ESEE 3v or Bradford Guardian 3: opinions wanted

Maxaem

Maxaem

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Jul 11, 2024
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Has anyone tried the Pacaya (3v) from ESEE? I’m looking for a small fixed blade, roughly 3 inches, preferably under $200. Currently looking at Bradford Guardians as well, but I’m open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance
 
Still figuring out which forum is used for what. If this was the wrong one could someone point me in the right direction?
 
Your question is fine here in the General Forum.

I have a few Bradfords that I can recommend, but I never seen the Pacaya, sorry. I’ll need to look it up now to what I’ve been missing.
 
I’d be curious to hear your experience with the differing guardian 3’s. I’m not sure which handle is preferable. I’m open to either stainless (Magnacut, M390) or 3V.

Would be used for EDC and backpacking/camping.

Typed as you replied. Thanks
 
It started with the 3d scales which are nice, but there is a hot spot for me at the rear around the lanyard hole. The flat scales, while less hand filling, are more comfortable for me. It varies person to person. My glove size is usually a large, if that helps.
 
Maxaem said:
Has anyone tried the Pacaya (3v) from ESEE? I’m looking for a small fixed blade, roughly 3 inches, preferably under $200. Currently looking at Bradford Guardians as well, but I’m open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

I am a big fan of ESEE products so I ordered a Pacaya this morning and will have it later this week. I’ll post pictures and try to answer any questions once I have it in hand. I don’t have any Bradford Guardians at the moment to compare it to. I have had several Guardian 3’s, a 3.2, and a 3.5 in the past so maybe I can help with comparisons from my memory.

Side note, you could talk to the makers on the forums here and get exactly what you want for not much more (maybe less?) than the $200 mark. My limit these days is $250 and that price has gotten me a lot really nice fixed blades from smaller makers at ~ 3 inch blade length. So if you throw an additional $50 on top of the $200, then you could get something really nice. For example, the Tactical Pterodactyl Knives mid-size models, Deep Cuts Cutlery Little Rascal, and Cerberus RIOTT were all right around $250 in the size range you’re talking about when I purchased them. Just some food for thought.
 
Although I really like the Bradford 3.5 and 4.5 models I have, the handles on 3 and 4 just did not work for me. They had hot spots and just didn't feel good in my hands.

I have a couple of the Esee 3s. One Esee 3 HM which looks to be very comparable to the Pacaya. The Esee 3 HM is very comfortable and for me the Pacaya would be my choice over a Bradford 3. If you went to the Bradford 3.5 vs the two knives you mentioned I'd get the 3.5.

Just for reference ... the pictures below have the Bradford Guardian 3.5 with a White River M1 Pro beside them. Micarta scales on both in the first picture and Orange G10 on the second pair. The third picture shows all 4 in sheaths. The last shows a ln Esee 3 HM , 4 HM, abd 6 HM.

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Appreciate the info from the three of you. This is great.

I like the appearance of the 3/3.2 handles, but the 3.5 looks more comfortable. I have large-ish hands so it can be a little bit of an issue with shorter handles. Don’t want those hot spots.

Look forward to hearing about the Pacaya!

I’ll definitely check out the makers listed as well.

In the best set up I’d be able to snag a 3” EDC from CPK, but in the meantime…
 
I have been highly impressed by my Bradford Guardian 3 in Magnacut, with the textured grip. Terrific design, very comfortable for extended use, quite compact for carry (I don't particularly care for the horizontal sheath but it works well as a pocket sheath), and the Magnacut is outstanding: takes a very fine edge with little effort (on diamond hones), holds it practically forever, very tough, no worry about rust.
 
Alberta Ed said:
I have been highly impressed by my Bradford Guardian 3 in Magnacut, with the textured grip. Terrific design, very comfortable for extended use, quite compact for carry (I don't particularly care for the horizontal sheath but it works well as a pocket sheath), and the Magnacut is outstanding: takes a very fine edge with little effort (on diamond hones), holds it practically forever, very tough, no worry about rust.
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Architect Sheaths from Armatus Carry are the answer!
 
From what Ive read the ESEE really cheaped out on the sheath, so I'd go with the Bradford. The handle is a little small, but it's not uncomfortable for me. I have large-ish hands. Or just get a custom sheath for the Pacaya. Sheaths are a HUGE factor when buying fixed blades. They determine whether or not you will carry them or not. I have a few production knives that are GREAT knives but they came with crap sheaths, so they never get carried.
 
David Mary said:
Here you go:

Introducing the Drifter XL! SOLD

Hi everyone! A few days ago, I debuted a new model called the Drifter. This is the larger version of that knife and is called the Drifter XL. I hope you like it. Specifications: Purpose - everyday carry Steel - AEBL stainless Thickness - 3/32” Overall length - 7 1/2” Width - 1 1/4” Cutting...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
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Where do I see more of your knives? I like batch of mini insomniacs you have heading out
 
I’ve been carrying the White River M1 Backpacker Pro in my pocket without the clip for a few years and I still can’t find anything better.
Gr siz is fits m hand well.
 
Just dropped off by UPS. First thoughts, I like it, a lot. Feels very good in my hand. I’m not the biggest fan of lots of contours and handle shapes, I like fairly neutral handles and this fits the bill. I like the feel in hand better that the Bradford Guardian 3, 3.2, and 3.5. I do like the White River Backpacker handle a bit better in a normal forward grip. But, the ESEE’s neutral handle allows for other styles of grip more comfortably that the White River.

This is by far the best edge geometry of any ESEE I’ve owned. I don’t have calipers or anything but is pretty thin behind the edge. It slices glossy magazine paper, very thin receipt paper, would grab and pull arm hair just rubbing against it, and easily shaved my arm hair.

The sheath is nice and would be a great belt carry or attached to a pack or tac vest. However, the sheath is bigger than it needs to be if you wanted to pocket carry or run it horizontal on a belt. If I were going to edc it I would get a more minimalist taco style kydex sheath made.

I bought this just because I wanted to see what it’s all about and if I liked it. I do like it a lot, but, I may sell this particular one because it won’t see much use right now, but I will definitely own one at some point. It’s a little on the larger side of my preferred edc carry but it would be nice to throw in my day pack.
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Thank you for sharing! That is very helpful and it’s a nice looking little knife. If you do end up selling it let me know.

I did buy a White River Backpacker in Magnacut on here, should arrive tomorrow. With everything you guys said I wanted to give it a try. Didn’t hurt that they’re made in my home state either. Guncleana Guncleana

I might have ordered a Drifter XL from Blasted Hill Knives Blasted Hill Knives too… figured worst case scenario I’d gift one, but we’ll see.

I’ll let you guys know what I think once I get ‘em in hand
 
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