Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Massdrop x Bradford Guardian 3.5 Fixed Blade Knives
01 / 21
Massdrop x Bradford Guardian 3.5 Fixed Blade Knives
bookmark_border
Where's the price?
To negotiate the best possible price for our customers, we agree to hide prices prior to logging in.
1.2K requests
Product Description
Many people prefer fixed blades to folders. For one thing, they don't have any moving parts, which makes them far stronger Read More
You Might Also Like
search
close
Sort by: Top Conversations
keyboard_arrow_downJonasHeineman
5987
Jun 1, 2018
Hey everyone,
We are pleased to launch our first collaboration for a fixed blade knife with Bradford USA. Their production line Guardian 3 and 4 models have been popular with members, and Brad Larkin has been a supporter of the Massdrop community for a number of years. When we approached Brad about a collaboration on the 3.5, he was eager to get started and has been great to work with.
We love that Brad has used feedback from his customers to refine his designs, and we’re stoked that we can offer his newest model - based on all of that feedback. Our goal for the project was to make the Guardian 3.5 available to members in the most popular finishes, including Brad’s signature stonewashed DLC “Nimbus” finish and some new handle materials, paired with a popular new nitrogen-enriched steel that was featured in another popular USA-made collaboration, the Massdrop x TJ Schwarz Perpetua folding knife.
In fact, you can even get this Guardian 3.5 in the matching Cool Gray G-10 and stonewashed finish. One other thing to note about the handles is that all of them are textured, except for the Richlite (also a new material) which is polished smooth. Before we get started, here are a few housekeeping notes on the drop:
* The drop will start at 6:00am. The price will be $119.99. * This drop will be limited to 1200 serialized units. There is not a limit per style. * Our Estimated Ship Date is November 30, 2018.
Thanks for checking out our first collaboration with Bradford USA, and our first-ever fixed blade collaboration!
Carry On -- Jonas
We are pleased to launch our first collaboration for a fixed blade knife with Bradford USA. Their production line Guardian 3 and 4 models have been popular with members, and Brad Larkin has been a supporter of the Massdrop community for a number of years. When we approached Brad about a collaboration on the 3.5, he was eager to get started and has been great to work with.
We love that Brad has used feedback from his customers to refine his designs, and we’re stoked that we can offer his newest model - based on all of that feedback. Our goal for the project was to make the Guardian 3.5 available to members in the most popular finishes, including Brad’s signature stonewashed DLC “Nimbus” finish and some new handle materials, paired with a popular new nitrogen-enriched steel that was featured in another popular USA-made collaboration, the Massdrop x TJ Schwarz Perpetua folding knife.
In fact, you can even get this Guardian 3.5 in the matching Cool Gray G-10 and stonewashed finish. One other thing to note about the handles is that all of them are textured, except for the Richlite (also a new material) which is polished smooth. Before we get started, here are a few housekeeping notes on the drop:
* The drop will start at 6:00am. The price will be $119.99. * This drop will be limited to 1200 serialized units. There is not a limit per style. * Our Estimated Ship Date is November 30, 2018.
Thanks for checking out our first collaboration with Bradford USA, and our first-ever fixed blade collaboration!
Carry On -- Jonas
A community member
Jun 14, 2018
JonasHeinemanIs there any word on what hardness at which these knives will be run?
Guns
38
Jul 3, 2018
I forgot to thank you for responding to my I’ll informed questions! LOL! I changed again the same day you responded to me. I went with the stonewashed & I believe green camo $ I look forward to carrying what I perceive as an awesome knife! Thanks Again!
trailblazzr
10
Jun 17, 2018
How do we know MassDrop is going to send out the knife that they are advertising on here? I was just duped by MassDrop on the last order, not sending the product which they listed. How can you and I be sure this isn't going to happen again?
Benjabooly
373
Jun 27, 2018
Jonas, this is why we love you. Always polite and wanting to help, but also nailing you with facts
FloatingWanderer82
11
Dec 30, 2018
I almost bought this knife. The i saw the massdrop logo on the blade. Why does it have to be so ugly and pronounced?
Mgrogers09
26
Jun 25, 2019
Not to beat a dead horse, but I guess I see where you're coming from. My thing is that there always seems to be this animosity towards Massdrop or I guess "Drop" now, for putting their name on stuff. I have been around this community for almost 5 years and have always really lendorsed what they are doing- catering to the enthusiast community and helping niche markets and products find new customers and develop new products. I don't mind having their name on knives or other items that I own because I am a fan. I have several friends that aren't really into this type of thing, but because of the branding on my knives, it starts the conversation and now I have friends that use Massdrop too.
14themoney
1395
Nov 15, 2019
Mgrogers09I've always looked at the knives that I have purchased here as tools and not reading material. The first three of my MD knives that I picked up just now had quite small fonts. One was so small that I thot that I was reading the list of ingredients on my multivitamin bottle. I am still conflicted about whether or not to order this one. I really like the blue and brown scales. Besides, I don't have anything in Nitro-V.............yet.
HandstandsMcGoo
59
Jun 16, 2018
I really want this thing. The problem is, as many have stated before, that Massdrop logo is so terrible. I’d rather get the M390 version direct from Bradford for a little more money to avoid that ugliness.
