Why It's Super Cool! Bradford Guardian 4.5

#survival #bushcraft #camping #edc
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[@mountaingoattaichi]

Great review! “Large chopping utensil.” made me chuckle.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Never heard of Bradford knives. Very Cool knife Aaron an thanks for showing this brand Sir.

[@Yiannis2112]

I think its great and the first Bradford that I like. Its a bit pricey at $160, but not crazy expensive. It can also serve very well as small game hunting blade. Great choice for a review!

[@vashonmart]

Take the plastic out and cut off to fit your handle better. If you pay attention to your sheath, you will notice sheath was form fitted to Guderian 5 not 4.5. If you cut off the plastic liner to fit your blade length and shape of your handle, knife will go in a lot more and ride a lot deeper, securing your knife better.

[@foreverjim5240]

Love these knives. I carry a 3 all the time. I prefer the more square g10 scales. More secure when wet, but the micarta does look pretty sweet. I only wish they would make a rear pommel an option for some of them

[@jimm659]

I have the 4.5 in 3v with the full flat grind. I love the knife. I have big hands, wear xxxl gloves and the handle works great for me.

[@enochjukie]

Good review on a fantastic knife! Love mine in 3v with a ffg and kydex sheath. I'm also not a fan of leather sheaths in general.

[@warpedone2]

THANKS for filming

[@darthblade2016]

Great review, thank u for the video!

[@lancashiteman]

closing in on a year since ive had it and ive been through hell with it. i can start a friction fire with dead wood with just this blade. its incredible

[@TripleEEDC]

I love my Guardian 3 Wharncliffe. I have been eying a Guardian 4 for a while but held off due to uncertainty about whether I should do the 4.5. I think if I’m being honest with myself, I don’t do enough outdoors bushcraft stuff to warrant the 4.5, so I’m planning on getting the 4. I also really like the green micarta and nimbus finish combo (my G3 Wharnie has that combo).

[@Clambelly]

4.0 version w/ full flat grind seems to have same size blade. The round finger choil / cut-out at the ricasso seems to expose more blade. Both are very nice, but I would probably choose the full-flat grind for better slicing and the spearpoint looks like it would be good for defensive work. Very impressive designs in their simplicity. Excellent materials. If these were custom the price would easily be 2x - 3x. Thanks for introducing these knives to KZbin.

[@Darksjeik]

The 4.5 looks like a more functional tool with that long neutrally shaped handle. But man...that ffg 4 sure is a sexy little thang. ;)

[@GrumpyGrunt]

I have 2 knives in the Bohler N690 Cobalt steel (one Tops and one Fox) and they are my favorites. I am still acclimating to my Tops Camp Creek in S35VN. To each their own, but N690 is a great steel. For me, it's the perfect balance of soft enough to work on in the field but hard enough to take a solid beating.

[@tcj2185]

Grumpy Grunt I agree, too me it’s an improved VG-10. My first was BM’s Triage, I wasn’t expecting it to perform as good as it has.

[@jimmcole2613]

Grumpy Grunt Thank you, I don’t have any experience with that steel; but saw some knives I liked but wasn’t sure about because they used it. I appreciate your comment it’s very helpful. Jym

[@GrumpyGrunt]

@@jimmcole2613 You are quite welcome. I didn't know much about it until I began researching my Fox Parang. I was on the fence until I watched some YT videos of the designer, Alfredo Doricchi, destructive testing it by cutting nails and not phasing it. I had to try it after that, and I really like it. Good luck!

[@jimmcole2613]

Grumpy Grunt Thank you , I will. That open a lot of knife possibilities, much appreciated. Jym

[@dbg0206091]

Perfect description for n690. Totally agree.

[@lancashiteman]

ive watched this video mabye a hundred times. finally got it and i absolutely love it

[@michaelstjohn6086]

Still love it?

[@lancashiteman]

@@michaelstjohn6086 yes i do its brilliant

[@joashloh8374]

If you were cutting through a seatbelt, would you rather use a serrated edge or straight edge

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Aaron thanks for the double header bud

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

By the way, you can get the CPM 3V version for $164.95 on knife outlet ;)

[@josephmartin1540]

2 classes. BUT, I’d love to see G 4.5 verses BEcker BK 16. Seriously!

[@jonNH123]

Thanks Aaron!

[@greekveteran2715]

Bradford or Survive knives? Which is better overall? As far as I understand, they both have similar knives and similar good wuality heat treatmens and bevel geometries. Which one is better brand than the other? Which cuts better, or any other differences? Thanks in advance

[@barrybueler3356]

I’ve looked at the smaller version seems like a great blade for a fair price.I definitely like the guardian 4 more than the 4.5 just looks better and has a thinner edge which 3v can handle a thinner blade in my humble opinion. I also believe I’ve seen a little smaller version maybe a 3.5 for $130 on massdrop if I can remember right.Totally would prefer kydex especially for the 3v version and I’ve Always liked the teklok.

