Hey folks! I almost didn’t publish this video, gave the company every chance to set things right. Read the description for details. If you were as foolish as I was and bought this model, I recommend hardness testing it or asking for a refund.
I'm really enjoying this video. You nailed the opening, very attention grabbing, and keep up a good pace. I'm a quarter through now and I just want to say that as an amateur I resent your claim that the missing tip is amateurish. Amateurs - we care! Whoever did that tip is not an amateur, they are a professional who didn't give a toss!
@@CuttingBoardRx thank you - I likewise feel that this is about the best knife review of the year. You have developed an outstanding and proprietary blend of comprehensiveness in testing and creativity in presentation. A most felicitous union! I have never seen fishing line whittled like that before, so lovely. On a most personal note you have the only knife channel to which I have subscribed not once, but twice - and indeed at this point I feel that I would subscribe again for every video, were that necessary. If you please, what was the #3 fixed blade you showed as demonstrator, towards the beginning, below the crenellationarily busted Dacian?
Thanks for taking the time to make these vids. As a fellow-traveler down this sharpened steel road, I can tell you w/ all sincerity that they really do make a productive difference.
People you see the difference in videos between when the reviewer pays for the knife with his own coin and actually tests and uses his knife?? If this was beez (or most every other larger channel on here) channel this would be the greatest must buy of the year "please use my links in description" and right on to the next video of the next free knife that is the next best knife that you must buy "use my links in description" and the cycle repeats. Cbrx buying the knives with his own funds and using and testing the knives is exactly how it should be and he's not begging you to use his links as that's the main thing most tubers are worried about along with all the free China knives they keep coming across their desk. CBRX really is doing great work and he doesn't strike me as the type of person that will sell out as he gets bigger, he is a rare breed I'll tell you that. Keep doing the excellent work my friend you really are doing a massive service to the community and I have a ton of respect for you doing it on your coin and not shilling for a free knife! Happy new years my friend.
@@Edcreviewer Thank you so much for your vote of confidence! Please continue sharing my links with your social network so together we will spread the knowledge and cut the bull!
Actually what you get here is what's called a social media reviewer. Peterbilt did a perfect short on it. 😂 Choirboyz just did another one. It's bad testing a knife like that. It's funny though. It's like the whistling diesel of knife reviewing.
Wow, never thought about this. Shoot I wish I got free knives haha. I paid for the ones that I broke lol. And I still buy the same brand 😂. Cold Steel baby!!🔪⚔️🗡️
Is MagnaCut the only steel that you interested in buying? Because Boker has a German-made scandi grind CPM 3V available at Knife Center for $175. Here’s non-affiliate link: www.knifecenter.com/item/BO121506/boker-bronco-naturensohne-mk-i-fixed-blade-knife-cpm-3v-black-hardur-coated-drop-point-black-tpe-handles-kydex-sheath
In my experience I’ve found Magnacut more suitable to my environment i.e, corrosion resistance here in the deep south. I also think Magnacut, when treated properly outperforms 3V in edge retention. The latter being my humble opinion.
I have a Bradford guardian 3.2 in AEB-L. It came sharp with a good pointy tip. It has been a dependable edc, but your sample is definitely a let down to say the least. Really surprised they did not take the blade back to do their own testing/investigation.
@@MrBowser2012 Thank you. I’m trying to figure out who actually makes the blades for them. I was told toda that they buy scales from Hog Doggins. Sheaths are also not made in house.
@ that’s very interesting. I’ve talked to them at blade show and they gave me the impression that they make these knives. That would be disappointing if they are outsourcing everything. I certainly hope you’re wrong about that.
Thank you for the time and money you put into the channel. The knife community benefits from what you do. I have 4 Guardian 3s in M390, 3V, AEB-L, and Rex 45. Their factory edges were better than what you received. I'd be happy to lend them to you for HRC testing if you were interested. We could meet at our mutual dealer Mike in Maryland!
I’m getting a second Proto soon from another viewer, will be testing it soon. Not sure I have the band width to test 4 more. Whenever we buy knives from shops that outsource the heat treatment, we are 1. Paying too much and b. Taking a huge risk with hardness.
@@dalelane1948 What was interesting about that video: Nicole was not talking as explicitly about the MagnaTUFF in the same terms as the website. And the timing was odd too.
New to your NO BS channel & I appreciate you for doing this under microscopic scrutiny. I was a Bradford fanboy and these results don’t surprise me. I have had issues with receiving bad grinding and tip edges and those hard to get spanner bits are horrendous to remove. As I do like to swap scales. For the most part customer service does engage the issue and takes care of it. 🤷🏻♂️ Sorry for your bad experience but you really put a spotlight on this quality control issue. BASED! 🫡💯👊🏼
I got the Bradford 3.5 a few years ago and one side was sharpened probably 50 degrees and one side was about 15 degrees. Took me a few days to fix it with my worn out stones. Ended up really liking it
Do you have any interest is reviewing the Demko Shark Cub? I’d love to see a video putting it to the test as it seems to be a fairly thin blade that has a really robust locking system! Cheers and great video!
I am not planning to go for the shark cub. I have the ultimate 20.5 which is CPM 3V on Ti scales. The cub isn’t appealing to me, no matter how many times Melissa Miller flicks it in front of her… 😉 because I like bigger and more naturally shaped… blades. But it’s probably a great choice if you haven’t got a shark lock system.
@ interesting, I’d sent it to a calibrated tester to just make sure. Tho I don’t know why this would involve Larrin tho, he invented this but Niagara sent out prototype to multiple individuals and companies for test, he’s not in charge of Bradford or anyone outside of the gate for that matter, he only got one couple days ago per his instagram
@ They advertised that Larrin was somehow involved. My test method is not an ASME approved, but that’s why I always include a control sample, White River Backpacker in this case. So to dispute my results, one would have to assume that my calibrated zero is shifted down by at least 2 HRC and that would mean the Guardian is in fact at 63.5… But that would make WR Backpacker 66.5. Which is more likely scenario?
@ I only saw them say it is a Larrin and Crucible steel, Larrin stated on blade forum month before this niagara only sent out samples, he’s not involved what after that. The thing is WRK and Bradford are different knives in different steel, so it doesn’t work like if one’s off by 2 the other would be the same, one result could be accurate and one could be not, leebs are know to be quite unreliable on this kind of test, that’s why calibration along for a proper tester cost more than them.
