Guardian Tactical
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About Guardian Tactical
Andy Buerk is a nationally renowned blade design engineer. In 2012, he teamed up with computer numerical control (CNC) master machinist Brian Mercer to create Guardian Tactical USA. Their mission? Develop uniquely designed tactical products for responsible self-defense, everyday utility, and safety.
Although relatively new compared to its more established peers, Guardian Tactical is a trusted name in the tactical knife industry. Its lines of automatic knives are increasingly becoming favorites among knife enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
Where are Guardian knives made?
Guardian Tactical products are proudly made in the USA—in the company's state-of-the-art facility by some of the most skilled machinists and assembly technicians in the industry.
Guardian knives undergo a rigorous manufacturing process that includes critical tolerance testing verification. This ensures knives are of the highest quality and perform exceptionally well, even in demanding environments. Guardian Tactical uses the most advanced CNC technology, which enables precise machining and intricate detailing, so that each part of the knife is crafted to specifications.
What are the main features of Guardian Tactical USA knives?
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Elmax stainless steel blade: Produced by Böhler-Uddeholm, Elmax is a superior, high-end knife steel known for its toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. This powder metallurgy stainless steel is sometimes dubbed the "best all-around knife steel."
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Patented out-the-front (OTF) design: Guardian's innovative, double-action locking mechanism features a ramped thumb slide that's separated from the handle by a steel plate and three ceramic balls. This reduces friction on the blade during opening and closing (a common issue among OTF knives), making deployment smooth and practically effortless. Also, because Guardian OTF knives lock up nicely and tightly, they don't have the severe wiggle other OTF brands have.
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Wide range of blade styles: Each Guardian Tactical line offers several blade style options. For example, you can get a RECON-035 blade in the following styles: drop point, tanto, dagger, dagger with partial serrate, and double-edged dagger.
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Wide range of handle colors: Available Guardian knife handle colors include black, blue, olive drab (OD) green, burnt orange, red, and desert tan.
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Tip-down pocket clip: Each Guardian Tactical knife comes with a well-designed but discreet and low-profile pocket clip for enhanced portability and accessibility. Depending on the model, the clip can either be fixed or reversible.
What is the Guardian Tactical RECON-035?
The Guardian Tactical RECON-035 is an everyday carry (EDC) OTF knife that's quickly racking up a huge following for its "just right" size and smooth deployment capabilities.
RECON-035 tactical knife features:
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Blade steel: Elmax
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Blade length: 3.375 inches
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Blade styles: Drop point, tanto, dagger, dagger with partial serrate, double-edged dagger
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Handle materials: Aluminum and carbon fiber
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Handle colors: Black, blue, red, green
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Pocket clip: Tip down
Guardian Tactical RECON-035 vs. RECON-040: What's the difference?
Guardian Tactical RECON-040 knives are slightly larger compared to the RECON-035. They're designed for users who want more beef in their OTF. RECON-035 knives, meanwhile, are suited for all hand sizes and are much easier to pocket.
RECON-040 tactical knives also feature Elmax stainless steel blades. Blade lengths vary between 3.75 and 4 inches. Blade style options include drop point and tanto, and finishes include blackwash, standard black, and stonewash. Just like the RECON-035, RECON-040 tactical knives come with a tip-down pocket clip.
Both RECON-035 and 040 have lanyard holes. The RECON-040 is equipped with a nested glass breaker.
What is the Guardian Tactical GTX-025?
The GTX-025 is the most compact OTF knife from Guardian Tactical—essentially, the RECON's little bro. Although small, it fits both large and small hands nicely.
GTX-025 tactical knife features:
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Blade steel: Elmax
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Blade length: 2.5 inches
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Blade finishes: Black, satin, dark stonewash, two-toned
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Handle materials: Anodized aluminum
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Handle colors: OD green, black, blue, burnt orange
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Pocket clip: Right/left tip down
Are Guardian Tactical knives good for everyday carry?
Many Guardian Tactical knives are compact in size, making them ideal for EDC. The smooth OTF mechanism characteristic of popular Guardian automatics allows for quick, hassle-free blade deployment. Also, the tight lock-up mechanism prevents the blade from wobbling, ensuring safety and reliability during use.
Are Guardian knives legal to carry?
Knives are generally legal to purchase and carry in the United States. However, certain features may be restricted. Federal law doesn't allow the use of automatic knives, but they can be purchased in a state where they're permitted.
Before buying a Guardian Tactical knife, be sure you're familiar with applicable local laws. Verifying and correctly understanding the regulations in your area is critical, as they can vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Do Guardian Tactical knives come with a warranty?
