Gave Guardian 3's in m390 to my hunting buddies last year. They absolutely love them. Bradford makes comfort, quality tools with the best steel. This one is next on my list. Thanks Nick.👍👊
You gotta check out the Guardian 3 and/or 3.5 as well. Two of my favorite small fixed blades right there. I need to pick up a 5.5 as well, definitely on my list.
Yes, thank you for the fixed blade review. Honestly, I get tired of the same old, same old, overpriced, over engineered folders and appreciate your perspective. Kind of wish you would get out and do some bush crafting but, don't really think that's your thing. Again, thanks and much appreciated.
After a long time searching for a "forever companion" fixed blade, this was the one I landed on. Not just this model, but THIS knife! OD micarta handles, 3V steel, tumbled hardware, and full flat grind. So I was over-joyed to see that such a trusted reviewer had a go at it. Thank you Nick! You solidified my choice. More than 2x what I have ever paid for a knife, but... Just waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for my tax return, to hit that submit button!
Pretty much what I was thinking too. I've got the ESEE JG3, 4 and 5. Was debating an ESEE 6 but I really want a solid ~6" "camp knife" in 3V so I was thinking the Guardian 5.5 in 3V Nimbus with natural micarta. Really reassuring to see it's Batman endorsed.
Doing a fixed blade review for the first time I’ve seen. Interesting. “Disassembling” deer 😆. I love it. He said detent almost twice 😆. How is the action on that guy 🤷🏻♂️?
Nick -- I don't know how many times you said price is up there. Relatively speaking the knife is actually a good deal. Just look at what ESEE, Cold Steel, Ontario, Condor and so many other production knives cost that come in plain ole 1095 tool steel, plastic or kraton handles with gross powder coat epoxy finish. Bradford is not a huge company, and the knives are unique in their simplicity and purpose built design. Bradford is not custom made, so there are going to be some minor flaws in the finish. Overall Bradford is priced right between mass produced knives [aforementioned] and custom one of kind. With all that said -- it is great to see these sort of fixed blade reviews. Thanks
I get sad when he uses the Rat 2 and the Rat 1 is in the background shining itself up for TH-cam and then BAM no Rat 1. Lol. New obsessed knife guy here, like I told my wife at least it’s a cheaper hobby the gun or nice watch collecting (shes still pessimistic). Love the channel Nick. Happy Holidays to all.
I have the Guardian 3 & 5 models and absolutely trust these knives. I recommend you take a look at the 3.5" models offered by Bradford which make great everyday carry knives for people who prefer fixed blades for tougher tasks.
I enjoy fixed blade reviews. Only hard part is hard to give much of a real world review if you're not out using it as intended, unlike an ECD knife which you carry everyday. But keep it up I do love fixed blades.
I have a decent fixed blade collection, so I’ve been enjoying your recent reviews. Bark River, Adventure Sworn, and LT Wright all make great fixed blades in various sizes.
Very nice to see you doing some fixed blade reviews here lately, not in the slightest bit a fixed blade guy, but always interesting nonetheless. I think it'd be neat if you did reviews of some kitchen knives as well, maybe ones from companies like Bradford, TOPS, North Arm, etc.
Shaping of that handle is great. Was on the fence about this guy and didn’t want to watch a reviewer say anything good about it ... now I’m shelling out I guess. Bradfords a great company. Thanks for the review Nick. And I’ve always heard esee probounced “ess-eee,” and never “eee-see.” But I’m no pro. I don’t know about a 3v fixed blade for sharpening outdoors but I like the idea of having a premium steel outdoors before it gets dull. Pricey is right, as there are some serious contenders at that price and in that wheelhouse making it a tough decision. How uncomfortable is that choil on that ease in outdoor use? It looks like it would tear up two different fingers with every hard swing or cutting motion, and like it’s pretty far back from the blade if you don’t use it. That looks like you’re forced to use the choil or choke way back- I thought that the knife would never sell one knife but I’m wondering if there’s something I missed on that model and it’s usable for detail work. I always bring out damn near a chefs bag of knives to camp and I like the idea of using one blade for all in an outdoor scenario where I’m trying to count each ounce. I like the idea of that esee but always wondered if it was practical in use at all.