@ You Sir, are free to believe whatever your heart tells you. I’m an Engineer so I have to go with what I know: The diamond indentation test is faster and more efficient on a production line and that’s why the industry prefers them. DoD uses Leeb testing to validate armor repairs as well as high pressure pipeline welds on ships. The RW machines are inherently inaccurate because they use mechanical levers, gears, counterbalance weights, and proportionate hydraulic valve. The guidin standard for RW testing is ASTM 18. Here’s the link to it: repositorio.uisek.edu.ec/bitstream/123456789/2680/3/ASTM_E18-15.pdf In the table on Page 11, you will find that for the hardness range above 60 HRC the allowable repeatability is 1 and allowable error is +/- .5 points. That means that a sample with nominal hardness 61 could test on RW at 59.5 to 62.5. Sir, with all due respect for you, please read the ASTM-18
Thank you for the video. Too many other options out there in this size range. I’m most disappointed in the lack of customer service/response from Bradford. I remember Mr. Medford’s response to your video. I’m sure I don’t know all that was said but he took responsibility and used the video as a training exercise to keep it from happening again. Nothing is ever perfect, just own up to the issue and try to fix it. Ignoring it doesn’t sit well with me. Happy New Year and keep up the good work…the knife community needs you.
@ that’s really good to hear. Sounds like it was a great project, they just have to do a little work on their side. I hope they can get it worked out and back on the market. I’m a huge supporter of American made knife companies like Bradford. I wish them all well…glad to hear Bradford took responsibility and hope it works out. Thank you for the follow up. Have a great weekend sir.
@ Respectfully, taking responsibility would look a lot like a video explaining the situation and an offer to recall the knives that are not as advertised. I wish any small business best of luck, my mom and dad ran a jewelry store for 24 years so I fully understand what implications doing the right thing can have. But to be honest, I was planning on keeping the knife even if such offer was made. And so would 50% of others who bought it. JMHO
I saw Larrin Thomas post on IG. He had commented few times that the steel is not ready for release. It gives me the impression that Bradford tried to make some quick bucks from "samples from the prototype run of the material with a non-final composition and no name". Does having the knife advertised as PROTO outright absolves them from not reaching the advertised HRC?
I got the Swiss tech Leicht from Walmart and my hand barley fits on the handle all the way and want a knife with longer handle and wanted the guardian but which one do I get or a different knife under 250 that is best u can get that u would be alrt getting urself bec I trust ur reviews? Thank you learn alot n love to watch ur videos
@@erinsquirkychannel501 Almost nothing wrong with Pocket Tango. If I were to buy another one, I would pick the drop point or the sheep’s foot. I like Boker Vigtig vs. Wild as well, even at 61-62 HRC. Solid German made knife.
@Actual-user Yikes, that's not good. I've got the same 3.2 in Magnacut, with no issues after a couple of years on my belt. The MagnaTuff hardness test he does here is also not encouraging... Peter's Heat Treat used to be the best in the business. I wonder what mine would test out as. That said, I've never had an issue with any of the knives I've bought from them (their handles fit my hands perfectly, so it's my favorite brand). My two larger ones in Magnacut, a 5.5 and a 4.5 have been kayak camping for 2 seasons and haven't shown any rust with a total lack of care in the field. I'd call them back, Nicole has always been awesome to deal with if you get her.
@@CuttingBoardRx Just relaying my personal experience. I don't work there, and I haven't had enough problems to need customer service very much. Your hardness testing should be raising all kinds of flags with Crucible/Niagara and Larrin (and frankly, PHT as well, how did that get through any form of QA testing).
I have two Bradfords from years ago and blades were sharpened pretty good. Only issue was I broke 2 of their cheap spanner bits trying to change the scales out and their customer service was not great. Ended up getting better spanner bits from the hardware store that did the job.
Maybe it’s a differential heat treatment? Higher hardness on the sharpened edge and softer on the handle portion? You did test only do the testing on the very end of the handle after all.
@@stcaro1 If the knife was made out of a carbon steel, that would be a possibility. But high alloy or super stainless, not a chance! The heat treat for these is a very precise process. Not impossible, but would require clay application, foil wrapping and wiring each blade individually. That’s a very slow and expensive process.
The fasteners are called spanner bits and sometimes snake-eye bits. You can get them for less than two bucks. They are not unique to the Guardian. They are sold as tamper proof security screws. From watching you remove the scales it appears they stopped using thread locker> Lucky you, I went thru 4 of those bits trying to change the grips on my guardian. This was 5 years ago. I ended up cutting the grips off. G-10 dust is nasty stuff.
I got one of those Dacian knives for Christmas. I noticed my sheath, for the denim/copper handle, does not have the bulge your model did. I wonder if something happened to the knife? I appreciate your honesty. Thanks.
**61HRC on a handheld reader - I know there is differences between yours and the bigger table top ones. That being said I do agree with your viewpoints on this knife. 👍
Sadly, it looks like I might consider returning my Mangatuff 3.2 if possible. I live in the same state as Bradford and my first one had a rolled tip just like what was shown, I called them up and was able to get a replacement quick, but I got it thinking Larrin was more involved then he actually was. Now I'm curious if the Magnacut Bradfords with the "High Hardness" might also be softer then advertised. I have one of the 5.5 Guardians in Elmax back when they only used AEB-L, Elmax, and 3V and it's been fantastic, but more and more it's starting to look like Bradford is cutting corners.
@@passwurd7987 Peters Heat Treat is who hardened the blade. I hear from the grape wine that Hog Doggins is the scales supplier, sheath is made by some other vendor… a business that farms out 75% of the components is at a mercy of the suppliers.
@@CuttingBoardRx While Hog Doggins isn't a name I recognize, I'm surprised if the HT is from Peters, I haven't heard any complaints about them yet. I'm curious if I should have mine tested to see if the HRC might come come up with another result. I will say with any Bradford, the sheath has always been lacking. For fixed blades, they're well know for being a company you should buy custom sheaths for.
@@passwurd7987 can it cut a ragu spaghetti sauce glass? It must be 64 hrc plus to do this. 63 maybe but 62 and under will not. Glass can vary hardness but these should be consistent and I just tested it. Not a scratch, dust will come off and a white line will show. Obviosly not very scientific but I'd say pretty accurate. Unless ragu wildly changes their glass for some reason.
I have two Bradford knives. Happened the same to me with the Gardian 6 M390. It was like a special edition. The edge was way asymmetrical and the tip was completely a mess. I also bought previously the Gardian 4 M390 and that one was perfect.
My uncle used a foot peedled wheel to sharpen for years. When he got in his late 80's his edges started looking jagged like that. I'm sure the aren't using foot power lol. But maybe an electric spinning stone.