[@Darksjeik]

Good looking blade, wish the tip geometry was more along the lines of the 4 though. Just a tad too much belly on the 4.5 for me.

[@domtomao4168]

I have the 3-V sabre grind.... what degree should i sharpen it on?

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Really awesome knife looks!!! ^^

[@dbg0206091]

Sheath options and scale customization is awesome too

[@macmikeyoutubization]

Thats a hard one but i think id go with the full flat to try something different

[@garrettferrell6821]

I love the Bradford Guardian series knives I have 2 Guardian 3s(1-in flat G-10+N690 and 2-flat G-10+M390) I have 1 Guardian 3.5 (micarta+Cruwear) and 2 Guardian 4 (1-micarta+N690 and 2-micarta+3V)..they are all great knives.the Guardian 3 and Guardian 3.5 are 2 of the best EDC fixed blades on the market.the Guardian 4 is an amazing utility knife.its a little too big for EDC,atleast in my opinion it is but it’s definitely doable if it is set up for scout carry/horizontal carry.the Guardian 4 is a great knife for most knife applications but while the finger choil is extremely comfortable in hand it can be a hinderance at times as your different grip options are limited.with that being said,I love the Guardian 4 and it’s large finger choil.it feels absolutely amazing in hand and it allows for one hell of a good grip.with that finger choil,the chances of your hand sliding or slipping around on the handle are extremely slim.the Guardian 4 is one of my personal favorite belt knives.Ive used mine for hunting,fishing,hiking,camping,bushcraft,etc and they have never let me down.they have amazing edge geometry as well.the fairly wide blade allows for a fairly thick blade stock yet it’s still pretty thin behind the edge.this allows for a good tough and sturdy blade yet it’s still a phenomenal slicer...with all of that being said,I think I’m gonna pick up the Guardian 4.5 next.that more traditional handle style would make for better camp and bushcraft knife

[@mattfinish2196]

What Dive watch is that? It looks so cool.

[@davidrogers182]

Great Review!

[@barrybueler3356]

They could of used different handle screws either make it easy to take the handles apart with tools everyone’s has already or make your screws super fancy and beautiful new and different if u have to be different with your handle construction.

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Great review... Cheers...

[@sawdust6968]

man thats a good looking knife

[@MatroniFitness]

What color handle is that 4.5?

[@garrettferrell4257]

Very nice,I think the Guardian 4 may be my next knife..right now I just have a Gerber Prodigy and a Mora 511 in my go bag.I personally think the Prodigy and Mora 511 are both amazing knife for their $40-$50 and $15-$20 price tags .they have easily held up to any and everything thing I have thrown at them.they both hold an edge really well and arent hard to sharpen..they are both great option if you are on a budget and want good dependable knives without breaking the bank but we all know Gerber and Mora obviously arent made of the same quality as Bradford,TOPS,ESEE,Benchmade,etc..now I can afford to replace some of my more budget friendly gear and I'm gonna start with the knives..Im either gonna get a Bradford Guardian 4 or a TOPS B.O.B. to replace my Gerber Prodigy..I will replace my Mora 511 with an ESEE Izula..Im gonna use everything I replace to make a 2nd go bag to give to my little nephew

[@dbg0206091]

get the 4.5.... the finger choil on the 3 & 4 cut you surprisingly frequently

[@dbg0206091]

CORRECTION.....the G4 is now actually perfect in my hand. Damn these blades are sweet!

[@misteragb7558]

Hey, what watch is that?

[@aaronbenns9051]

its a nice looking leather sheath wonder if you can shrink it a bit

[@ShoahBiz]

I’ve heard of people water fitting or forming them

[@SkyPhoenixGear-Collectibles]

Do the few gimpings on the handle create a hot spot when really bearing down on the knife?

[@gideonstactical]

Jonathan York not a problem for me

[@lancashiteman]

pretty sure i got my hands on the last one shipped to England

[@ozinga614]

I wish they would give you the option to delete the jimping and sharpen the spine.

[@MrTangent]

Richard Davis Bizarre. Why Bic lighters? Why can’t you buy them yourself? Do you mean a sheath option to hold them?

[@MrTangent]

Richard Davis Captain Obvious. But why would a knife maker include them when they’re easily purchased basically everywhere? And shipping them is restricted.

