Big Soddie Pivot?

[Lycosa]

The sodbuster pivot is huge! Is this a special pivot?
Thanks.

[Obsessed with Edges]

I think, in the specific example of a Case soddie, it's called a 'compression rivet' (two pieces, a 'male' and 'female' side, press-fitted together). Some other makes use a 'bird's eye' fitting, which I think is a threaded nut-and-bolt type of fitting, screwed together and then the exposed ends are cut/ground off. Both are fairly large in diameter.

I'd bet the large diameter of the pivot rivets on any of them is a necessity because it's the only hardware providing any strength in the pivot, due to the absence of bolsters. In other knives with metal bolsters, the bolster itself adds a lot of lateral strength as an anchor for the pivot pin, so the pivot pins themselves don't necessarily need to be as huge. If the soddies used the same size pins as on other bolstered knives, the pivot would easily pull apart with sideways pressure. The delrin or wood handles on a soddie aren't anywhere near strong enough to anchor/support a smaller pin.

[cj65]

It is special and significant for the sod buster. I think the appeal of the traditional sod buster is it's strength, hence the pivot, and the durability and ruggedness. I guess I have nothing to add to Lycosa's post. LOL. I do have 2 sodbusters. They are a no nonsense knife. They are like a T 50 staple gun. They are common, rugged, inexpensive, and they work like a draft animal.

[richstag]

Unc,

I believe they are called a bird's eye pivot. Two washers and a peened pin.

Kevin

[richstag]

I think, in the specific example of a Case soddie, it's called a 'compression rivet' (two pieces, a 'male' and 'female' side, press-fitted together). Some other makes use a 'bird's eye' fitting, which I think is a threaded nut-and-bolt type of fitting, screwed together and then the exposed ends are cut/ground off. Both are fairly large in diameter.

I'd bet the large diameter of the pivot rivets on any of them is a necessity because it's the only hardware providing any strength in the pivot, due to the absence of bolsters. In other knives with metal bolsters, the bolster itself adds a lot of lateral strength as an anchor for the pivot pin, so the pivot pins themselves don't necessarily need to be as huge. If the soddies used the same size pins as on other bolstered knives, the pivot would easily pull apart with sideways pressure. The delrin or wood handles on a soddie aren't anywhere near strong enough to anchor/support a smaller pin.

David,

You bring up a great point. It seems some do different styles. Like the GEC I don't quite get how that one works. They called it press fit bite washers. But when I look at my pivot it just look like a pin and washer with a gap between filled with epoxy. I don't understand it.

Kevin

[Obsessed with Edges]

David,

You bring up a great point. It seems some do different styles. Like the GEC I don't quite get how that one works. They called it press fit bite washers. But when I look at my pivot it just look like a pin and washer with a gap between filled with epoxy. I don't understand it.

Kevin

The GEC does look more different than any of the others I've seen (I don't have one, but based on the pics I've seen here). I initially assumed it was a birds eye type, but I'm not so sure what it is. Based on the 'press fit bite washer' description, that sounds like the inside of the washers might be tapered or something, to keep them from backing off the pin. I've read that at least some of the birds eye fasteners are sometimes filled with epoxy during/after assembly. Closes up the gaps between threads in the fastener (keeps moisture out), basically, and helps to keep it from unscrewing itself, I would assume.

[richstag]

Thanks David for the thoughts. They make perfect sense.

[mike Berkovitch]

Thanks David for useful info.
Mike

[Lycosa]

Thank you for the great info. I knew there had to be some reason for this big pivot!
Hi Nef!

[bemo]

I would also geuss that the bigger the pivot, the more surface area to spread the different forces out. It is suppose to be a hard-working knife afterall. I never realized some of the pivots started out as essentially a corby bolt. Makes sense and is nice to know. Also, if that's true, then trying to tighten it up with a hammer could do more damage than help, threaded things typically don't appreciate being hammered on.

[Humppa]

Hi guys!

Here you can see the pivot-pins of the Case Soddie and the Otter knife pivot



It seems, that the Otter pivot is just pinned through the handle. Nothing special like on the US made.

Getting back to the here answered questions - I think the Case used pivot is tougher than the german made one. It really seems, that there´s just a pin through the pivot - here comes the german one. The US made one seems to be more complicated to build.

Just my two Cent (I hope, I understand the replies to the TO)

Kind regards
Andi

[Lycosa]

Thanks again.
Both pivots will hold up well unless some serious knife abuse is going on.
Thanks Andi.

[medicevans]

I'd bet the large diameter of the pivot rivets on any of them is a necessity because it's the only hardware providing any strength in the pivot, due to the absence of bolsters. In other knives with metal bolsters, the bolster itself adds a lot of lateral strength as an anchor for the pivot pin, so the pivot pins themselves don't necessarily need to be as huge. If the soddies used the same size pins as on other bolstered knives, the pivot would easily pull apart with sideways pressure. The delrin or wood handles on a soddie aren't anywhere near strong enough to anchor/support a smaller pin.

Wood and delrin maybe not, but G10 and Micarta, absolutely.

My first slipjoint I am working on is a shadow pattern. I think stabilized wood would be ok without a larger pivot, but I still like the look.

http://www.knives.mutantdiscovery.com/destruction.html

[Obsessed with Edges]

Wood and delrin maybe not, but G10 and Micarta, absolutely.

My first slipjoint I am working on is a shadow pattern. I think stabilized wood would be ok without a larger pivot, but I still like the look.

http://www.knives.mutantdiscovery.com/destruction.html

No argument there. I've seen some of the threads on a related note in the Knifemaker's forum. G10 and Micarta (and carbon fiber also), as well as the stainless liners and pivot hardware usually seen on such knives, is a whole lot stronger.

[K R Johnson]

Here's my old Case Sodbuster which I bought new in 1973. As you can see I used it hard and finally the spring broke. Instead of sending it in for repair, I used it as a pattern. The pivot has brass washers and a 1/8" pivot pin. Someday I'll make it a new spring.

[Lycosa]

Thanks K R
Give er fixed up and back in your pocket.