A knife blade is only as good as the heat treatment. Is this an isolated flaw? I resharpen every knife I purchase regardless of the manufacturer. Thanks for an honest, non biased review.
@@kandcdish in test engineering community, this one outlier would constitute a full root cause assessment and testing the whole batch. I’m shocked that they didn’t ask me to send the blade back to them for analysis!…
Thanks for saving me money, the sharpening alone made me nervous. I'm not convinced about the test though. There is a reason people spend thousands of dollars on a proper hardness tester. Bradford is a good company though, id give them a chance to make it right.
That test isn't very accurate though. The cutouts on the bradford could be responsible for that. There is a reason people spend thousands of dollars on hrc testers. You need a diamond indenter.
@@CuttingBoardRx there are more cutouts on the bradford. You're bouncing a steel ball, do i need to elaborate? Steel thickness could also be a factor. How level the surfaces are...maybe more. A quick Google search will confirm.
I wish with Crucible closing, they would send BBB some of their test cpm 20V steel. 4.4% carbon and 19.5% vanadium makes 10v and k390 seem almost pedestrian in comparison. Closest steel carbon content wise (besides test 18v with 3.9%) is CPM MPL-1/Supracor at 3.75%. it's the highest carbon content steel thats been used to make knives (a few by a custom maker), beating out 3.4% of both rex 121 and 15v. Sure i like high toughness steels. But something about the potential of enough carbon to dwarf cast irons maximum content mixed with almost 20% vanadium at 65hrc+ gets the blood flowing to that certain area of my body.
@CuttingBoardRx wait... You mean you don't have the composition of most steels memorized by heart, including unreleased tests steels like Elmax 2, s145v, 20v and others? Am I the weird one? 🤔 No no no, that can't be it. There's something wrong with YOU! 😂🤣 Great video as usual. Thank you for your hard work and spending your own money to give us unbiased reviews. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻
@ steels? All 2 of them? Because all highly advertised stainless blade steels are derivatives from the 400 series and all high speed high alloy steels are basic cro-vans. The rest is witchey
I've been temped for a while to get a Guardian 4, ...those ugly snake bolts always turned me off of the idea tho. Thanks for fun and intelligent content you do, cheers.
Bradford will most certainly see this and I’m curious to see what they say, if anything. This is odd and concerning to say the least. I should add that I’ve had great experiences with their steel and heat treat. I’ve got a knives from them in M4, Vannadis 4E, 3V, and M390 all of which sharpen and perform excellent. There was a point years back where Bradford was kinda the Spyderco of the fixed blade world and a number of their dealers had exclusives in specific “exotic” steels.
I sent them the link to my video of just the test around December 12. Not a single view. Asked them to look into this and keep me posted. Spoke with customer service 4 times. Nothing. I emailed the same link to Larrin, he didn’t watch it either. He just emailed me back that he’ll have to test it himself. Didn’t ask me to send him the knife, which I would have done at my expense. They don’t want to know.
I was seriously thinking about purchasing this knife. At $240 with premium blade steel, I will definitely pass on purchasing a Bradford 3.2 The Italian Handy Viper in Magnacut is $159. The Handy Viper is a great knife and quality built.
Thank you sir, interesting as always. Probably I'm too pessimistic, but I see the knife world in decadence tougher with our society and economic system. But there is always a hope, during the winter plants look dead but they are not. The spring is coming. Ok I had this poetical moment I wanted to share. Anyway, making a good product it is not only matter of business, you need passion and a sincere desire to do something good for your community, not everyone consider knives jewelery. For me, opinel is still one of the best folders in the planet, why? Because they are reliable, long lasting and cheap enough to be accessible to almost everyone in the world, they are making money and serving the humanity at the same time. Let's do something more for the users please. I still trust you americans, I'm with you, c'mon.
@@SliceyAethstetic Yeah… not that it is any worse than what most common put out there, not that the knife isn’t going to perform even at this HT level, it’s the false advertising and the total lack of interest is what causing me to be concerned
@@litsci4690 I have beaten the sh^^^^^t out of all of these knives. They are perfect me for me and my family because they have never broken and the edge is always easily repairable. I don't have money to waste so I felt lucky when I found the guardian n690 sheepsfoot. But it lured me into the others... I have never broken or rolled an edge batoning EVERTTHING with these knives, regardless of steel. I have never hit metal in any wood with these knives, but I assume they will require more sharmening than normal if anything. My original G3 in n690 is still used bi-monthly on my wife's featherstick practice. Only modification to that blade was a minor convexing regrind with sandpaper and newspaper backing (did the same over a much longer time to my G6 which made it my best batoning knife ever (swedge grind), also used at least bimonthly,) I admit, I like my batoning and my evening fires with family. G3 in 3V easily very easily open carried scout 10pm where I live for accessibility. Bradford even offers 'blem' sales for aesthetic discounts instead of quality issues also. Hope you enjoy.
Wow this is just awful I would be pissed if I received a knife finished like this,and I have only once! That was an ontario rat 3 it was aweful! Took me a very long time to marginally fix the asymmetrical edge bevel..
I don’t want to hear any cope about this being a prototype. A prototype is what you send out saying: this is how awsome we are. We are perfect, we are squared away and you should buy our product….
HATE to hear this!!! l did purchase one earlier today Bradford has a great reputation But with that said l don't like how they handled your findings!!! I probably won't receive the knife till the end of the week But if you'd be interested l could send it to ya? Sent ya an email ;) Definitely shouldn't be selling a proto advertised at a certain HRC and be that far off!! If so they should address the issue and make it right!!!
When MagnaCut was debuted, Dr. Larrin said there were other variations of the steel that could be done to push different characteristics, now we're seeing the development and upcoming release of one of those variants, and people are assuming it'll be a tougher version or higher edge retention etc and they're guessing about the potential name.
Larrin teased the concept as MagnaWear a while ago but Niagara Specialty Metals has trademarked the name MagnaMax for several months, so I would assume that's what it will be called. Making up the name MagnaTuff, which makes no sense and is just a marketing gimmick, is idiotic and worse than the shoddy QC. I will give them the benefit of the doubt on hardness until an official test is conducted. On the "bright" side for you, this model may become a valuable collectors item if Crucible really goes under and no one else cares about producing dedicated knife steels.
