Just purchased two Bradford Knives; would love to hear some feedback!

BMCGear

BMCGear

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Jan 4, 2014
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Good morning and Happy Memorial Day,

I've been on the hunt for a couple of good fixed blades. I wanted an EDC fixed blade as well as a belt knife for camp use. I wanted to get both knives from the same reputable company if possible. I have pocket carried an Izula and really liked it but I wanted something a little larger and with stainless steel. In a larger fixed blade I really wanted something with around a 5 inch blade for a belt knife.

I had tried to buy a Guardian 3 in the past but it was sold out. I had no idea they made the 5, now.

I ended up going with these two:

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I have not had a chance to get my hands of the 5 or 6 yet but if they are as well made and comfortable to use as the 3 and 4 I think you'll be very happy with it. Wondering which grind you went with?
I'd love to know how you like that 5 in 3V after you've had a chance to put it to use.
 
I have two 3s. They are great EDC blades. the M390 is very impressive.

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The 3 with some more familiar knives.
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I was supposed to have been saving money for Blade show but couldn't pass up the Guardian3 when I stumbled on them and so far have been very pleased with it. That 5 looks really nice as well.

 
Good choice.
I'm very happy with my G3. The next will be a G5.
The M390 is impressive.
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I forgot to add that I am saving for a 5 as well. While M390 is a great stainless option 3v is quickly becoming my favorite steel.
 
Icculus said:
I was supposed to have been saving money for Blade show but couldn't pass up the Guardian3 when I stumbled on them and so far have been very pleased with it. That 5 looks really nice as well.

Good to hear!
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Llasi said:
Good choice.
I'm very happy with my G3. The next will be a G5.
The M390 is impressive.
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I can't wait to try both!

craytab said:
I forgot to add that I am saving for a 5 as well. While M390 is a great stainless option 3v is quickly becoming my favorite steel.
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Your Guardian 3 is one of the reasons I bought one. I was going to buy one a while back and they were sold out. I came across them today and they were in stock which lead me to the 5. I couldn't pass up on the 5. I've been looking for a belt knife with a blade length such as this one as well as 3V steel. I've never owned 3V before.
 
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My Guardian 3 carries comfortably and discretely (crossdraw) in the well done horizontal leather sheath. It's proven to be a sturdy small fixed blade, in a superior stainless steel, with nicely textured slabs of G-10 (although I had to do a bit of sanding to make them more comfortable). It's one of my favorites.
 
I have had my eye on a Guardian 3 for a while. Do you guys have any preference in the two blade grind styles?
 
I went with sabre as well but had the flat been available I might have gone with it. That said, I think the sabre has more thickness going down a bit further compared to the flat so it should be extremely tough.
 
I went with the flat because I like full flat grind knives. However I don't have experience with both to be able to offer up any comparisons between the two. I think if someone likes the other aspects of the knife (size, grip, steel, etc) then they will probably be happy with either grind.
 
I am wondering if these will be available at Blade so I can get my hands on one to try it out. I LOVE love love small EDC fixed blades (even if I don't actually carry them much), but they have to fit a full four finger grip. The only knife that got a pass on that was my ESEE Candiru, and it got that pass because I just love the design.
 
As long as you use the finger choil and don't just have grizzly paws for hands I think you'd be fine. Now if you try to back off and not have your index in the choil then getting a full 4 finger grip is questionable depending on hand size.
 
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craytab said:
I went with sabre as well but had the flat been available I might have gone with it. That said, I think the sabre has more thickness going down a bit further compared to the flat so it should be extremely tough.
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Icculus said:
I went with the flat because I like full flat grind knives. However I don't have experience with both to be able to offer up any comparisons between the two. I think if someone likes the other aspects of the knife (size, grip, steel, etc) then they will probably be happy with either grind.
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I wasn't aware the flat was available in a 3. I wouldn't mind a flat grind 3 as it would make a great slicer. For the 5 I def. wanted a sabre grind. Either way though I think they both would perform to your satisfaction. :)


Icculus said:
As long as you use the finger choil and don't just have grizzly paws for hands I think you'd be fine. Now if you try to back off and not have your index in the choil then getting a full 4 finger grip is questionable depending on hand size.
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I'll post pics with my grizzly paws when they come in. :D
 
The 3 looks like a great carry size. This and the Fiddleback mid tech Runt have caught my attention.
 
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