I have been looking at the Bradford Guarding for some time now. CPM-3V is among my very favorite steels. They look pretty impressive. On sale at Blade HQ right now. I imagine that sooner or later one will end up in my collection. Or a Bark River. I go back and forth.
Nice Camping knife it is... don't dig their sheaths, would go for a custom sheath to carry this, handle is great for large to xxl wide hands. Blades are ok, both in grinds and steel-heat treatment. Good knives.
I just got my bradford guardian 3 yesterday and I love everything other than the laser markings on the spine of the blade. I don't understand why they would take just a little extra time to make those edges smooth, it just looks and feels not very good.
This one does sound a bit pricey but iiiiiits been my oobserrrrvation that Bradford Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaardian series knives tend to be very competetive, typically less than otheers offering similar materails. No, they are not cheap but theyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy are the go to for people looking for something above ESEE or Tops. PPPPPPPPersonally, I own the Guardian 4 and really llike the original design with its leaf shaped blade and atypical scale design offers up plenty of control over the b lade .The carbon fiber scales plus dlc coated blade looks drop dead sexy .
Just strap it on your side and head on down to the barrio, oh and don't forget the Batman Mask just so you will be certain to get in a fight, I'm right behind you Brother.
Do yourself a favor nick, and get a stick of wood and start slicing away at it. Maybe try to curl some nice feathers. That will teach you more about the knife than the kitchen will, and it's a fun and calming way to test a knife, and maybe how it compares to others. Take care, buddy.
Justin Hoffman I got myself the PM2 from there recently. Not sure if I will pick up the P3. He’d just reviewed both so I was hoping to kill two birds with one stone, a model and a steel he hadn’t reviewed. Also I have a soft spot for the P4; it was my first Spyderco and my introduction to the glorious world of tool steels. But maybe having him use a more accessible model in K390 is the way to go.
@@AlexanderSLeBlanc I believe so. However, scale separation is not that uncommon, even among established manufacturers from USA. For example, I own a Bark River Kephart 5 with scales that are not glued properly (Turkish oak burl) as well as Lt Wright Genesis with a same problem (G-10 scales).
You hit on my thoughts. Although you were a lot nicer about it than me. I paid over $300 for my Bradford and noticed the fit and finish SUCK! For an American company that charges a premium usually reserved for custom knives, I expect that they would at least have given more than a cursory amount of attention to the details of how this knife is finished. Instead it looks like a rough mass-produced product with no attention to detail. In the end, this is a very serviceable knife that is definitely not worth the price they are asking.
Hello...knife people. IMO Hard steels like 3V at 60 - 61 is not "ideal" for an outdoor knife. Either it is a simple field knife or a "survival" knife, you need less brittle and more ease of sharpening. Steels like 52100, 1095, 50100B (or Carbon V or 1095 CV its the same), 80CRV2, at 58 - 59 hrc, are far more suitable steels for that kind of knives. Iwould choose 3V for a bushcraft knife, or a hunting knife, but not for a survival knife and defenately not at 60 - 61 hrc. That's what my personal experience says, after many years, both in service and as an outdoorsman. TH-cam marketing and the reason, that you finally spent much money, on higher hardness outdoors knives, is the reason that you may disagree with me. I just said, my personal opinion, from my experience, while using knives in the outdoors. Th;ats it. Stay sharp people!!
5160 is fantastic. It’s top-tier tough and holds an edge well enough for chopping and feather sticking. IMO its drawback is its almost complete lack of corrosion resistance. For this reason I prefer semi-stainless steels like 3V
Didn't get to the park and cut a stick? Try to get a point on it for the hot dog on stick like you did when you and the family camped... Sorry. I forgot. Band camp. Hope the onions and peppers gave you a workout. I have to hand to you for giving this an unbalanced review with sincerity. Stick to pocket jewelry. Review a Henry or two. They're very good at mail.😃👍
What’s with the FANG HOLES on the fricken handle!!!??!!! Or is it a place to hold your bubble gum while you find a trash can to toss it away. Couldn’t they fill it in with some brass or something? Yuck 🤢
Gave Guardian 3's in m390 to my hunting buddies last year. They absolutely love them. Bradford makes comfort, quality tools with the best steel. This one is next on my list. Thanks Nick.👍👊
I’ve met brad a couple of times at blade show. Dude is straight down to earth.
