Bradford Guardian 3.5 is available

[maximus83]

The new G 3.5 is out. Interested to hear reactions to the new specs and handle design.

I like Bradford knives a lot, and won't be parting with my G4 anytime soon, may get another in fact. The new 3.5 handle design does not appeal to me, but expect a lot of folks will end up liking it. In my case, in a handle design on a short knife like this which has a deep finger choil built into the primary grip, I wouldn't prefer that smooth continuous arc running from the choil back into the handle, I'd want a separate, isolated choil more like what you see on the Spyderco Street Beat. To enable better extraction and control with the small blade.

http://bradfordknives.com/24-guardian-35

 

[shinyedges]

Very tempting. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Eagle Scout]

Different grip for sure. Looks like the Izula 2.

 

[craytab]

It does look like the Izula.

I think a lot of folks with like the huge-choil-less design. There is a whole segment in this hobby that are very much against a large finger choil. For me though, the point of the G3 was the choil, that is what makes it a great small EDC fixed blade with a decent length blade. I'd like the design more for the bigger blades.

 

[shinyedges]

It does look like the Izula.

I think a lot of folks with like the huge-choil-less design. There is a whole segment in this hobby that are very much against a large finger choil. For me though, the point of the G3 was the choil, that is what makes it a great small EDC fixed blade with a decent length blade. I'd like the design more for the bigger blades.

Although, the choil limited the knife in slippery situations in my opinion. I much prefer a secure stop for my hand. Although a choil in front of a secure stop is good too. Like the swatmandu/ratmandu, which I love.

 

[PirateSeulb]

I could see this for hunters and for in the kitchen thats where this size and shape to me appear best suited.

 

[Ironbut]

The 3.5 looks like a good idea. I like the Guardian 3, but I had to "dumb down" the blade immediately in front of the choil because I nicked my index finger a couple times while getting a grip on it, after taking it out of the sheath. I can't be the only one who's had that problem. (Or am I?)

 

[madcap_magician]

It does say Izula, a lot. I wish it said more "Street Beat," I'd buy two in a heartbeat. I've never really liked how Bradford sculpted their handle scales though.

 

[maximus83]

^Yep. A matter of preference, obviously, but in a small blade like this I want that deeper, well defined choil. It seems like it gives a more stable grip and better leverage for extraction from tough materials. With a larger knife and grip, you don't necessarily need such a deep choil because you have a longer, wider grip and you can get your leverage that way. But this is the type of deep choil I like on these smaller FB's.

Two examples:

 

[jstrange]

I like the looks of it. I would like the option of a more affordable steel just to give more people the opportunity to pick one up.

 

[N4SIR]

I would have preferred a proper Bradford 3.5 .Something larger than the guardian 3 with the same 3d handles and choil and a larger blade

guardian 3 and 3.5 share a 3in cutting edge... seems like a lost opportunity IMO

why make an izula clone? theres already like 20 knives copying this exact style...

a real guardian 3.5 with a 3.5 in cutting edge and the same handle geometry as the guardian 3 and 4 would have been an instant buy for me... guess ill keep hoping he makes one

for an almost $200 pricepoint (nimbus coating options selected) there are MANY other options out there cheaper in the 3in-3.5in blade size

you can buy a Bark river North Country edc (thicker bladestock) 3.5 in blade full 4 finger grip (shown with ZT 0562CF for size) its only $135 and you can buy a kydex sheath for it for $25 online from the same website.. so $155 for a great knife IMO

 

[Deinos]

I like the looks of it. I would like the option of a more affordable steel just to give more people the opportunity to pick one up.

Have to assume it will be offered in n690 at some point like the original.

 

[knerd]

It's essentially a Bradford branded Izula.

I mean, it looks nice... But I'll stick w/ the Guardian knives and go through ESEE if I want an Izula (for a fraction of the price).

 

[shinyedges]

It's essentially a Bradford branded Izula.

I mean, it looks nice... But I'll stick w/ the Guardian knives and go through ESEE if I want an Izula (for a fraction of the price).

Except it's got a longer blade than an izula. Which is a plus for me. I bought the wife an izula 2 and quite like it.

I do wish bradford kept more of his a original design but I also appreciate the added finger protection.

 

[19-3ben]

Except it's got a longer blade than an izula. Which is a plus for me. I bought the wife an izula 2 and quite like i

Exactly this. I’ve been asking Uncle E to design a BK14 with the longer Izula 2 scales for years.
At least Bradford was listening.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I think he addressed the issue many had with the Guardian 3 not having quite a large enough handle for a full grip but the 3.5 is still small enough for an EDC fixed blade ...

So I can see where it can fit in and it appears the scales may be slightly rounded more at the lanyard hole which might give it a more comfortable hold ...

I think it may have just enough improvement over the 3 for me to try one out and see how it works ... as the 3 I wanted to love but it's just a bit small for my slightly larger than average sized hands.

 

[N4SIR]

Except it's got a longer blade than an izula. Which is a plus for me. I bought the wife an izula 2 and quite like it.

I do wish bradford kept more of his a original design but I also appreciate the added finger protection.

Kabar eskabar 3.25 in blade $40 tough as nails easily sharpened spend the other$160 left over on other knives or buy aftermarket handles for $30

or you can get genuine kabar zytel handles (2 sets) orange and black for 10 bucks online..

so for $50 you can get a perfectly good small edc and take the other $150 and go nuts

 

[shinyedges]

Kabar eskabar 3.25 in blade $40 tough as nails easily sharpened spend the other$160 left over on other knives or buy aftermarket handles for $30

I've had 2 of the bk14's my first about 4 years ago, the handle length is to short for my large hand. I much prefer the izula 2 handle length.

 

[shinyedges]

Exactly this. I’ve been asking Uncle E to design a BK14 with the longer Izula 2 scales for years.
At least Bradford was listening.

This. All this. If Ethan came out with a longer handled bk14 with a little longer blade... He's got my money.

 

[N4SIR]

I think he addressed the issue many had with the Guardian 3 not having quite a large enough handle for a full grip but the 3.5 is still small enough for an EDC fixed blade ...

So I can see where it can fit in and it appears the scales may be slightly rounded more at the lanyard hole which might give it a more comfortable hold ...

I think it may have just enough improvement over the 3 for me to try one out and see how it works ... as the 3 I wanted to love but it's just a bit small for my slightly larger than average sized hands.

yeah the guardian 3 was smaller than my letter opener ..i was hoping for a 3.5 inch blade not the same small blade with an izula handle... makes me sad.. i really wanted a guardian 3.5 with a 3.5 blade and the same handle design as the guardian 3,4,5 etc i have an izula ,izula 2, Eskabar, and tons of knife in that same basic design..

i liked bradford because they stood out from the crowd ..the 3.5 is just "another" knife