Spartan Enyo as well which is a little smaller but the Street Beat has the more ergonomic handle in hand. The Street B and the Enyo are both extremely comfortable to carry.

Both these knivesbcan be set up for horizontal and I know you insist on horizontal carry but check this out. There is no lower profile carry option than a static cord. I also find it the most comfortable.

Here’s an article explaing static cord carry better.

http://jerkingthetrigger.com/2016/06/08/simple-knife-carry-hack-the-static-cord/

I used to carry my izula2 like that only I looped it through the top two holes so that when I go to resheath, it’s upright which eliminates the need for both hands. One thing with that though is you need to put an overhand not in it to get the paracord out of the way. Great way to pocket carry.

 

[Gravy]

How compact are you willing or wanting to go in carrying an edc fixed blade. One of my favourite edc fixed blades is a Brous Silent Soldier Ranger which I wear in by waistband with a static cord. The handle actually makes it very comfortable in a variety of grips.

I would prefer to be able to get a four finger grip on the knife. Brous sure makes some cool stuff but its a little too "tacticool" for me if you know what I mean.

 

[Sonnydaze]

The Bradford guardian 3 actually comes with a horizontal carry leather sheath.

The Bradford sheath is NOT expensive t but does a great job. You will quickly forget that you are carrying a knife..until you need one. I also carry a clipped folder which never gets pulled anymore.
I've had about 8 or 9 B3G's...in M390, 3V, and most recently Vanadis 4E...which is my present carry.
I've carried one every day for well over a year and love it. The man and wife running the site are also great folks...

 

[Puleio]

I've got another vote for the Bradford Guardian knives. I've been carrying a Guardian 3 in M390 with the 3D scales most days for a year+, and have been very happy. If you can swing it, add the kydex sheath to your order and get both styles of sheath to see which you like more. The kydex one is nice, and the leather one sort of disappears on your belt so you don't notice it.

Here's a quick snapshot I grabbed while hiking in Rockport State Park earlier this week.

Enjoy

 

[Gravy]

So far I've seen Bradford recommended the most, I'll probably end up going with the G3. I would get the M390 version but honestly I don't use my knives enough to ever notice the difference in performance.

Anyone have experience with both the checkered and the 3D sculpted scales? Any preferences? I'm assuming the 3D scales will be more ergonomic.

In the pictures/videos I've seen they look thicker than the checkered scales, however the specs on BladeHQ show .56" for both scale types.

 

[JupiterPaladin]

I'll throw in another vote for @duckchildress customs. Such classy looking blades for basically a steal IMO. The @Landi knives are also a great choice.