@@noxypoxyroodypoo Apparently Crucible doesn’t own the exclusive rights to the CPM lineup. So none of them are likely going away. A collectible knife would not have been altered in any way, so that solves this problem 🤣 I shall speculate for a minute: If there’s already a MagnaMax, they could have been working on a MagnaTuff, logical? A composition that has elevated edge wear at lower HRC, which would actually be ideal for a hunting, water sports, or chefs knife. Bradford’s marketing guy, that’s the silver tongue I was on the phone with, struck me as someone who could have misunderstood what Niagara was trying to accomplish with this particular sample. A stretch? I’m really giving them a lot of leeway on this!
@CuttingBoardRx I'm not saying they own the exclusive rights to a particular process or steel, there are three other US producers doing particle metallurgy steels. I'm saying other companies may not be interested in producing steels that are specifically designed for knives (MagnaCut and MagnaMax), which is a very small part of the steel market. Other PM steels have some larger industrial application. I think there is only one prototype steel Larrin, which by no coincidence was released as a prototype to a select few shortly after the name MagnaMax was trademarked. Bradford either didn't understand what they were told about this steel, or didn't understand the connotation of the name Tuff in other steels, or just didn't care.
@ Thanks for the info. I don’t have time for forums as I’m too busy being an engineer by day and RUclipsr by night. Both are full time jobs btw, and only one of them pays the bills 🤣
I would take it with a grain of salt. They have a pretty good reputation and that hrc tester isn't accurate. He may as well just bite them and guess the hrc. Hrc doesn't even matter if you don't know what the steel is or what it's attributes are at what hrc. Yeah, the sharpening job was whack but sharpening some of these super steels on a belt grinder does that. Obbiosly they aren't going to stone sharpen each and strop it after. Bradfords magnacut at 61 to 62 was better than most brands I've tried including spydercos which was actually the worst ive had. Hrc isn't everything. What is the hrc of s90v? 59-60? 61 tops is what most knife makers would go to for that steel. Hrc means nothing without context. Let me know when you get it though, I'm curious what you think.
They advertised MagnTUFF at 63-64 HRC on the prototype Guardian 3.2. Which part of this isn’t clear to you? Go to their website and see for yourself! bradfordknives.com/home/679-26441-guardian32-magnaTUFF.html#/15-fastener_type-black_oxide/20-blade_finish-stonewash/22-blade_grind-sabre/69-handle_color-3d_microtextured_black_g_10 Your loyalty to them is admirable though!
@CuttingBoardRx your hrc tester is whack. What part of that isnt clear to you? It may be 63-64. Nobody who knows anything about knives would trust that tester. You need a diamond indenter. Even a scratch test would be better than that thing.
@@jusme8060 If the Leep HRC tester is a "whack," how is it that the calibration worked and the other knife matched expectations over several samples? Something in technique? Surface roughness? Please share your expertise.
Thank you so much cbrx, we need more reviewer like you, there are so many reviewers out there that is just sales person paid by knife company to say good things about their product, after so many years in this hobby i just realize how stupid I am all this time listening to those people
Seems like GREED and MARKETING HYPE is driving Bradford. I own 1 Bradford Knife and it will be my last after watching this and hearing they have no real interest on receiving the feedback. It sounds like all of their new High Hardness blades may be a scam. I think I may purchase a couple of them and have them professionally tested and if they fail report them to my State Attorney Generals Office.
And THIS, is why Chinese blade manufacturers are seeing so much growth and expansion: American/Western manufacturers screwing over their customers with high prices, poor workmanship and poor heat treats.
@@TheScotchaholic marketing hype is right. We don't even know what the steel is. Hrc without context means nothing. S90v is generally run at 59 to 60hrc. Hrc is not everything, just a good selling point.
Hey folks! I almost didn’t publish this video, gave the company every chance to set things right. Read the description for details. If you were as foolish as I was and bought this model, I recommend hardness testing it or asking for a refund.
I'm really enjoying this video. You nailed the opening, very attention grabbing, and keep up a good pace. I'm a quarter through now and I just want to say that as an amateur I resent your claim that the missing tip is amateurish. Amateurs - we care! Whoever did that tip is not an amateur, they are a professional who didn't give a toss!
@ That’s a cleverest comment of the year! If not already, you could be a great screen writer
@@CuttingBoardRx thank you - I likewise feel that this is about the best knife review of the year. You have developed an outstanding and proprietary blend of comprehensiveness in testing and creativity in presentation. A most felicitous union!
I have never seen fishing line whittled like that before, so lovely.
On a most personal note you have the only knife channel to which I have subscribed not once, but twice - and indeed at this point I feel that I would subscribe again for every video, were that necessary.
If you please, what was the #3 fixed blade you showed as demonstrator, towards the beginning, below the crenellationarily busted Dacian?
@@dongkhamet1351I think that #3 knife at the bottom was the MKM Pocket Tango
@OldDominionEDC thank you kindly sir!
Thanks for taking the time to make these vids. As a fellow-traveler down this sharpened steel road, I can tell you w/ all sincerity that they really do make a productive difference.
@@harryanderson7282 Thanks for subscribing!
People you see the difference in videos between when the reviewer pays for the knife with his own coin and actually tests and uses his knife?? If this was beez (or most every other larger channel on here) channel this would be the greatest must buy of the year "please use my links in description" and right on to the next video of the next free knife that is the next best knife that you must buy "use my links in description" and the cycle repeats. Cbrx buying the knives with his own funds and using and testing the knives is exactly how it should be and he's not begging you to use his links as that's the main thing most tubers are worried about along with all the free China knives they keep coming across their desk. CBRX really is doing great work and he doesn't strike me as the type of person that will sell out as he gets bigger, he is a rare breed I'll tell you that. Keep doing the excellent work my friend you really are doing a massive service to the community and I have a ton of respect for you doing it on your coin and not shilling for a free knife! Happy new years my friend.
@@Edcreviewer Thank you so much for your vote of confidence! Please continue sharing my links with your social network so together we will spread the knowledge and cut the bull!
Majority of the community are yes men. Glad more people are noticing.
Actually what you get here is what's called a social media reviewer. Peterbilt did a perfect short on it. 😂 Choirboyz just did another one. It's bad testing a knife like that. It's funny though. It's like the whistling diesel of knife reviewing.
Well said!
Wow, never thought about this. Shoot I wish I got free knives haha. I paid for the ones that I broke lol. And I still buy the same brand 😂. Cold Steel baby!!🔪⚔️🗡️
You always tell it like it is. No BS. Very informative. Thanks
Not your average fashion EDC channel, THANKS !!!!
@@jkn2k Thanks for subscribing!
Thanks for saving me $240!
@@Chappvid I appreciate your generosity! If this is the size of a knife you’re looking for, I highly recommend the Pocket Tango seen in the beginning.