Can you guys come up with a cooler maker’s mark? If youre gonna keep coming up with awesome knives, come up with an awesome logo like every other company/designer.
A stylized M for example Perhaps MD in a cool connected way. Just do something. You go through all this trouble to make the perfect knife, then ruin them all with your signature. Be better.
Can you guys come up with a cooler maker’s mark? If youre gonna keep coming up with awesome knives, come up with an awesome logo like every other company/designer.
A stylized M for example Perhaps MD in a cool connected way. Just do something. You go through all this trouble to make the perfect knife, then ruin them all with your signature. Be better.
HandstandsMcGoo
59
Jun 24, 2018
I ended up just buying a Bradford Guardian 4 directly from Bradford, they had a Father’s Day sale. I’m sure even with the ugly Massdrop logo this will still be an amazing knife. People say the ergos are solid, they all compare it to an ESEE
Omniseed
1972
Jun 25, 2018
HandstandsMcGooThe old logo was better but a third of every comment board consisted of nothing more than the poignant and fresh inquiry of 'where is it made' and the plaintive bleating of 'why does it have a logo I hate logos it's billboarding Massdrop is ruining everything they ruined these knives the knives are ruined look at the horrible logo it's so bad make the same knives but with NOOOOOO LOOOOGGGGGOGOOOOOOOS'.
So now the logo is some rounded looking bold block lettering, rather than a nice spidery logo that showcased engraving skill and used mostly negative space for the lettering.
Thanks a lot, logo fascists.
So now the logo is some rounded looking bold block lettering, rather than a nice spidery logo that showcased engraving skill and used mostly negative space for the lettering.
Thanks a lot, logo fascists.
chancing
80
Jun 7, 2018
If only ‘Massdrop’ could be etched into their collaborations in a much more subtle way...like a small, classy MD or something; I’d be much keener to join.
Omniseed
1972
Jun 25, 2018
chancingThe old logo was much better looking and less noticeable, but after a full year of people whining about Massdrop having a Massdrop logo on their Massdrop-produced line of knives, they switched to a slightly smaller but much more visible block lettered logo that doesn't use skillful negative space to create the lettering, it's all bold and dark now.
If you can't tell, I'm not bothered by a company's decision to brand their own branded products, but I do miss the previous iteration of the logo and think it was more aesthetically appealing.
If you can't tell, I'm not bothered by a company's decision to brand their own branded products, but I do miss the previous iteration of the logo and think it was more aesthetically appealing.
jallen89
210
Jun 1, 2018
i want the camo micarta, but what is the “nimbus” finish? It looks like a blackwash finish.
JonasHeineman
5987
Jun 5, 2018
^that is correct. You're quite the Bradford historian @DSpeed !
For some further context: DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) is one type of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating. It's pretty thin, as opposed to a spray-on Cerakote or similar which many people dislike because it can gum up sharpening stones.
For some further context: DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) is one type of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating. It's pretty thin, as opposed to a spray-on Cerakote or similar which many people dislike because it can gum up sharpening stones.
LazarusLong
210
Jun 10, 2018
Looks like a great knife. I already have an esee 4. Not sure what makes this knife better. I understand the intent and that the blade steel characteristics are different (vs 1095). But ESEE design their knives based on field testing and user feedback in different environments such as jungles, polar, etc. it’s essentially a field serviceable tool that I would guess does have some concessions in manufacturing costs.
I am not a survival or knife expert, but I am an extensive budget steel user and they certainly have a place in many situations.
Can anyone tell me how the Guardian compares?
A community member
Jun 14, 2018
LazarusLongI've handled both and the Bradford knives are far and away better quality especially the G3 and G3.5. The 3.5 seems similar to the Izula because his customers requested something with a handle more similar to that knife to facilitate various grips and accommodate larger hands/gloves. If you like ESEE you will be impressed with Bradford both in terms of comfort and enhanced cutting performance...it is a knife after all. =)
djpr
304
Dec 12, 2018
Does anyone have a comparison on how the Nitro V steel in this version compares to the M390 blade steel models?
Omniseed
1972
Mar 16, 2020
They did an M390 G3 with a full flat grind, it's awesome and was not that much more than this Nitro-V G3.5.
SteveMidwest
160
Mar 16, 2020
OmniseedYes, and people love them!
Bradford has for some time now. Offered many of their knife models, in three grind-types.
Full-height Flat Grind, Sabre, or False Edge Grind.
I always opt for the full-flat grind.
JaleesaG
1550
Marketing Team
Sep 19, 2018
Hi everyone,
Production is well underway for the Massdrop x Bradford Guardian 3.5 Fixed Blade Knives and we’re super excited to share a few production images:
Docsol
5
Jun 5, 2018
Can the sheath that is included be used for horizontal belt carry as shown in the photo?
syntaxerrorsix
5
Jun 5, 2018
DocsolI don't believe so. I've got a 3 and the sheath IMO is horrible. I went with an Armatus Carry sheath from day one. I like the knife but I'm glad they decided to add in a little more safety beyond a finger choil with the 3.5.
Showing 60 of 174
Recent Activity
Related Products
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop