Barlow vs. Sodbuster

D

d.weglarz13

Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
1,944
Okay, so as Ive been on the hunt for a good traditional knife for my edc lately, I find that I am torn between either the
Sodbuster type knife or GEC Bullnose #71
and a nice looking barlow like the Tidioute charlow, although I am still in between a clip point or spear point for that one.

Now, I am wondering from you guys who use these all the time, what would be better suited for what type of work? I mean, this will be for me an EDC knife, but also need to do some work with it around the house, a lot of rope cutting, paracord too, and all sorts of every day work with it around the shop and the house.

So, what would you guys recommend, and for what purposes would you choose either:

Barlow clip point
Barlow spear point
GEC Bullnose/sodbuster

again, for general utility work horse of a knife...Im leaning towards the barlow for the look, but I'm guessing the GEC might be a bit stronger?

What Im trying to say is.....Help me spend my money again, and what would YOU pick...?

And, I seem to be able to find the Bullnose, but it seems its very hard to find a Tidioute barlow. So, any ideas where I should look for one, other than just the exchange here? Thanks guys, Im loving traditionals now thanks to you guys!

dave
 
If you're looking for a heavy-duty/workhorse category folder the 71 Bullnose will be stronger than the 15 Charlow under heavy use. The pivot area and general build of the 71 is more robust.

The Charlow is a great all-purpose pocket knife. Clip or Spear blade is just a matter of preference really.
 
I'd go with a sodbuster as well. The Case sodbuster is a very rugged knife, as is the bull nose. Either one will not let you down.
 
My vote is for the sodbuster as well. I don't have a TC barlow but have handled them and while they are more elegant, the bull nose is more of a workhorse. The delrin resist things like chemicals and oil very well. They have a little more blade length as well. My bull nose is my go to work and chore knife. Don't discount the Case sodbuster (or JR) either. They are a great economical knife, I have several and before my bull nose were my favorites. The one thing I like about the bull nose over the Case is the lanyard hole.
 
Case Sodbuster, and if you want that more elegant look, get the new jigged bone in cv.
 
For real work the sodbuster/bullnose is the way to go. Now if you want the barlow look in a sodbuster size (4") check out the northwoods #44 madison barlow.
 
Having owned both I would say either would hold up to normal hardwork. I would carry either to the jobsite and have. Really comes down to the handle. The bullnose is a little longer and much thicker/rounder. Makes it much better for prolonged use. I would also give a nod to the O1 tool steel used in the bullnose. Will hold an edge longer. I say get both :D
 
I'll complicate your decision a little more get the Barlow and a Opinel #9, hard to beat a Opinel #9 for hard use, I've used mine to cut Sheetrock, cement board, trim shims, cut miles R8 insulation, closed cell insulation, make penetrations in 26g and 30g sheet metal, use for light prying to seat fittings, scrape mortar etc. it keeps on going, you can't beat the value.
But the sodbuster is I nice work knife, and seems to have a strong following, I've just never taken to it and it has never kicked to Opinel out of my pocket

Pete
 
Hi Dave,
I'd also recommend the bull nose. Both at great knives but the bullnose is a bit bigger in every way. I think the thicker handle works better for heavier use. The TC Barlow is a very capable knife too. But it's slim and smaller than the bullnose.

The TC Barlow is a special factory order (SFO) by Charlie Campagna. A few sponsoring dealers sell them and you can get them direct from Charlie (his user name is waynorth) when he has them. They are made in batches and usually sell out fast. The exchange is a great place to find them used.

I prefer the clip for a working knife. But as others have said its a preference.

Good luck on your search.

Here's a couple pics of a Barlow (sheepsfoot blade) and bullnose.

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C1ED186F-AAFA-4CFF-A0B9-76FF53BE189E_zpsokkai7bs.jpg
 
I think the Bullnose is a better knife for heavy use. The Charlow or Boy's Knife is better for EDC.

