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Looking for thoughts.
- Thread starter Chilly357
- Start date
I have a Bradford Guardian 3 and 4, both in M390 - Black G-10 - False Edge - Stonewashed. I bought Armatus Architect Sheath Black Carbon Kydex and it really completes the knife. YES, the leather sheaths are nice, but the Armatus Architect sheaths are just a bit better, allowing me to carry the 3 and 4 horizontal on my belt line.
Sonnydaze
Gold Member
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- Jul 6, 2009
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I've had about eight Guardian 3's and one G3 folder. I've carried a G3 in factory crossdraw for about 2 yrs.
I'm carrying one in Vanadis 4E for the last several months, but the M390's, 3V's were just as good. I will take a look, though, at that sheath that Tommie-Chi spoke of in post #4.
I'm carrying one in Vanadis 4E for the last several months, but the M390's, 3V's were just as good. I will take a look, though, at that sheath that Tommie-Chi spoke of in post #4.
I work in construction and cattle farm. Think I for sure would upgrade sheath. Would be worried it would fall out. The only other issue is slipping onto the blade. That's why I also considered the G3 sheepfoot bit ain't crazy about it or the G3.5. Thanks for your thoughts very helpful. I will be checking out that sheath.
G3 Sheepfoot or G3.5?
Worried about cattle bumping and slipping onto blade. Looked less likely with G3 Sheepfoot blade or the G3.5 thought please. Been helpful thanks.
I don't own any sheepfoot blades but I can see where they would be very handy for an EMT(paramedic) or somebody working on a ranch with cattle and horses when changing bandages.
BMCGear
Gold Member
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- Jan 4, 2014
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- 7,158
For EDC I like the 3. But for you and your tasks that 3.5 may be the better option.
halden.doerge
has had both and settled on the 3.5.
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2014
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Yeah the choil on the 3.5 definitely will keep you from slipping into the blade. Same is true in the 3 Sheepsfoot, but I prefer the handle on the 3.5. More versatile and ergonomic without being too big to affect carryability.
oldmanwilly
Gold Member
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- Mar 7, 2014
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- 4,526
I reckon I will chime in regarding the other two contenders you mentioned.
I have only handled the Benchmade Hidden Canyon once but decided instantly not to buy it: I thought the handle was too small and only fit comfortably in a "choked-up" grip appropriate for skinning. I wear large sized gloves so your perception may vary. I have also had a disappointing experience with Benchmade's S30v which helped steer me away.
On the other hand I have owned an ESEE Izula II for 4-5 years and enjoyed using it as a small fixed blade for EDC, ranch work and hunting. I put a paracord wrap on the handle and find it comfortable for use in various grips - micarta scales are available if you prefer a more solid grip. Most importantly, the deep choil behind the edge creates a simple but effective "guard" to keep your hand from slipping up and onto the edge during use. My only gripes about it are: (i) the edge retention is not absolutely stellar, although it is on par with most 1095 blades I've used and is more than capable of whittling/skinning/slicing with only minor touching-up at the end of the day; and (ii) I found the plastic, non-kydex sheath adequate but it quickly lost its retention (I opted for a simple leather sheath instead).
I hope this helps your decision. I have been eyeballing a Bradford Guardian 3 for a while now and would not fault you for choosing to buy one.
I have only handled the Benchmade Hidden Canyon once but decided instantly not to buy it: I thought the handle was too small and only fit comfortably in a "choked-up" grip appropriate for skinning. I wear large sized gloves so your perception may vary. I have also had a disappointing experience with Benchmade's S30v which helped steer me away.
On the other hand I have owned an ESEE Izula II for 4-5 years and enjoyed using it as a small fixed blade for EDC, ranch work and hunting. I put a paracord wrap on the handle and find it comfortable for use in various grips - micarta scales are available if you prefer a more solid grip. Most importantly, the deep choil behind the edge creates a simple but effective "guard" to keep your hand from slipping up and onto the edge during use. My only gripes about it are: (i) the edge retention is not absolutely stellar, although it is on par with most 1095 blades I've used and is more than capable of whittling/skinning/slicing with only minor touching-up at the end of the day; and (ii) I found the plastic, non-kydex sheath adequate but it quickly lost its retention (I opted for a simple leather sheath instead).
I hope this helps your decision. I have been eyeballing a Bradford Guardian 3 for a while now and would not fault you for choosing to buy one.
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2014
- Messages
- 4,914
I also really dig the Izula 2 with the micarta scales. It’s a great small edc blade. Two things I’d say are that the steel is a pretty real step down and that it’s also pretty significantly smaller than either if the Bradford’s. This’d aren't necessarily decisive factors, but they are worth considering depending on your aims/needs.