@@CuttingBoardRx Appreciate the recommendation; unfortunately it seems to be out of stock everywhere I've looked. keep up the great work!
Is MagnaCut the only steel that you interested in buying? Because Boker has a German-made scandi grind CPM 3V available at Knife Center for $175. Here’s non-affiliate link:
www.knifecenter.com/item/BO121506/boker-bronco-naturensohne-mk-i-fixed-blade-knife-cpm-3v-black-hardur-coated-drop-point-black-tpe-handles-kydex-sheath
In my experience I’ve found Magnacut more suitable to my environment i.e, corrosion resistance here in the deep south. I also think Magnacut, when treated properly outperforms 3V in edge retention. The latter being my humble opinion.
@ Good point. What would you consider the proper HT for MagnaCut?
Seeing factory edges that are abysmal make me feel better about my beginning sharpening attempts
@@matthewswan9419 I hope you have a chance to watch my XARILK sharpening system videos!
Appreciate your videos and putting good info out here! We need more videos like yours!
@@charlesh6519 And my channel needs more subscribers! Thanks!
I have a Bradford guardian 3.2 in AEB-L. It came sharp with a good pointy tip. It has been a dependable edc, but your sample is definitely a let down to say the least. Really surprised they did not take the blade back to do their own testing/investigation.
I have a couple Bradford kitchen knives and a guardian 3. I love those knives. I don’t blame you being disappointed in this one…
@@MrBowser2012 Thank you. I’m trying to figure out who actually makes the blades for them. I was told toda that they buy scales from Hog Doggins. Sheaths are also not made in house.
@ that’s very interesting. I’ve talked to them at blade show and they gave me the impression that they make these knives. That would be disappointing if they are outsourcing everything. I certainly hope you’re wrong about that.
Instant watch! Thanks for keeping them accountable 💪🏻
Thank you for the time and money you put into the channel. The knife community benefits from what you do. I have 4 Guardian 3s in M390, 3V, AEB-L, and Rex 45. Their factory edges were better than what you received. I'd be happy to lend them to you for HRC testing if you were interested. We could meet at our mutual dealer Mike in Maryland!
I’m getting a second Proto soon from another viewer, will be testing it soon. Not sure I have the band width to test 4 more. Whenever we buy knives from shops that outsource the heat treatment, we are 1. Paying too much and b. Taking a huge risk with hardness.
I almost bought that knife as soon as i saw Bradford's video a few days ago, luckily i fought the fomo and waited.
@@dalelane1948 What was interesting about that video: Nicole was not talking as explicitly about the MagnaTUFF in the same terms as the website. And the timing was odd too.
New to your NO BS channel & I appreciate you for doing this under microscopic scrutiny.
I was a Bradford fanboy and these results don’t surprise me. I have had issues with receiving bad grinding and tip edges and those hard to get spanner bits are horrendous to remove. As I do like to swap scales. For the most part customer service does engage the issue and takes care of it. 🤷🏻♂️ Sorry for your bad experience but you really put a spotlight on this quality control issue. BASED! 🫡💯👊🏼
I applied your comment and thanks for subscribing!
I got the Bradford 3.5 a few years ago and one side was sharpened probably 50 degrees and one side was about 15 degrees. Took me a few days to fix it with my worn out stones. Ended up really liking it
Will you test Bucks Bos Magnacut. Thanks
Thanks for the real info
@@vfrdev I wish it went differently. Truly
Do you have any interest is reviewing the Demko Shark Cub? I’d love to see a video putting it to the test as it seems to be a fairly thin blade that has a really robust locking system! Cheers and great video!
I am not planning to go for the shark cub. I have the ultimate 20.5 which is CPM 3V on Ti scales. The cub isn’t appealing to me, no matter how many times Melissa Miller flicks it in front of her… 😉 because I like bigger and more naturally shaped… blades. But it’s probably a great choice if you haven’t got a shark lock system.
Its the tang refinished before testing? Rough finish and burned surface can easily cause wrong reading especially for non penetrating testers
Yes. Look closer and you’ll see that I took off the high spots. And, just in case, I tested on the blade with same results.
@ interesting, I’d sent it to a calibrated tester to just make sure. Tho I don’t know why this would involve Larrin tho, he invented this but Niagara sent out prototype to multiple individuals and companies for test, he’s not in charge of Bradford or anyone outside of the gate for that matter, he only got one couple days ago per his instagram
@ They advertised that Larrin was somehow involved.
My test method is not an ASME approved, but that’s why I always include a control sample, White River Backpacker in this case.
So to dispute my results, one would have to assume that my calibrated zero is shifted down by at least 2 HRC and that would mean the Guardian is in fact at 63.5… But that would make WR Backpacker 66.5. Which is more likely scenario?
@ I only saw them say it is a Larrin and Crucible steel, Larrin stated on blade forum month before this niagara only sent out samples, he’s not involved what after that. The thing is WRK and Bradford are different knives in different steel, so it doesn’t work like if one’s off by 2 the other would be the same, one result could be accurate and one could be not, leebs are know to be quite unreliable on this kind of test, that’s why calibration along for a proper tester cost more than them.
@ You Sir, are free to believe whatever your heart tells you. I’m an Engineer so I have to go with what I know:
The diamond indentation test is faster and more efficient on a production line and that’s why the industry prefers them. DoD uses Leeb testing to validate armor repairs as well as high pressure pipeline welds on ships.
The RW machines are inherently inaccurate because they use mechanical levers, gears, counterbalance weights, and proportionate hydraulic valve.
The guidin standard for RW testing is ASTM 18. Here’s the link to it:
repositorio.uisek.edu.ec/bitstream/123456789/2680/3/ASTM_E18-15.pdf
In the table on Page 11, you will find that for the hardness range above 60 HRC the allowable repeatability is 1 and allowable error is +/- .5 points. That means that a sample with nominal hardness 61 could test on RW at 59.5 to 62.5.
Sir, with all due respect for you, please read the ASTM-18
Bradford needs a major upgrade in their quality control department.
Yeah, and they need to move away from those leather sheaths.
@@jwdory I’m getting some information about what it is that they make in the house.
Can I recommend that you get a pair of the TSPROF Quick Clamps? They fit that Xarilk and I find them to be worth every penny.
you got a link for the quick clamp?
Thank you for the video. Too many other options out there in this size range. I’m most disappointed in the lack of customer service/response from Bradford. I remember Mr. Medford’s response to your video. I’m sure I don’t know all that was said but he took responsibility and used the video as a training exercise to keep it from happening again. Nothing is ever perfect, just own up to the issue and try to fix it. Ignoring it doesn’t sit well with me. Happy New Year and keep up the good work…the knife community needs you.
