Bradford Guardian 4 Review and Discussion

[@BBL.Soldier]

The gaurdian is M390! I don't see how the 1095 on the ESEE will outperform M390 unless the heat treat is exceptionally well done. Sure, 1095 is a bit tougher, but M390 outperforms it in every other categorie.

[@troyounce3295]

Except for sharpening and like you said toughness and price. There's a lot of factors

[@briantlougan810]

The Bradford Guardian 4 is an optimal companion bushcraft knife. I pair mine with an HK Feint (11 inch, wonderfully lightweight, Benchmade's budget brand), a big upgrade from a Mora. The point is stabby enough that it could be used to defend yourself in a pinch, though that's not it's primary function. And it's high quality stainless! No babysitting the blade, the ideal choice for survival rather than high carbon steel because you don't have to worry about it rusting if there's no blade oil handy (and in SHTF, there might not be). The comparison with the Esee 6 was unfortunate; a bit like comparing an Esee 6 with a machete in a machete review. An Esee 4 might have been more appropriate. Apart from the sheath, this Bradford kills! Hint: you can save $100+ if you look for it on Amazon. There's a dealer selling an N690 version for $159. That HK Feint is under $99 typically. Gideon's Tactical has a good review.

[@marcusj5322]

not sure why you keep comparing the G4 to the Esee 6, apples and oranges, also you said several times it's too big to edc, have you held a Guardian3? much better choice as an edc.

[@banditgriot]

Guardian 6 versus the ESEE 6 is a fair comparison. I think the Guardian's 3V steel, thicker blade stock and build quality would be superior to the ESEE.

[@BBL.Soldier]

Gaurdian 4 has M390, yet he claims that the 1095 is superior

[@Peteyrich93]

I love the look of the leather sheath on the G3, G4 not so much. But to me a G4 seems in an odd place for me G3 perfect edc then I'd jump up to the G5 for a camp/outdoor knife

[@ryansgr8]

Handle grip ergos and my struggles with finding a comfortable fixed blade carry are the only reasons why I don't have one. Excellent review Kevin.

[@michaellankton2771]

this or a Lionsteel M5?

[@theblake5356]

There’s no reality where ANYTHING produced by ESEE outperforms ANYTHING produced by Bradford. It’s like saying that Hyundai outperforms Porsche.

[@moparhemi1777]

would love to have one... I love knives in this size... especially because it has basically the maximum blade length of what you are allowed to carry where I live. My only problem is that they are horrendously prized in my County so I have to steer towards manufacturers which are more "local". So far my favorite manufacturer is TRC Knives which offers comparable Knives (high end materials and excellent fit'n'finish) for only around 2/3 of the prize you would pay for a Guardian 4.

[@ByteOfTerror]

Mopar HEMI They're actually cheaper in comparison to other knives of the same steels. You can get the N690 steel (cheapest) for like $130 on Amazon. I have two guardian 3s in N690 and S30V and a guardian 4 in M390. It's very hard to tell a difference between the three steels.

[@treizTUBE]

I recently picked up the G3 and the G5. I agree, I'm not a fan of the grips and I especially don't like that my finger can easily slip onto the blade. They are crazy sharp, ask me how I know. I've been searching in vain for the perfect fixed EDC and more and more I think it doesn't exist. >.

[@brianlash154]

I don't like the leather sheath It doesn't look like it belongs

[@markw7303]

im gald you picked one up i got the 3d carbon fiber handle in m390 i love it i agree the 3 is useless im picking up the six later this month in cmp3v great hardening

[@ByteOfTerror]

Mark W G3 IS better for edc IMO I take the G4 and G6 on camping trips and such which is almost every weekend. They're all great knives.

[@garrettferrell6821]

Guardian 3 is far from useless,it’s my personal favorite fixed blade for EDC...I do like the Guardian 4 better though..with that being said,my next knife will probably be the Guardian 5.5...these Bradford knives are amazing,Bradford is one of my favorite knife makers

[@gregorp2133]

I'll buy it from you...

[@huejanus5505]

So-so sheath, so-so handle, great blade. Thanks for the video but it doesn't check enough boxes.

[@darrellguillory6078]

Yes to kydex.

[@sputumtube]

Sadly not for UK viewers because ALL fixed blade knives are banned here no matter how small. Pathetic innit?

[@moparhemi1777]

I never thought that I would say this but compared with you guys I am actually happy with german knife laws :/ you have my empathy. You guys are only allowed to carry non locking folding knives under 3" blade length, aren't you? :/

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

That's really too bad, did you see the story the New York Times posted about knife crime they referenced a bunch of UK knife laws and of course the killer zombie knives that will jump out of a drawer and kill you the second you turn your back

[@sputumtube]

Mopar HEMI - that's right. UK knife law states the we can actually carry fixed blades or larger locking folders if we have 'good reason' (e.g. a chef on his way to work). Here's a link so you can appreciate just how lucky you are... www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives

[@moparhemi1777]

@Kevin That's all Nicks fault! He got the Z-Hunter more popular as it could have ever been! xD

[@moparhemi1777]

@paul We have the limitation of max. blade length of 12cm (approx. 4 1/2 inches) for fixed blades and folders but we aren't also allowed to carry locking blades that have one handed opening or blades in general that have double edges (daggers and so on... Tantos are good to go) or that serve a clear martial purpose. We also have legal reasons for larger knives or one handed but you never know how much knowledge or sympathy an officer has to evaluate what is legal to carry and what isn't. At least we are allowed to possess basically everything with the exception of OTFs butterflys and Autos (latter with blades over 3").

[@MrGeerbear]

Bark River!

[@theblake5356]

.....do NOT live up to their overhyped rep. I have several BR’s and they’ve all underperformed.