Bradford Knives Guardian 4 Fixed Blade Knife

Will do!

I ultimately went with the G10 on this one. Looked too gorgeous to my eyes to pass up! The carbon looked interesting too, I can't say I've ever seen carbon fibre done in that particular pattern. Let me know how it pans out!

I have had micarta get smooth, dark and less grippy, after it got grease and soot rubbed in. Later I scrubbed the bejeezus out of it with detergent and it came back to looking and feeling surprisingly fresh. But as you said, none of my knives have seen anywhere near what you saw. I reckon micarta is more receptive to change since the holes are larger. It seems to get dirty easier but clean up easier too. I'm curious how the carbon handle on this Guardian 4 will work. When it gets wet it seems to get really grippy, almost sticking to my skin, but I haven't used much, I only tried some quick tests in the kitchen. I fear it can't be as practical as micarta.