They changed the description on their website and pulled the knives back.
@ that’s really good to hear. Sounds like it was a great project, they just have to do a little work on their side. I hope they can get it worked out and back on the market. I’m a huge supporter of American made knife companies like Bradford. I wish them all well…glad to hear Bradford took responsibility and hope it works out. Thank you for the follow up. Have a great weekend sir.
@ Respectfully, taking responsibility would look a lot like a video explaining the situation and an offer to recall the knives that are not as advertised. I wish any small business best of luck, my mom and dad ran a jewelry store for 24 years so I fully understand what implications doing the right thing can have. But to be honest, I was planning on keeping the knife even if such offer was made. And so would 50% of others who bought it. JMHO
I have a great love of small, hard use fixed blade knives. Bradford has been on my list for a bit, and this debacle completely eliminated that desire
@@thundair Sorry to hear this. Perhaps there is a good explanation for this?
I'm just glad I found out before buying one. There are other quality knives iyt there
Hey @CBRx could you try hardness testing higher up near the blade flat? I wonder if the blade has a bit higher hardness than the handle?
@@sircassie891 I did that. Same result
I saw Larrin Thomas post on IG. He had commented few times that the steel is not ready for release.
It gives me the impression that Bradford tried to make some quick bucks from "samples from the prototype run of the material with a non-final composition and no name".
Does having the knife advertised as PROTO outright absolves them from not reaching the advertised HRC?
No, it doesn't absolve them, when Bradford's own advertising and stamping on the blade states "HH" as High Hardness.
I got the Swiss tech Leicht from Walmart and my hand barley fits on the handle all the way and want a knife with longer handle and wanted the guardian but which one do I get or a different knife under 250 that is best u can get that u would be alrt getting urself bec I trust ur reviews? Thank you learn alot n love to watch ur videos
@@erinsquirkychannel501 Almost nothing wrong with Pocket Tango. If I were to buy another one, I would pick the drop point or the sheep’s foot. I like Boker Vigtig vs. Wild as well, even at 61-62 HRC. Solid German made knife.
Thanks for doing this video. I was about to get this knife as a new steel nerd, but that hrc testing has put me right off.
You’re welcome. Read some of the comments below too. That would give you a more objective perspective.
I've bought a bunch of Bradford Guardian series over the years and all of mine have been perfect.
I had a Bradford Magnacut 3.2 that rusted. They never responded after an initial email rep would pass it to the boss.
@Actual-user Yikes, that's not good. I've got the same 3.2 in Magnacut, with no issues after a couple of years on my belt. The MagnaTuff hardness test he does here is also not encouraging... Peter's Heat Treat used to be the best in the business. I wonder what mine would test out as.
That said, I've never had an issue with any of the knives I've bought from them (their handles fit my hands perfectly, so it's my favorite brand). My two larger ones in Magnacut, a 5.5 and a 4.5 have been kayak camping for 2 seasons and haven't shown any rust with a total lack of care in the field. I'd call them back, Nicole has always been awesome to deal with if you get her.
@@adx442 Thanks, I called them 4 times and got a Gent named Rob answering the phone. Petard and Nicole are on vacation? Since mid-December?
@@CuttingBoardRx Just relaying my personal experience. I don't work there, and I haven't had enough problems to need customer service very much. Your hardness testing should be raising all kinds of flags with Crucible/Niagara and Larrin (and frankly, PHT as well, how did that get through any form of QA testing).
"Perfect"?! What were your hardness test results and how were they arrived at?
I have two Bradfords from years ago and blades were sharpened pretty good. Only issue was I broke 2 of their cheap spanner bits trying to change the scales out and their customer service was not great. Ended up getting better spanner bits from the hardware store that did the job.
Those Bradford bits, were they gold plated? Did they come in a hand made alligator skin pouch? 10 Bucks for 2 bits…
Maybe it’s a differential heat treatment? Higher hardness on the sharpened edge and softer on the handle portion? You did test only do the testing on the very end of the handle after all.
@@stcaro1 If the knife was made out of a carbon steel, that would be a possibility. But high alloy or super stainless, not a chance! The heat treat for these is a very precise process. Not impossible, but would require clay application, foil wrapping and wiring each blade individually. That’s a very slow and expensive process.
Thanks for the information. Have you tryed any busse knife ?
@@armandkokotajlo2085 Not yet.
The fasteners are called spanner bits and sometimes snake-eye bits. You can get them for less than two bucks. They are not unique to the Guardian. They are sold as tamper proof security screws. From watching you remove the scales it appears they stopped using thread locker> Lucky you, I went thru 4 of those bits trying to change the grips on my guardian. This was 5 years ago. I ended up cutting the grips off. G-10 dust is nasty stuff.
I got one of those Dacian knives for Christmas. I noticed my sheath, for the denim/copper handle, does not have the bulge your model did. I wonder if something happened to the knife? I appreciate your honesty. Thanks.
@@grumpyoldwizard I have both variations and the sheaths look identical other than the color
**61HRC on a handheld reader - I know there is differences between yours and the bigger table top ones. That being said I do agree with your viewpoints on this knife. 👍
Sadly, it looks like I might consider returning my Mangatuff 3.2 if possible. I live in the same state as Bradford and my first one had a rolled tip just like what was shown, I called them up and was able to get a replacement quick, but I got it thinking Larrin was more involved then he actually was. Now I'm curious if the Magnacut Bradfords with the "High Hardness" might also be softer then advertised.
I have one of the 5.5 Guardians in Elmax back when they only used AEB-L, Elmax, and 3V and it's been fantastic, but more and more it's starting to look like Bradford is cutting corners.
@@passwurd7987 Peters Heat Treat is who hardened the blade. I hear from the grape wine that Hog Doggins is the scales supplier, sheath is made by some other vendor… a business that farms out 75% of the components is at a mercy of the suppliers.
@@CuttingBoardRx While Hog Doggins isn't a name I recognize, I'm surprised if the HT is from Peters, I haven't heard any complaints about them yet. I'm curious if I should have mine tested to see if the HRC might come come up with another result.
I will say with any Bradford, the sheath has always been lacking. For fixed blades, they're well know for being a company you should buy custom sheaths for.
Peter’s does heat treat for Jon McNees, who told me that himself.
