Recommendation? Guardian 4.5 good compromise?

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benhar

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Apr 17, 2012
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So I have a Lionsteel M4 and BK16 that I got for camping/hiking, but can never decide which to take, and I certainly don’t need both. I like the ergos on the BK16, but prefer stainless knives. A recent rabbit hole for an EDC knife put the Bradford Guardian 4.5 on my radar. I just nabbed the N690 version on Amazon for $170… while I still have time to cancel the order, is it a good compromise between the two knives? If I like it enough, the idea is to sell the other two. To be honest, I’m not savvy enough to appreciate the difference between the N690 and M390 or Magnacut.

For what it’s worth in case it matters or there’s another recommendation for a 4” blade, the EDC I chose is a White River M1 pro, and I love that thing.

Thanks!
 
Just to compare the knives/steels you've asked about. I don't have the Lionsteel, but have used several M390 knives.

The Guardian 4.5 is a nice option. The N690 in my opinion makes a better outdoors knife than M390. The N690 is tougher than M390 and sharpens on basic stones the M390 sharpens better on diamonds for me. I have chipped M390 a few times so it's not my favorite in a fixed blade. The BK16 is tough easy to sharpen and a great choice too. The only real advantage (if it's important to you) N690 has is the corrosion resistance over CroVan 1095 in the Becker. The Becker will have toughness over the N690.

A comparasion of the Becker and Bradford (this one is 3V steel) ... the Bradford will accommodate a larger hand than the Becker ... other than that they are pretty similar.

20230423_152957_resized.jpg20230423_153009_resized.jpg
 
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ferider said:
The Guardian is a good knife. If you want something better, get a CPK Dek1, Dek2 (both currently in the Friday sales - and D3V is nearly stainless), or a CPK Field Knife, if you can find.
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TreesNoDummy said:
I was just popping in to say the same thing. Dek1. To tack on to Ferider, you can get the Dek1 in AEB-L which is a stainless.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Just looked it up, those look like awesome knives. Unfortunately even used the price might be a bit rich for me, as it is I’d be pretty upset if I break or lose a $175 knife in the woods.

JJ_Colt45 said:
Just to compare the knives/steels you've asked about. I don't have the Lionsteel, but have used several M390 knives.

The Guardian 4.5 is a nice option. The N690 in my opinion makes a better outdoors knife than M390. The N690 is tougher than M390 and sharpens on basic stones the M390 sharpens better on diamonds for me. I have chipped M390 a few times so it's not my favorite in a fixed blade. The BK16 is tough easy to sharpen and a great choice too. The only real advantage (if it's important to you) N690 has is the corrosion resistance over CroVan 1095 in the Becker. The Becker will have toughness over the N690.

A comparasion of the Becker and Bradford (this one is 3V steel) ... the Bradford will accommodate a larger hand than the Becker ... other than that they are pretty similar.

View attachment 2162625View attachment 2162626
Click to expand...
Great pics, thanks. Almost looks like it takes everything I like about the ergos on the BK16 and improves it. Like having the finger closer to the blade but still having protection. And the micarta is a huge plus.
 
I have a Guardian 3.5 in N690. I generally agree with JJ_Colt45 JJ_Colt45 on the steel. The price hike from N690 to M390 is significant. Sure, you can get more edge retention from their M390 but it's not like their N690 is bad. You should get decent edge retention, easier or at least quicker sharpening, and you can get by without diamond. While M390 is more stainless, I'd put N690 in the "very good" category for corrosion resistance so no worries there. Neither steel is very tough. Larrin rates them the same on toughness but the individual heat treatment will matter.

MagnaCut was designed to be a darling between these properties and it ended up near the top on corrosion resistance. It'll be a solid step up in toughness from N690 or M390.

An issue I start running into as the price climbs up on production fixed blades is overlap with the custom market. Check out the exchange here. There are talented makers offering custom knives at very competitive prices. For instance, take a look at the fixed blades in N690 from TFK or Gollik. There are also guys like David Mary David Mary who can work with you to meet your specific needs.
 
I've got a Guardian 5.5 in Magnacut. It's a great knife. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the 4.5 in Magnacut or 3v.
 
N690co is a solid steel...For your uses it's perfect.. It takes a wicked edge, sharpens on A rock if necessary and as long as you're not chopping rocks it will keep a solid.working edge for a good long run of use...

Many custom makers used and still use it....It will serve you well..
 
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