- Christian
 
I prefer the soddie, it's just a worker knife that gets it done plus it feels better in my hand due to the added length. There are a ton of sodbusters out there, some that are dressed up in stag, bone, wood or micarta. I have a few pics of my soddie addiction over here if you want ideas.
 
rockgolfer said:
I say get both :D
Click to expand...

Stich2442 said:
hard to beat a Opinel #9 for hard use
Click to expand...

wundergussy said:
Northwoods Madison Barlow
Click to expand...

When I see a post that asks which one, my answer is always BOTH!
I suggest you start by focusing in on what handle length you want.. a 3.5" knife is quite different to carry in pocket than a 4"+ knife.
Also, think in detail what you actually want to use the knife for. Northwoods for example are in a totally different price league than an Opinel. Chances are you wont use an expensive knife for what you would use an inexpensive knife..

mr_badexample said:
The TC Barlow is a special factory order (SFO) by Charlie Campagna. A few sponsoring dealers sell them and you can get them direct from Charlie (his user name is waynorth) when he has them.
Click to expand...

Charlie has a new batch of Barlows coming out shortly. Some will have spear blades, which I favor, they work better for my food needs, like spreading peanut butter.

but again, if you cant decide between clip blade or spear, get BOTH!

this forum has very strict rules against talking about buying knives, what they cost, and where to get them. We are toeing a fine line, and I hope I dont earn a violation by posting this link that has barlows available
http://gunstockjacksknivesandcollectibles.com/shop/product-category/15-boys-knife
 
Buy a Barlow - use it until you wear it out - then buy a Sodbuster - do the same - repeat, eventually you'll be too old to care! OH
 
If it is for HARD work, a sodbuster will last longer, and cost you less!
And, you will grow to love its ugly little self!!
Ha Ha!!
:D
 
waynorth said:
If it is for HARD work, a sodbuster will last longer, and cost you less!
And, you will grow to love its ugly little self!!
Ha Ha!!
:D
Click to expand...

Just emailed you Sir.

Side note, i like the fact that the sodbuster is a tougher knife, but when i need to use it for real hard work I'm sure i won't be using a slip joint if i need to use pressure, as I understand slip joints are not the strongest type.
I do however LOVE the look of those sfo barrows with the spear point especially, they just look so nice and I can't help but think how nice they will look over time....

decisions, decisions.....

thanks so much for all the replies guys.


p.s........also, just how good or bad are slippys for utility work? Im assuming from what i read they are great, but I hate to think what would happen if i were to forget that for a second and use the tip under pressure....

How do you guys feel about slip joints for work? Is it ok to assume I shouldn't really have any problems with it as long as I don't forget not to use in a stabbing motion?
To be honest, I have cut my hands very bad with folding knives with a lock that was "Safe" after putting pressure on the knife in the past and I have the scars on my hands to prove it. , so this slip joint thing could be a great thing for me or hopefully not a negative thing.

And since were talking, i guess I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

thanks again,
dave
 
I have to agree with Pete. You obviously love the look of the Charlow, get one whenever you can. You are worried about a knife closing in hard use, the opinel has a lock. They are super cheap and so thin, yet very capable. Bonus, you can shape the handle to fit your hand. Much like I did with this one I was actually gifted by Pete :)





*Note, I removed the lock ring from mine to make it a true friction folder.
 
If you want a TC Barlow get one from this next batch and do it quick as they go very quickly. It's a fantastic and wonderful pocket knife and one of my all-time favorites. It's very capable but it's still a pocket knife, not a heavy-duty tool.

If I may suggest... for your "workhorse" and a very capable one at that, get a sodbuster. The Case Soddie Jr is around $20. You can't beat it for the price and it's very durable. I've spent the better part of today researching the Case SodBuster Jr and all indications are it's an outstanding value and is plenty robust for a working knife. In fact by the time I got done I was so impressed that I ordered a CV Case SodBuster Jr in yellow delrin myself! :)

As Jonathan said above... "Get both"
 
Sorry guys, I've played with a soddie jr, and while I know it is a great hard use knife, I just can't get into it. Just can't.

Charlow? Oh heck yeah.

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