The EDC Fixed Blade Showdown / Bradford & White River Knives

[@timrice5342]

Thanks for this video/upload. Because of this I was contemplating guardian 3.5. I went with White River backpacker paracord $99 Then ordered g10 scales $30. So $130 total in Feb 2022. Its a great size, perfect size in my opinion. Fit and finish is by far greater than the price tag on the White River. The sheath, I get it... kydex isn't for everyone, however the Kydex sheath with the White River is top notch!

[@barrylevitt1170]

The White River Backpacker has been on my belt in a cross draw position every day since I purchased it several years ago. White River sells BOLT ON HANDLE SCALES for 25.00. Next match up, Tops and Protech Thanks for the excellent comparison review.

[@Marmaduke00]

Next up, backpacker vs guardian 3.5 which is what he should’ve done imo. I carry the 3.5 and love it. Very similar

[@timrice5342]

@@Marmaduke00 3.5 fixes things but I'll go with the M1 just for the sheath. That and I really like the green/orange g10 scales for the M1.

[@guitarzarfun]

That sharp edge on the choil is a deal breaker right off the bat.

[@keithcon3505]

I have both after watching this review. I ended up removing the two high points on the back of the scales and took the sharp point off the blade at the front of the coil. Much better. I'm surprised bradford would not do this given everyone's feedback.

[@casualcanoer2426]

I'm digging the EDC fixed blade material; my vote is to keep it coming.

[@mrq1701]

I completely agree with this decision between these two knives. I owned both and ended up selling the Guardian 3. My finger would get too close onto the cutting edge and the plunge area was a hot spot. I do want to try the 3.2 or 3.5 model which has a proper guard.

[@nathancolbert5956]

I have been looking for this exact video for so long! I’m so glad you tested these two against one another. I’d love to see the LT Wright vs the 3 point next!

[@BlueHeron598]

Bark River Featherweight Fox River and Spyderco Mule Team are my favorite.

[@chriss3886]

Have both (White River with scales though) and agree 100% with your assessment. While I haven't done all the tasks you put them through, in everyday practice I find myself gravitating to the M1.

[@grominwithrob1339]

I like the deep choil on the White River. With scales, that might win the spot on my small fixed blade EDC.

[@matthewadler1329]

Well with the wrapped handle, I can't see the White River standing up to the full handled Bradford. These are certainly two favorites for the genre, and I was surprised with the results. I respect your opinion, and I will go ahead and get the white river, as I have been trying to choose between the two. Thanks for the video

[@carlostovar8585]

Time to get the bradford my g

[@brianarmstrong9664]

White river has handle scales too. You can get it with scales OR paracord.

[@John5.56]

It’s also a pretty simple thing to make your own scales if that’s something you’d want to do.

[@mestevens5756]

I heat treat white rivers blades

[@BuffaloNickel9]

@@mestevens5756 wdym? You work there? If not, They come heat treated 😄

[@barmstrong25]

A very good comparison demonstration.

[@nicholascoulter3760]

I think you'd like the slightly larger Bradford and the G10 Handled M1 more than either of these... Perhaps a sequel with these knives is needed.

[@Sugardaddy501]

Esee Izula 2 for me; since it doesn't annoy my boxers fracture.

[@bronco1199]

I chose the White River halfway through. 90$ you can't beat that bang for buck anywhere. I'll get custom scales for it, worth it.

[@Semeion7]

I love your videos and i bought a White River M1 Backpacker Pro because this video hahaha, thanks bro!

[@alanfisher6704]

Just picked up the M1 backpacker, love it!

[@marvinbrock960]

I have both, both are awesome… But I carry the White River Pro almost all the time! The guardian’s handle just feels too short for me..

[@bronco1199]

My man!!!! I'm looking at both these beauties and which to buy and then I find your video. NICE!!!!!!