Yes, they do. All Guardian knives are covered by a limited lifetime warranty against material or workmanship defects. The warranty doesn't cover damage as a result of misuse, abuse, neglect, modifications, or improper blade sharpening.
Guardian Tactical will also sharpen your knives free of charge for as long as you own them.
Where can I buy Guardian Tactical USA knives?
Northwest Knives, a Guardian Tactical authorized distributor, is a trusted online retailer of premium-quality automatic knives. We carry tactical knives from the world's leading brands, including Guardian Tactical, Benchmade, Boker, Heretic, Hogue, and Kershaw.
Guardian Tactical knives sold at our shop include:
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Guardian Tactical RECON-040 (Black Elmax Blade, Black Aluminum Handle)
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Guardian Tactical RECON-040 (Stonewash Elmax Blade, Black Aluminum Handle)
Got any questions? Reach out to us via this contact form. We respond within 24 hours. Alternatively, call us at 208-884-8626.
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Guardian Tactical GTX-025 OTF - Black Finish / Elmax Steel / Drop Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 12-3111
Regular price $249.00Sale price $249.00 Regular price $345.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical GTX-025 OTF - Dark Stonewash Finish / Elmax Steel / Drop Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 12-3611
Regular price $245.00Sale price $245.00 Regular price $345.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical GTX-025 OTF - Dark Stonewash Finish / Elmax Steel / Drop Point Blade / Burnt Orange Anodized Aluminum Handle 12-4611BO
Regular price $249.00Sale price $249.00 Regular price $249.00Unit price per -
Guardian Tactical GTX-025 OTF - Dark Stonewash Finish / Elmax Steel / Drop Point Blade / OD Green Anodized Aluminum Handle 12-8611
Regular price $245.00Sale price $245.00 Regular price $245.00Unit price per -
Guardian Tactical GTX-025 OTF - Stonewash Finish / Elmax Steel / Drop Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 12-3511
Regular price $249.00Sale price $249.00 Regular price $345.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical GTX-025 OTF - Tactical Black Finish / Elmax Steel / Tanto Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 12-3121
Regular price $245.00Sale price $245.00 Regular price $245.00Unit price per -
Guardian Tactical GTX-025 OTF - Two Toned Finish / Elmax Steel / Drop Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 12-3211
Regular price $249.00Sale price $249.00 Regular price $330.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / 2-Toned Black Finish / Spear Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 93112G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / Black Tactical Finish / Serrated Spear Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 93112G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / Black Tactical Finish / Spear Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 93111G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / Black Tactical Finish / Spear Point Blade/ OD Green Anodized Aluminum Handle 98111G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / Dark Stonewash Finish / Spear Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 93611G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / Spear Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 93511G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / Stonewashed Finish / Serrated Spear Point Blade / Black Anodized Aluminum Handle 93512G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / Stonewashed Finish / Spear Point Blade/ OD Green Anodized Aluminum Handle 98511G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 035 G2 - CPM-Magnacut Steel / Two-Toned Finish / Spear Point Blade/ OD Green Anodized Aluminum Handle 98211G2
Regular price $299.00Sale price $299.00 Regular price $400.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 040 - 2-Toned Black Finish / Elmax Steel / OD Green Anodized Aluminum Handle 118211
Regular price $389.00Sale price $389.00 Regular price $520.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 040 - Black Elmax Blade / Black Aluminum Handle
Regular price $389.00Sale price $389.00 Regular price $520.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 040 - Black Elmax Blade / Black Aluminum Handle 113211
Regular price $389.00Sale price $389.00 Regular price $520.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Recon 040 - Black Tactical Finish / Elmax Steel / OD Green Anodized Aluminum Handle 118111
Regular price $389.00Sale price $389.00 Regular price $520.00Unit price perSale -
Guardian Tactical Scout OTF - Black Anodized Aluminum Handle / Black 2-Toned Single Edge Blade 143211
Regular price $275.00Sale price $275.00 Regular price $275.00Unit price per -
Guardian Tactical Scout OTF - Black Anodized Aluminum Handle / Black Tactical Single Edge Blade 143111
Regular price $275.00Sale price $275.00 Regular price $275.00Unit price per -
Guardian Tactical Scout OTF - Black Anodized Aluminum Handle / Dark Stonewashed Single Edge Blade 143611
Regular price $275.00Sale price $275.00 Regular price $275.00Unit price per -
Guardian Tactical Scout OTF - Black Anodized Aluminum Handle / Stonewashed Single Edge Blade 143511
Regular price $275.00Sale price $275.00 Regular price $275.00Unit price per