I own this knife. It's a gem. It's cut through sooo much fire wood. Very comfortable. 3V steel is very tough.
I love your fix blade reviews... keep'em coming...
Have a nice one...
Yeah, but how's the action on it?
Looks pretty stiff
Answer da question!
I was looking at this one to buy undecided, and the mere fact they would source you out for a review knowing how tuff a reviewer you are sold me!
You gotta check out the Guardian 3 and/or 3.5 as well. Two of my favorite small fixed blades right there. I need to pick up a 5.5 as well, definitely on my list.
Bradford is awesome... Every model, also customer service ( my exp ) is a+
I met Mr.and Mrs Bradford and own a Guardian 4. Cool people and very nice knife.
Yes, thank you for the fixed blade review. Honestly, I get tired of the same old, same old, overpriced, over engineered folders and appreciate your perspective. Kind of wish you would get out and do some bush crafting but, don't really think that's your thing. Again, thanks and much appreciated.
I've actually been able to meet Mr. Larkin and visit his shop and he's a very good guy. Thanks for the review
After a long time searching for a "forever companion" fixed blade, this was the one I landed on. Not just this model, but THIS knife! OD micarta handles, 3V steel, tumbled hardware, and full flat grind. So I was over-joyed to see that such a trusted reviewer had a go at it. Thank you Nick! You solidified my choice. More than 2x what I have ever paid for a knife, but... Just waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for my tax return, to hit that submit button!
Pretty much what I was thinking too. I've got the ESEE JG3, 4 and 5. Was debating an ESEE 6 but I really want a solid ~6" "camp knife" in 3V so I was thinking the Guardian 5.5 in 3V Nimbus with natural micarta. Really reassuring to see it's Batman endorsed.
I’m so happy Bradford woke up and got rid of that bump on the handle where your index finger was supposed to go. The new scales look great.
Doing a fixed blade review for the first time I’ve seen. Interesting. “Disassembling” deer 😆. I love it. He said detent almost twice 😆. How is the action on that guy 🤷🏻♂️?
Haha 😆 disassembling deer , bless you Nick 😜
one of my cheaper blades, but one I use the most when on multi-day hikes. outstanding quality and insane value of the knife.
They are two of the greatest people I have met in the knife community!
I have several Guardian knives from small to about the 4.5 and love them all. Great company and very nice review.
Just got a G6 and love it, beautifully made knife.
Nick -- I don't know how many times you said price is up there. Relatively speaking the knife is actually a good deal. Just look at what ESEE, Cold Steel, Ontario, Condor and so many other production knives cost that come in plain ole 1095 tool steel, plastic or kraton handles with gross powder coat epoxy finish. Bradford is not a huge company, and the knives are unique in their simplicity and purpose built design. Bradford is not custom made, so there are going to be some minor flaws in the finish. Overall Bradford is priced right between mass produced knives [aforementioned] and custom one of kind. With all that said -- it is great to see these sort of fixed blade reviews. Thanks
Literally had this exact knife added in my cart when the sale was going. Reached out to TRM and bought a Field Acton instead at the last minute.
I get sad when he uses the Rat 2 and the Rat 1 is in the background shining itself up for TH-cam and then BAM no Rat 1. Lol. New obsessed knife guy here, like I told my wife at least it’s a cheaper hobby the gun or nice watch collecting (shes still pessimistic). Love the channel Nick. Happy Holidays to all.
RJF RLF if it gets too bad sell her and get a nice premium knife!
Lmao good call I may do that
I have the Guardian 3 & 5 models and absolutely trust these knives. I recommend you take a look at the 3.5" models offered by Bradford which make great everyday carry knives for people who prefer fixed blades for tougher tasks.
I enjoy fixed blade reviews. Only hard part is hard to give much of a real world review if you're not out using it as intended, unlike an ECD knife which you carry everyday. But keep it up I do love fixed blades.
Wrong channel lol
I have a decent fixed blade collection, so I’ve been enjoying your recent reviews. Bark River, Adventure Sworn, and LT Wright all make great fixed blades in various sizes.