@@passwurd7987 can it cut a ragu spaghetti sauce glass? It must be 64 hrc plus to do this. 63 maybe but 62 and under will not. Glass can vary hardness but these should be consistent and I just tested it. Not a scratch, dust will come off and a white line will show. Obviosly not very scientific but I'd say pretty accurate. Unless ragu wildly changes their glass for some reason.
I have two Bradford knives.
Happened the same to me with the Gardian 6 M390. It was like a special edition.
The edge was way asymmetrical and the tip was completely a mess.
I also bought previously the Gardian 4 M390 and that one was perfect.
@@mauriciolguinSounds like they are experiencing issues
What whiteriver knife was that? thk u
@@erinsquirkychannel501 Backpacker.
My uncle used a foot peedled wheel to sharpen for years. When he got in his late 80's his edges started looking jagged like that. I'm sure the aren't using foot power lol. But maybe an electric spinning stone.
What was the knife below the broken Benchmade? Thanks!
That appears to be a MKM Knives DCA Pocket Tango 1.
It's a Benchmade Dacian
I have the same bevel issue with Spyderco dragonfly 2
I would look at the kunwu stiffy P. Wonderful little fixed blade.
I would really like to know the hardness on them.
@@samturner6455 I just grabbed a couple of Kunwu folders. Let’s see how they heat treat…
Thank you
A knife blade is only as good as the heat treatment. Is this an isolated flaw? I resharpen every knife I purchase regardless of the manufacturer. Thanks for an honest, non biased review.
@@kandcdish in test engineering community, this one outlier would constitute a full root cause assessment and testing the whole batch. I’m shocked that they didn’t ask me to send the blade back to them for analysis!…
@@CuttingBoardRx I do agree.
@CuttingBoardRx
They didn't ask for a return for analysis, since the dirt bags know what they're selling: LIES
Thanks for saving me money, the sharpening alone made me nervous. I'm not convinced about the test though. There is a reason people spend thousands of dollars on a proper hardness tester. Bradford is a good company though, id give them a chance to make it right.
That test isn't very accurate though. The cutouts on the bradford could be responsible for that. There is a reason people spend thousands of dollars on hrc testers. You need a diamond indenter.
@@jusme8060 Explain away how my tester measured two blades side by side and had drastically different results. Please, I’m listening!
@@CuttingBoardRx there are more cutouts on the bradford. You're bouncing a steel ball, do i need to elaborate? Steel thickness could also be a factor. How level the surfaces are...maybe more. A quick Google search will confirm.
Or maybe it's right, just trying to help. I wouldnt want to bad mouth a reputable company if I wasnt sure is all.
@ They had 3 weeks to get answers. As I said in the description.
I wish with Crucible closing, they would send BBB some of their test cpm 20V steel. 4.4% carbon and 19.5% vanadium makes 10v and k390 seem almost pedestrian in comparison. Closest steel carbon content wise (besides test 18v with 3.9%) is CPM MPL-1/Supracor at 3.75%. it's the highest carbon content steel thats been used to make knives (a few by a custom maker), beating out 3.4% of both rex 121 and 15v.
Sure i like high toughness steels. But something about the potential of enough carbon to dwarf cast irons maximum content mixed with almost 20% vanadium at 65hrc+ gets the blood flowing to that certain area of my body.
@@MFD00MTR33 Nerd!
Great comment
@CuttingBoardRx wait... You mean you don't have the composition of most steels memorized by heart, including unreleased tests steels like Elmax 2, s145v, 20v and others? Am I the weird one?
🤔 No no no, that can't be it. There's something wrong with YOU! 😂🤣
Great video as usual. Thank you for your hard work and spending your own money to give us unbiased reviews. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻
@ steels? All 2 of them? Because all highly advertised stainless blade steels are derivatives from the 400 series and all high speed high alloy steels are basic cro-vans. The rest is witchey
I've been temped for a while to get a Guardian 4, ...those ugly snake bolts always turned me off of the idea tho. Thanks for fun and intelligent content you do, cheers.
@@tubesurfer23 Thanks for subscribing!
Bradford will most certainly see this and I’m curious to see what they say, if anything. This is odd and concerning to say the least.
I should add that I’ve had great experiences with their steel and heat treat. I’ve got a knives from them in M4, Vannadis 4E, 3V, and M390 all of which sharpen and perform excellent. There was a point years back where Bradford was kinda the Spyderco of the fixed blade world and a number of their dealers had exclusives in specific “exotic” steels.
I sent them the link to my video of just the test around December 12. Not a single view. Asked them to look into this and keep me posted. Spoke with customer service 4 times. Nothing. I emailed the same link to Larrin, he didn’t watch it either. He just emailed me back that he’ll have to test it himself. Didn’t ask me to send him the knife, which I would have done at my expense. They don’t want to know.
Do they heat treat the tang like they do the blade though?
I get this question all the time. The answer is yes.
I was seriously thinking about purchasing this knife. At $240 with premium blade steel, I will definitely pass on purchasing a Bradford 3.2
The Italian Handy Viper in Magnacut is $159. The Handy Viper is a great knife and quality built.
@@witness1449 Check out White River offerings too. They do MagnaCut right at below $200
Thank you sir, interesting as always.
Probably I'm too pessimistic, but I see the knife world in decadence tougher with our society and economic system.
But there is always a hope, during the winter plants look dead but they are not.
The spring is coming.
Ok I had this poetical moment I wanted to share.
Anyway, making a good product it is not only matter of business, you need passion and a sincere desire to do something good for your community, not everyone consider knives jewelery.
For me, opinel is still one of the best folders in the planet, why? Because they are reliable, long lasting and cheap enough to be accessible to almost everyone in the world, they are making money and serving the humanity at the same time.
Let's do something more for the users please.
I still trust you americans, I'm with you, c'mon.
You take a quick glance and its already horrible. Good stuff.
Lol, well... I guess I'm glad I decided to pass when I saw these drop.
@@SliceyAethstetic Yeah… not that it is any worse than what most common put out there, not that the knife isn’t going to perform even at this HT level, it’s the false advertising and the total lack of interest is what causing me to be concerned
I am in disbelief.
I have 4 Guardians in different sizes.
Both 3V and N690 are perfect.
What does "perfect" mean? Works ok if you aren't too particular, lol?