[@dr.oetqer]

Thanks for this great comparison, just what I needed. I own the White River M1 with the paracord wrap and the G10 scales. Both are fantastic EDC knives but I especially enjoy carrying and using the pro with the G10 scales, ergonomics are just amazing! If I don't feel like carrying it on my belt, I'll take the Backpacker with the paracord wrapped handles and use it as a neck knife, carries very slim and doesn't print much.

[@timrice5342]

Oh so I have to buy 2? Thanks Bro!

[@dr.oetqer]

@@timrice5342 Haha, you could do so. I'm planning to buy the micarta version too, I just love this little EDC fixed blade! 💪😃

[@timrice5342]

@@dr.oetqer funny thing is, I've always wanted paracord wrapped esee. I finally got my Japanese vg10 knives in kitchen (Tojiro dp) . I got my spy27 native5. So I thought I'd splurge on an Esee, which lead to s35v Esee, which led to this WR model1. For the money.... and value. Esee can just wait a while longer if ever... maybe I'll grab esee 4 or 5 eventually. Knife buying is a disease lol

[@timrice5342]

@@dr.oetqer ohh I see why you'd by 3 versions now! Very nice knife!

[@dr.oetqer]

@@timrice5342 Good for you, they are fantastic knives. Haha, it's definitely a sort of addiction, I'm not afraid to admit that. The Spydiebug bit me a few years ago and now I've lost count on how many knives I've got ;-)

[@44Mag]

Great video to compare these.

[@terryfarmer170]

Really enjoyed the blade battle mane between the orange bench made and the giant mouse 🐁 luv the content

[@300WINMAG360]

I just can't decide if I want the smaller backpacker or the larger Firecraft 3.5..

[@markcowan3366]

I've been debating between these 2 for nearly a year. Can't wait for the side by side comparisson!

[@ToddGajewski]

Great video/series! Love my smaller fixed blades for everyday carry, would love to see the Benchmade go against the Tops next!

[@CP-ih7vu]

Congratulations! Very objective and enlightening.

[@nickmartino2839]

Ok so I definitely agree with the white river i have the day glow g10 m1 and it's great!! But a couple other options I'd like to mention the tops street scalpel 2 and the kizer harpoon. Both great knives... love the channel and content... and the s90v cf shaman!!! Lol

[@slkknifelover]

I just bought both😍🤩

[@BoFamous]

Brandford now makes a Guardian 3.2 with a better finger choil which I am pining for. I love the white river, it is high speed low drag..

[@Majimbubi]

Anything with the g necker, im interested to see how it sliced being so thick

[@JackLibert]

Great video. I would love to hear your thoughts on the Viper Handy 2 !

[@bowieupland6112]

Great test.

[@adambeachard6794]

I think the l.t. Wright versus the g necker would be an awesome match up to put head to head. I'd probably bet on the Patriot but I might have my mind changed.

[@dustinwhitt5297]

I really miss my guardian 3 sheepsfoot. It sadly got stolen. I currently own the white river one, but with micarta and I'll tell you that the micarta is amazing. Thinking about getting a 3v guardian though.

[@dbg0206091]

Highly recommend it. Just got the G3-3V and it crushed my G3-N690

[@HTS_EDC]

And the Bradford 3.5 is a slightly better handling knife in comparison with the Guardian 3. The G-wood scales I got on mine are great in hand as well....

[@theoutdoordad7395]

I’ve owned both and sold the Bradford and kept the Backpacker. Something about the handle and lanyard hole just weren’t comfortable for me.

[@PotatoCheese]

Awesome series, looking forward to seeing more. It's definitely where my mind is at the moment. Would be curious in seeing the patriot and giantmouse next.

[@HTS_EDC]

The M1 Caper is stupid comfy as it comes with some very nice micarta scales......

[@williamperron760]

Love the compare videos but these knives are very different. May I suggest comparing the M1 Backpacker Pro instead? Comparing the Bradford to a paracord wrap handle does not seems a right match. Also: comparing 3V and S35VN is again, very different. Both steels are not designed for the same purpose.

[@zachstuff]

Enjoy watching your testing videos! I would like you to test out the Rockeye and the Benchmade Altitude!!