I like the raw look of the waterjet marks,
Can u please check out the G3 and the G4? Would love to hear your thoughts on them. Thanks nick.
I love that knife, so many knives in that category just look exactly the same, I prefer Bradford's approach... Now if only I could afford one :D
Very nice to see you doing some fixed blade reviews here lately, not in the slightest bit a fixed blade guy, but always interesting nonetheless. I think it'd be neat if you did reviews of some kitchen knives as well, maybe ones from companies like Bradford, TOPS, North Arm, etc.
Shaping of that handle is great. Was on the fence about this guy and didn’t want to watch a reviewer say anything good about it ... now I’m shelling out I guess. Bradfords a great company. Thanks for the review Nick. And I’ve always heard esee probounced “ess-eee,” and never “eee-see.” But I’m no pro. I don’t know about a 3v fixed blade for sharpening outdoors but I like the idea of having a premium steel outdoors before it gets dull. Pricey is right, as there are some serious contenders at that price and in that wheelhouse making it a tough decision. How uncomfortable is that choil on that ease in outdoor use? It looks like it would tear up two different fingers with every hard swing or cutting motion, and like it’s pretty far back from the blade if you don’t use it. That looks like you’re forced to use the choil or choke way back- I thought that the knife would never sell one knife but I’m wondering if there’s something I missed on that model and it’s usable for detail work. I always bring out damn near a chefs bag of knives to camp and I like the idea of using one blade for all in an outdoor scenario where I’m trying to count each ounce. I like the idea of that esee but always wondered if it was practical in use at all.
I might use a soldering iron to add some stipling on that edge of the sheath
Great review Nick! What would be your recommendation for a fixed blade at this price point?
I have been looking at the Bradford Guarding for some time now. CPM-3V is among my very favorite steels. They look pretty impressive. On sale at Blade HQ right now. I imagine that sooner or later one will end up in my collection. Or a Bark River. I go back and forth.
Well made fixed blade, solid steel choice. Great bladeshape ! Good review and presentation , thanks for sharing !
Deer disassembly vid coming?
You should check out a fallkniven...like the Embla. Pricey but perfection.
I really like this knife! It will cut and carve. The taco 🌮 sheath resolves your thumb traction issue too. 👍
Great review...
Cheers...
Disassemble a deer...eeeeee...🤣☺ I just simply positively need this channel.👍...right now.
No Bradley Bowie comparison?
I just ordered the guardian 6. Can't wit for it to come in.
Disassembly deer in the woods? Can you can assemble them again ?
Yes. Just not into a deer.
You don't reassemble them afterwards, you serv(ic)e them instead.
Nice Camping knife it is... don't dig their sheaths, would go for a custom sheath to carry this, handle is great for large to xxl wide hands. Blades are ok, both in grinds and steel-heat treatment. Good knives.
Love it Nick, keep it up my man
Luv dis review
It's no Bark River in fit and finish , but then , it was never intended to be .
Chef knives are next wait and see.
definitely my most commonly used fixed blade
I want to see plastic disposable cutlery reviewed next.
I have the kabar tactical spork and it is surprisingly useful (ice cream) when i'm travelling :-)
@@stalwart263 That already exists. th-cam.com/video/PU9y_PWWa8Q/w-d-xo.html
I just got my bradford guardian 3 yesterday and I love everything other than the laser markings on the spine of the blade. I don't understand why they would take just a little extra time to make those edges smooth, it just looks and feels not very good.
KroniicaL see, I disagree. I love the ruggedness of them. They are left intentionally.
You're right, at that price point their attention to detail could be better.
This one does sound a bit pricey but iiiiiits been my oobserrrrvation that Bradford Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaardian series knives tend to be very competetive, typically less than otheers offering similar materails. No, they are not cheap but theyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy are the go to for people looking for something above ESEE or Tops.
PPPPPPPPersonally, I own the Guardian 4 and really llike the original design with its leaf shaped blade and atypical scale design offers up plenty of control over the b lade .The carbon fiber scales plus dlc coated blade looks drop dead sexy .
Just strap it on your side and head on down to the barrio, oh and don't forget the Batman Mask just so you will be certain to get in a fight, I'm right behind you Brother.