[@MrTangent]

So, Gideon, going to delete my comment but let other guy insult me? Fucking weak. As is deleting comments.

[@dbg0206091]

A small square file on one of the jimping cutouts fixes that. Mine now works with a firefly firesteel, and standard sizes

[@OdinofWei]

I bought a bunch of tek-locks and they dont fit a friggin thing.

[@WhispyWoods.]

I don't like choils and I HATE the idea of being forced to use one. Despite anything I've avoided Bradford so far. This knife though seems to have a great handle and blade design!

[@dbg0206091]

Check out the Guardian 3 Sheepsfoot. I love mine. N690 has surprised me, like it better than m390

[@dbg0206091]

Also fell in love with my Guardian 4, experience in hand changed my mind. Choil is perfectly designed

[@jimmcole2613]

First of all, I’m new to your channel; but I love it. Some of the best, sincere info out there. Great channel! My question actually is how does the Bradford 4 or 4.5 compare to Bark River. I use a Bark River kalahari Bushman ll . I’m always looking for a back up blade. I don’t know if you read these; but in any case, I appreciate your vids. Damn helpful!!! Jym

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

Hi, I do not have any bark river knives... But I do have the Guardian 4.5, and it is awesome! I batonned a lot with it, and it did not scratch the finish one bit! And the handle is very comfortable! I hope this helps.

[@onetimeoutdoorsdj1394]

Very nice

[@MrTangent]

Really wish they: 1. had a 90° spine option 2. had a rounded out space in handle scales for bow drill (think ESEE 5) 3. various color kydex options (multicam!) 4. offered small kydex & leather slip-in spot for ferro rods 5. offered them in superior convex grind None are dealbreakers though and I am totally ordering the 4.5. Looks as good as any of my Busse, ESEE, Tops, Mora, Fällkniven, Condor, Zero Tolerance blades. This knife, Lionsteel and Bark River are on my definite MUST BUY list!

[@yoderd2080]

The 4 has a longer blade than the 4.5?? I think you would call that irony!!!

[@Woodyt]

Which knife would you choose this one in cpm3v or lion steel m4 in m390 for a camp knife? Great review too. Thanks

[@ShoahBiz]

Depends what you wanna do more and if the extra stainless matters, though I hear 3v is pretty good in that regard. The 3v will be better if you wanna abuse the knife more and do a lot of batoning and maybe some digging or anything like that. It has higher impact resistance and toughness, but that’s not to say m390 is brittle or anything. The m390 will be stainless and maybe hold an edge a tad longer but they’ll both have great edge retention

[@danspadafora3021]

Guardian 4.5 vs benchmade bushcrafter 162! I need this solved, as I'm dying to buy the guardian, and own the benchmade... Is it worth it? Anyone?

[@gordon5382]

Get the both. I think they are worth it

[@MusicalWeasel]

Are we going to see a guardian 5.5 video too?

[@gideonstactical]

MusicalWeasel we will see

[@MusicalWeasel]

I can’t wait. I’m a huge fan of the channel and the Bradford guardian knives. I’ve been looking at a large fixed blade and want either a 5/5.5/6 and can’t decide on which. Hoping you’ll be able to help me make that decision in a few months. 😉

[@nyk3334]

MusicalWeasel there is one

[@matteoschonenberger4224]

👍

[@davidrutan7736]

N690 is a fantastic steel if done well which Brad does. Worth 100 extra for 3v ? Nah son. While you can get the N690 guardian 4 on eBay for 130.

[@dbg0206091]

@Sleipner X How quickly? Like VG10, or 440C?

[@tcj2185]

Sleipner X bro I think you got some bad 690. Nowhere close to 440hc, closer to VG-10, 690 imo is an improved version of it. I’ve never had any issues sharpening either of them. They both take a fantastic polished edge, it doesn’t retain its edge as long as D2 or 154cm but is fairly close with better corrosion resistance.

[@tcj2185]

If you are comparing to a 420hc that was Paul Bos treated than the 3 are close to each other but a typical 420hc blade isn’t close to vg or 690.

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

The CPM 3v version can be found on knife outlet, for $164.95 with free shipping;)

[@dbg0206091]

@Sleipner X 3 weeks of hard use (wood, not roofing shingles) and still hair popping with just stropping. Loving Bradford's n690

[@isaacnordstrom6119]

What is the point of cutting notches in wood?

[@pretzl9554]

Isaac Nordstrom Bushcraft & survival- crafting traps, tent pegs, pot hangers, etc.

[@isaacnordstrom6119]

RisingShepherd thanks

[@Asad-2166]

You can buy a hand made knife and sheath for around £60 Which will be one of a kind! So why are knife maker taking the piss when it comes to price? My hand made knife I had over 25 years and you can do anything with it

[@tberkoff]

I think I would prefer the Tops Brakimo over these knives.