[@Jaybird-oo3ih]

I love the M1 backpacker and I love the guardian 3.5 because of the similar design of the m1 backpacker. The no guard finger choil is a no go for me on the guardian 3

[@earendil8844]

Completamente de acuerdo el backpaker M1 es un excelente cuchillo y tiene un diseño superior al guardián 3. Además tomando en cuenta el precio de ambos el backpaker gana por goleada

[@B.WhiteakaBuddyB]

Have you considered the Bradford Guardian 3.2 ?

[@ashtonalexander2431]

When you slap a full handle on that M1 there's not a better knife to have on you. Point blank period. My family has carried White River Knives for 3 generations and I plan to make it 4 with my boy. Best damn blades on this side of the Atlantic ocean Edit: Did I mention the no questions asked, guaranteed for life warranty? Can't beat it

[@kevinmanley1901]

Great job.

[@brandonshehan699]

Protech vs the tops. Love that patriot too.

[@zripster]

Ive got the white river, but i had to grind the handle to a different shape, i didn't find the original one comfortable or good looking

[@TheMartialist]

Great Video!

[@joshuahoward7567]

I know this is old but have you tried the sheepsfoot guardian it’s ffg mine came about 16 thow bte

[@JLNYardBird]

The desktop reviews are crap. Thanks for using the knives in the video.

[@intheshadowsilie]

I like the White River Personally, also what kinda strange trash bag is that?

[@dingusdog8687]

Man I have a Bradford. Was rooting fit it. Oh well. Let’s see the giant mouse vs the altitude

[@timrice5342]

To each his own. I like the bradford 3.5 over the 3. I also like the flat sided g10 on the bradford vs the more rounder scales. At the end of the day its the white rivers sheath that does it for me. My road went Izula 2 to izula 1 for the s35v but I don't like the shorter grip. So here I am looking at the M1.

[@dpoppen1]

Benchmade Altitude VS. LT Wright Patriot

[@Marmaduke00]

The guardian 3.5 is better comparison and is probably slightly better then the white river

[@randyf.9188]

I would like to see the Hidden Canyon VS the SBR.

[@stephenloeber149]

best choil is best 4 me.

[@matthewadler1329]

I think the caper has the pinned (tube) micarta/richlite construction, and the backpacker pro has the removable g10 scales. The skeleton one is just the backpacker.

[@Stassa23]

Yeah they explained it to me at Blade Show this year 👌🏻

[@grominwithrob1339]

I have become addicted to fixed carry after 30+yrs of carrying a folder or two everyday. I bought a ESEE Izula in s35vn. I love the form factor but the heat treat was very poor resulting in horrible edge retention. I tried the Bradford Guardian 3 in m390 and loved it. Then I discovered they have all their knives in Magnacut. I did the only thing I could. I bought the Guardian 3, 4 & 4.5 in Magnacut! Please don't tell my wife. I really like carrying the G4.5 paired with my Benchmade super freak in m4. I wish ESEE would make the Izula in Magnacut or 3V. I just love the Izula ergonomics, but the poor heat treat making the s35vn soft is a deal breaker. I am debating contacting them to see if they can check it out and make it right.

[@grominwithrob1339]

Oh baby, I picked up a White River backpacker. I got it with the micarta handles. What a gem! It replaced my ESEE and my Bradford Guardian 3. Just a great knife with a perfect heat treat.

[@grominwithrob1339]

A year later, I still can’t put the White River M1 down. It is dare I say Perfect edc. The control and its ability to slice is second to none. I did however buy another in Magnacut. If you buy one, get the micarta handles, they are grippy and super comfortable. All my Bradford knives has excellent metallurgy but the handles all have unnecessary edges at the end of the handle that create hot spots. I have 8 different Bradford knives of varying sizes and every one from the large down to the small have weird contouring in the handles that make strange hot spots. Every White River has smooth flowing handles providing excellent grip, contours and comfort. I always opt for the Macarta scales. If I need para cord, I’ll wear it in my laces or keep it in a bag or keychain. 😂

[@batuhanbas517]

Guardian 3

[@matusknives]

Really appreciate the detailed, real world test and review. The Backpacker really looks like a great option. I have been aware of the Guardian 3 for a while, but I am wondering whether the 3.5 would be a better choice - basically the same blade, just longer handle. Any chance you testing one? They just came out in MagnaCut too :)

[@pedroguerrero3862]

for me, I would choose the 3.5. The handle is much larger and it does has a finger guard to protect your fingers

[@kevinmanley1901]

Let's see the pro tech .