@@litsci4690 I have beaten the sh^^^^^t out of all of these knives. They are perfect me for me and my family because they have never broken and the edge is always easily repairable. I don't have money to waste so I felt lucky when I found the guardian n690 sheepsfoot. But it lured me into the others... I have never broken or rolled an edge batoning EVERTTHING with these knives, regardless of steel. I have never hit metal in any wood with these knives, but I assume they will require more sharmening than normal if anything. My original G3 in n690 is still used bi-monthly on my wife's featherstick practice. Only modification to that blade was a minor convexing regrind with sandpaper and newspaper backing (did the same over a much longer time to my G6 which made it my best batoning knife ever (swedge grind), also used at least bimonthly,) I admit, I like my batoning and my evening fires with family. G3 in 3V easily very easily open carried scout 10pm where I live for accessibility. Bradford even offers 'blem' sales for aesthetic discounts instead of quality issues also. Hope you enjoy.
Wow this is just awful I would be pissed if I received a knife finished like this,and I have only once! That was an ontario rat 3 it was aweful! Took me a very long time to marginally fix the asymmetrical edge bevel..
@@thomasrobarts2399 Well, one thing is going for this steel, it sharpened very easily!
I guess you can't trust a company that is going bankrupt
I don’t want to hear any cope about this being a prototype. A prototype is what you send out saying: this is how awsome we are. We are perfect, we are squared away and you should buy our product….
@@EastCoastMan603 i think the “Proto” refers to the steel.
HATE to hear this!!! l did purchase one earlier today Bradford has a great reputation But with that said l don't like how they handled your findings!!! I probably won't receive the knife till the end of the week But if you'd be interested l could send it to ya? Sent ya an email ;) Definitely shouldn't be selling a proto advertised at a certain HRC and be that far off!! If so they should address the issue and make it right!!!
What the hell is magnatuff? Steels are becoming astrology signs...
@@DominicZelenak Watch the video by CBRx that explains what it is.
ruclips.net/video/pvIqvQZtAp0/видео.html
When MagnaCut was debuted, Dr. Larrin said there were other variations of the steel that could be done to push different characteristics, now we're seeing the development and upcoming release of one of those variants, and people are assuming it'll be a tougher version or higher edge retention etc and they're guessing about the potential name.
@@EvilSSP this is misleading and confusing. I have no clue what they were trying to accomplish with this marketing.
Larrin is aware that Bradford is using his name in their advertisements and also that they took the liberty of naming the steel.
I just bought a set of Magnawhatever steel steak knives😂 😂. My Lord how did we survive with 440C………
Larrin teased the concept as MagnaWear a while ago but Niagara Specialty Metals has trademarked the name MagnaMax for several months, so I would assume that's what it will be called. Making up the name MagnaTuff, which makes no sense and is just a marketing gimmick, is idiotic and worse than the shoddy QC. I will give them the benefit of the doubt on hardness until an official test is conducted.
On the "bright" side for you, this model may become a valuable collectors item if Crucible really goes under and no one else cares about producing dedicated knife steels.
@@noxypoxyroodypoo Apparently Crucible doesn’t own the exclusive rights to the CPM lineup. So none of them are likely going away.
A collectible knife would not have been altered in any way, so that solves this problem 🤣
I shall speculate for a minute: If there’s already a MagnaMax, they could have been working on a MagnaTuff, logical? A composition that has elevated edge wear at lower HRC, which would actually be ideal for a hunting, water sports, or chefs knife. Bradford’s marketing guy, that’s the silver tongue I was on the phone with, struck me as someone who could have misunderstood what Niagara was trying to accomplish with this particular sample.
A stretch? I’m really giving them a lot of leeway on this!
@CuttingBoardRx I'm not saying they own the exclusive rights to a particular process or steel, there are three other US producers doing particle metallurgy steels. I'm saying other companies may not be interested in producing steels that are specifically designed for knives (MagnaCut and MagnaMax), which is a very small part of the steel market. Other PM steels have some larger industrial application.
I think there is only one prototype steel Larrin, which by no coincidence was released as a prototype to a select few shortly after the name MagnaMax was trademarked. Bradford either didn't understand what they were told about this steel, or didn't understand the connotation of the name Tuff in other steels, or just didn't care.
@ Thanks for the info. I don’t have time for forums as I’m too busy being an engineer by day and RUclipsr by night. Both are full time jobs btw, and only one of them pays the bills 🤣
I’ll have to return the one I ordered, this is kind of disgrace.
I would take it with a grain of salt. They have a pretty good reputation and that hrc tester isn't accurate. He may as well just bite them and guess the hrc. Hrc doesn't even matter if you don't know what the steel is or what it's attributes are at what hrc. Yeah, the sharpening job was whack but sharpening some of these super steels on a belt grinder does that. Obbiosly they aren't going to stone sharpen each and strop it after. Bradfords magnacut at 61 to 62 was better than most brands I've tried including spydercos which was actually the worst ive had. Hrc isn't everything. What is the hrc of s90v? 59-60? 61 tops is what most knife makers would go to for that steel. Hrc means nothing without context. Let me know when you get it though, I'm curious what you think.
They advertised MagnTUFF at 63-64 HRC on the prototype Guardian 3.2. Which part of this isn’t clear to you? Go to their website and see for yourself!
bradfordknives.com/home/679-26441-guardian32-magnaTUFF.html#/15-fastener_type-black_oxide/20-blade_finish-stonewash/22-blade_grind-sabre/69-handle_color-3d_microtextured_black_g_10
Your loyalty to them is admirable though!
@CuttingBoardRx your hrc tester is whack. What part of that isnt clear to you? It may be 63-64. Nobody who knows anything about knives would trust that tester. You need a diamond indenter. Even a scratch test would be better than that thing.
@ Thanks for visiting and have a happy New Year!
@@jusme8060 If the Leep HRC tester is a "whack," how is it that the calibration worked and the other knife matched expectations over several samples? Something in technique? Surface roughness? Please share your expertise.
How embarrassing for Bradford and for American production!
The knife companies got used to reviewers blowing smoke up their a.. in hopes of getting a free knife…
Thank you so much cbrx, we need more reviewer like you, there are so many reviewers out there that is just sales person paid by knife company to say good things about their product, after so many years in this hobby i just realize how stupid I am all this time listening to those people
Seems like GREED and MARKETING HYPE is driving Bradford. I own 1 Bradford Knife and it will be my last after watching this and hearing they have no real interest on receiving the feedback. It sounds like all of their new High Hardness blades may be a scam. I think I may purchase a couple of them and have them professionally tested and if they fail report them to my State Attorney Generals Office.
And THIS, is why Chinese blade manufacturers are seeing so much growth and expansion:
American/Western manufacturers screwing over their customers with high prices, poor workmanship and poor heat treats.
@@TheScotchaholic marketing hype is right. We don't even know what the steel is. Hrc without context means nothing. S90v is generally run at 59 to 60hrc. Hrc is not everything, just a good selling point.