The Bradford Guardian 5 Black Nimbus Drop Point is built for people who want their camp and hike knife to be the one they can rely on when everything else gets tested. At 9.12 inches overall with a 4.62-inch blade, it hits that ideal size for outdoor work: long enough for serious cutting and light chopping, yet compact enough to carry comfortably all day on your belt or pack. At 6.3 ounces, it strikes a smart balance between reassuring heft and trail-friendly weight.
The heart of the Guardian 5 is its CPM-3V tool steel blade. This steel has earned a serious reputation among enthusiasts for incredible toughness and edge stability. It’s made to shrug off hard use—think batoning, carving, camp chores, and dirty work around the fire—while holding an edge far longer than ordinary steels. Paired with a 0.16-inch thick spine and a sabre grind, this drop point blade is built to punch above its weight. The sabre grind gives you a robust, powerful edge with plenty of support behind it, so you can confidently push through dense wood, heavy rope, or stubborn material without babying your knife.
The Black Nimbus finish gives this Guardian 5 a distinct, almost stormy character. It’s not just for looks, either. The Nimbus treatment helps mask scratches and wear, so your knife keeps looking sharp even after real-world trail time. This is the kind of finish that develops personality the more you use it, making your knife feel uniquely yours with every trip and every task.
In hand, the knife feels secure and purposeful thanks to its black Micarta handle. Micarta is a go-to material for serious users because it offers great traction, even when wet, sweaty, or dirty. Bradford’s 3D-style shaping and attention to ergonomics mean the handle naturally nests into your grip, giving you comfort and control whether you’re making fine feather sticks, prepping food, or doing heavy camp work. The black color keeps things clean and understated, pairing beautifully with the dark Nimbus blade for a modern, no-nonsense look.
A knife like this deserves a proper carry system, and Bradford delivers with a leather sheath that’s both durable and classic. It holds the knife securely while letting you draw it smoothly when you need it. On the trail, around camp, or at the truck, you’ll appreciate having a fixed blade that’s always ready without flicks, buttons, or moving parts to worry about.
You’ll find the Bradford Guardian 5 Black Nimbus Drop Point at the world’s largest knife store, Smoky Mountain Knife Works, where it stands shoulder to shoulder with a deep lineup of premium outdoor blades. Backed by the selection, service, and convenience you’d expect from the best online knife store, this Guardian 5 is ready to become the dependable camp and hike companion you reach for every time you head out.