[@sunbunbradley]

Really great comparison/choice. I like both, but my EDC beats both and it is the TOOR darter in Ranger Green! It has serrations on the spine it is an awesome blade!!

[@sarabf01]

Do a comparison Dawson Outcast vrs Piranha

[@patrickmccrea3455]

Thanks bro I am thinking about an EDC fixed blade but I don't know much about carry options multiclip? Kydex? Also I ordered a Ontario Rat 1 today do you make scales as a business I would be proud to have your scales on my knife 😁👋

[@janjimpson240]

For the guardian you can order a multitude of kydex sheaths. I personally got a kydex armatus carry taco sheath with an inside waistband clip and the standard belt loops. I really enjoy it. Not sure about the white river

[@patrickmccrea3455]

@@janjimpson240 thank you I will check those out 😁👋

[@matthewadler1329]

Hidden canyon vs tops 3 pointer

[@johnnydanger1305]

Never understood why Bradford didn’t add a guard on the choil to the guardian 3 like all his other knives to protect your finger and at the end of the tang, have those “horns” taken down. You hit the nail on the head. Same reasons I passed on the guardian and got the white river instead

[@rigoochoa6972]

Look at the guardian 3.5

[@johnnydanger1305]

@@rigoochoa6972 i did. Don’t like the design. Different from guardian 3

[@robertb7643]

@@johnnydanger1305 blade is the same no?

[@johnnydanger1305]

@@robertb7643 blade is the same

[@robertb7643]

@@johnnydanger1305 so what is it don’t you like about 3.5?

[@jameshiers5451]

Tops 3 pointer vs Giant Mouse

[@earendil8844]

G-necker vrs benchmade canyon

[@chrisoliver1327]

Bradford vs. Lt. Wright

[@TheGunf1ghter]

The new s35vn esee izula would be a good comparison

[@Stassa23]

Yeah I plan on picking one up 👌🏻

[@TheGunf1ghter]

@@Stassa23 I had the backpacker, put some nice handle scales on it. Had for about two months. Then I lost it, the screws came loose on the belt loop. Don’t know exactly where I lost it but I was in some thick brush for about a mile. Really loved that knife. But I just purchased the izula.

[@jacobsebastien3910]

Definitely luv my S35VN Stainless Izula with black G10 handle scales 💪

[@David.Nightingale]

I love Backpacker and Izula, but ended up with Esee Xancudo... For me personally, Xancudo is hands down the best little fixed blade i had :)

[@FLUBBY1013]

Guardian 3.5 would be more comparable to that model. ✌️

[@jacknemo8021]

The Elementum is out this week as a fixed blade. Price, geometry, ergonomics, materials even make it a clean win across the board. The Bradford is nice enough, just not low cost enough to oust the likes of the new Civivi or the Kizer Maverick harpoon.

[@dionpage7948]

Esee Izula ll

[@_MiMo_]

Before watching...money on the Bradford.

[@_MiMo_]

I lost!🤑 I had heard the Bradford being recommended the most so I just assumed it would've won. Of what you laid out, I'd like to see the Bradford vs the LTW. Maybe a Ferrum Forge Lackey vs a Sea Snake. Also, a Monterey Bay Field Trekker. Sweet video!👍

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

SO MANY HAVE BEEN INJURED ON BRADFORDS...GET THE BACKPACKER. FACT

[@brianlash154]

Who cares? The guardian 3 is a more substantial knife, albeit short as shit handle And the m1 is a great choice for those who count ounces