Do yourself a favor nick, and get a stick of wood and start slicing away at it. Maybe try to curl some nice feathers. That will teach you more about the knife than the kitchen will, and it's a fun and calming way to test a knife, and maybe how it compares to others. Take care, buddy.
Drinking game: take a shot every time Nick says "freakin fixed blade".
Is it OCD that the tang screws dont face the same direction.
It's a beefer! 0:52
Great copy of the old masterpiece LT’s Trekker 🔪
NICK You should use your voice for commercials & movies ???
Nick this is number 2. Are you telling me I should get a fixed blade?
I’m ambivalent about overpriced fixed blades but I do like to see some diversity of gear on your channel, Nick. 😊
If you are branching out, get a Police 4 while they are still available. You must experience K390 at it’s finest.
brose04008 or the PM 2 and/or Para 3 in K390 available through BentoBox
Justin Hoffman I got myself the PM2 from there recently. Not sure if I will pick up the P3. He’d just reviewed both so I was hoping to kill two birds with one stone, a model and a steel he hadn’t reviewed. Also I have a soft spot for the P4; it was my first Spyderco and my introduction to the glorious world of tool steels. But maybe having him use a more accessible model in K390 is the way to go.
nice knife,a little to much .great review!
You shoulda reviewed it on your other YT Channel Mixed Mollywhopped....
is that a.... a fixblade? 😱😱
0:51 Oh yeah...It's a beefer!
Fit and finish = $220 max.
Gotta agree with you there.
Scale separation is such a bummer
airpaprika scales were absolutely PERFECT on my guardian 3s.
@@AlexanderSLeBlanc I believe so. However, scale separation is not that uncommon, even among established manufacturers from USA. For example, I own a Bark River Kephart 5 with scales that are not glued properly (Turkish oak burl) as well as Lt Wright Genesis with a same problem (G-10 scales).
Turning over a new beef deer?
Hey I'm from bradford .........the uk mind but still haha
Bark river
You hit on my thoughts. Although you were a lot nicer about it than me. I paid over $300 for my Bradford and noticed the fit and finish SUCK! For an American company that charges a premium usually reserved for custom knives, I expect that they would at least have given more than a cursory amount of attention to the details of how this knife is finished. Instead it looks like a rough mass-produced product with no attention to detail. In the end, this is a very serviceable knife that is definitely not worth the price they are asking.
Hello...knife people. IMO Hard steels like 3V at 60 - 61 is not "ideal" for an outdoor knife. Either it is a simple field knife or a "survival" knife, you need less brittle and more ease of sharpening. Steels like 52100, 1095, 50100B (or Carbon V or 1095 CV its the same), 80CRV2, at 58 - 59 hrc, are far more suitable steels for that kind of knives. Iwould choose 3V for a bushcraft knife, or a hunting knife, but not for a survival knife and defenately not at 60 - 61 hrc. That's what my personal experience says, after many years, both in service and as an outdoorsman. TH-cam marketing and the reason, that you finally spent much money, on higher hardness outdoors knives, is the reason that you may disagree with me. I just said, my personal opinion, from my experience, while using knives in the outdoors. Th;ats it. Stay sharp people!!
5160 is fantastic. It’s top-tier tough and holds an edge well enough for chopping and feather sticking. IMO its drawback is its almost complete lack of corrosion resistance. For this reason I prefer semi-stainless steels like 3V
Didn't get to the park and cut a stick? Try to get a point on it for the hot dog on stick like you did when you and the family camped...
Sorry. I forgot. Band camp. Hope the onions and peppers gave you a workout. I have to hand to you for giving this an unbalanced review with sincerity. Stick to pocket jewelry. Review a Henry or two. They're very good at mail.😃👍
What’s with the FANG HOLES on the fricken handle!!!??!!! Or is it a place to hold your bubble gum while you find a trash can to toss it away. Couldn’t they fill it in with some brass or something? Yuck 🤢
There a tool that fits those holes and allows you to remove the scales and replace them or clean the knife.
It's fastners, takes a spanner bit to remove them.
Winner of the most annoying voice of the decade..
Andy chamberlain We love Nick and his inimitable voice. Looking forward to hearing him on The Simpsons.