[@bossmodus5020]

Never Ever Sir 😉 Balde Geometrie sucks on the Brakimo! I would rather compare it to Esee 5 and Bk2.

[@aaronnaylor59]

I liked Bradford at one point. But kind of lost respect for them when I had a issue with the sheath. I ordered a 3.5 and the sheath that was on it was clearly from the older 3. Model. Contacted them about the issue and they didn’t seem concerned at all. They did not fix the issue. Now when I say it was from the older model , I mean it was clearly formed to the model 3. The model 3.5 has different contours in the handle , so it was clear as day. Lack of integrity in my opinion .

[@dbg0206091]

I'm currently having this same problem, but with a sheepsfoot in a 3 sheath. How did your issue resolve?

[@aaronnaylor59]

AvengingUnicorn They didn’t resolve the issue. So I just gave up. Just personally think if they take short cuts with the sheath, something that is obvious. I wonder what other short cuts they take. I could be way off but just my own opinion.

[@dbg0206091]

@@aaronnaylor59 Thank you

[@dbg0206091]

They fixed my issue, and over compensated by sending me a second sheath. Keep reaching out to them. My patience was well rewarded. I hope your issue is resolved soon. Thank you again

[@AlexanderSLeBlanc]

Aaron Naylor sorry you had a bad experience. My sheath was great, but I’m left-handed and contacted Brad as my knife shipped with a right-handed sheath. He sent me a 2nd left-handed sheath for free. Great customer service for me

[@mistersmith3986]

Benchmade 200 Puukko in 3V @ Blade HQ for $127.50 is a way better deal and option. Thanks for the video my Bladed Brother ⚔️

[@foreverjim5240]

That's a better deal, but it's kind of ugly. That knife is more like a mora size, where the Bradford is more esse size

[@mistersmith3986]

@@foreverjim5240 And for every one time I have to sharpen the Benchmade in 3V, you'll have to sharpen the Bradford in M390 20 times.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

@@mistersmith3986 The Bradford has N690 which is inferior to M390, but I agree with you.

[@jeffm8882]

mister smith then get the Bradford in 3v?

[@enochjukie]

Benchmade has notoriously bad heat treat on their 3V, you'll be sharpening it as much as some Gerber 440c.

[@john31220]

I can’t understand why they price some knives so high because of what steel they use. It’s steel, not gold, they make it by the tons.

[@susannschmidt6915]

But the steel still has a price that’s how value and price works also they have to harden it really well

[@john31220]

@@susannschmidt6915 that’s the same for and hardened steel.

[@retardno002]

​@@john31220 the harder the steel (especially with modern stuff like CruWear and Magnacut) the more wear you get on your CNC bits, sanding belts etc. So producing hard knives comes with a hidden long term cost of having to replace your production machinery more often. And that's not cheap. This is besides the increased cost of the raw material itself, increased manufacturing time per blade, and additional QC that comes with fancy materials.

[@dick_richards]

You're super cool ..... no seriously....... sorry if I sounded sarcastic.......lol

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

You are late to the party buddy, the Guardian 4.5 has been out for over a year, and already won blade show west! I already have one, in 3v :P

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

You are right about the sheath though... I had the same problem with mine, I told the company about the issue, and they sent me out a brand new sheath for free, which was a little better.

[@danreid6712]

CDS AXARQUIA from Amazon is a better deal...

[@semco72057]

Both knives seem to be about the same size except the handle on the 4.5 is longer. The price is definitely out of my price range at that cost. I don't have any knives which cost $200.00 dollars and I won't buy one that cost that much.

[@jeffm8882]

Sidney Mathious I almost cried.

[@sski1971]

You lost me at $200.00

[@clm652]

Yoiu cant leave the house without spending 100 dollars. Fillingup my truck is 100 bucks. One week of groceries is 150 if not more. 200 isnt unreasonable to spend on a nice stainless knife that will last a lifetime. You could buy a bullshit chinese truck stop knife, but then you'd have to use it.

[@sski1971]

cl m The Gerber Gator Premium made in the USA disagrees.

[@clm652]

@@sski1971 a rat tang, rubber handled knife from the co that brought you all that awesome Bear Grylls stuff? lol, k.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

Same, I'd rather get a TOPS Mohawk Hunter for half the price of this one.

[@jeffm8882]

Mind Over Matter different knife in every way.

[@Sugardaddy501]

Pass hard pass; I would rather just get a schrade knife at that size.

[@rainmayhem4255]

👍