Branching out, looking to try a classic! Recommendations?

MichaelR96

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Mar 16, 2021
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So as the title says I’m looking to try a classic or traditional knife. After doing some research I’ve found that I really love “Sodbuster” style lockbacks.

If they were available my first choice would absolutely be a Smith and Sons Mudbug, it appears to be my current ideal for a knife of this genre, and I much prefer the upswept blade shape to the other styles I have seen.

As these are unobtainable, can anyone recommend a similar good starting point? The things that matter most to me are: carbon steel blade, lockback, blade > 2.75” in length, quality fit and finish, traditional style, and preferably micarta handles.

Looking forward to delving into the world of “what is old is new again” and thanks all for your wisdom!

Edit update 1:
afishhunter afishhunter kindly showed me where to find a new Buck 110 Drop Point in 5160 which I have since purchased. I will update this thread again with my initial impressions and yet again with a full review. Thanks to you all again for your help!

Edit update 2:
I really can’t help myself so I also ended up buying a GEC #23 Woodland Micarta. Same as above with updates on initial inspection and after some carry.
 
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Watch the Market Place for a GEC? Just as rare as the Mud Bug (made by GEC for Smith and Sons, I saw in the "Looking for a GEC Quality Sod Buster" thread.

Case Sod Buster Junior with CV blade if you can live without a locking blade.
Slipjoints are safe, as long as you don't do Stupids like stab, pry, attempt to cut using the spine, etc. The normal cutting action forces the blade open - not closed.

Has a clip point, not a drop point blade, but the Buck 110LT might be an option, as well. It is a lockback, but has an FRN handle.

Only other thing I can think of is contact one of the custom makers here and have him make you one.
 
Watch the Market Place for a GEC? Just as rare as the Mud Bug (made by GEC for Smith and Sons, I saw in the "Looking for a GEC Quality Sod Buster" thread.

Case Sod Buster Junior with CV blade if you can live without a locking blade. Slipjoints are safe, as long as you don't do Stupids like stab, pry, attempt to cut using the spine, etc. The normal cutting action forces the blade open - not closed.

Thanks for your help, I’m doing exactly that and checking daily but I often miss out when they are listed as I have a fairly busy job most of the year.

I do have my heart set on a lockback for whatever silly reason. 😅
 
Thanks for your help, I’m doing exactly that and checking daily but I often miss out when they are listed as I have a fairly busy job most of the year.

I do have my heart set on a lockback for whatever silly reason. 😅
Contact a customer maker? How important is the Micarta handle? Micarta is rare on traditionals.
 
Contact a customer maker? How important is the Micarta handle? Micarta is rare on traditionals. If FRN would work, the Buck 110LT?
Edit the 110LT has a 3.75 inch blade. The 112LT is 3 inch, I believe.
Is there a custom maker you’d recommend? I don’t believe bucks would hold up to the fit, finish, and general quality that I am looking for, nor do I believe they use high carbon steel.
 
Case made Sodbusters with a linerlock at one point, and they can still be found on fleabay at almost reasonable prices... And Buck has made their 110 in drop point as special factory orders, and can still be easily found. They usually have premium blade steels, as well, such as S30V.
Edit... The one I have also has dark red micarta scales...
 
Sorry, I cannot recommend one of the custom makers, as I've never had one make me a knife.
You can check out the custom maker's sub forum to check out their work.
 
I have also spent some time trying to find a good traditional lockback in Micarta.
They are super hard to find outside of the Mudbug or some Customs... the Civi Rustic Gent comes close, but has a Clip blade.
I did finally order this Brothers knife. It's actually pretty well made, although made in China, and comes with 440C and G10, instead of Carbon and Micarta.

 
hornetguy hornetguy brings up a good point. C&C had a brass and Oak handled 110 SFO with a 5160 carbon steel blade.
The 110 is a little heavier than a Sodbuster, at just under half what a loaf of bread weighs. However, the SFO Bucks are made in the Custom Shop, with fit and finish above the standard production knives.
 
I have also spent some time trying to find a good traditional lockback in Micarta.
They are super hard to find outside of the Mudbug or some Customs... the Civi Rustic Gent comes close, but has a Clip blade.
I did finally order this Brothers knife. It's actually pretty well made, although made in China, and comes with 440C steel instead of Micarta.

That’s rather handsome, doesn’t look half bad. How was the fit and finish? Was it pleasing to open and close/use?
 
The Böker Rangebuster might be worth a look (the ones from Manufaktur Solingen). They tick all of your boxes except one, which is the Böhler N690 (stainless) steel. Not cheap, though.
 
hornetguy hornetguy brings up a good point. C&C had a brass and Oak handled 110 SFO with a 5160 carbon steel blade.
The 110 is a little heavier than a Sodbuster, at just under half what a loaf of bread weighs. However, the SFO Bucks are made in the Custom Shop, with fit and finish above the standard production knives.
You’ve piqued my interest. I’ll add that to my ISO list. I was also looking into Queen cutlery.
 
Check out A.G. Russell although I'm not sure about the lockback. I know of one custom maker whose sodbusters are available in micarta and are superior knives. Not sure about mentioning his name but I'll send you a message.
 
That’s rather handsome, doesn’t look half bad. How was the fit and finish? Was it pleasing to open and close/use?
Yes, it was put together well, pleasing action, and seems well-made.
They are cheap enough to try out, and if you don't like it, you aren't out much.
They had a couple of different colors, but I liked the Black with Blue liners the best.
It would make a nice gateway for those coming from the Modern knife community... familiar materials.
 
Here is a locking sodbuster. As someone mentioned they are obtainable and not that expensive in relation to custom or a mudbig.
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I think a good place to start would be your budget.... How much are you looking to spend, and and are you wiling to pay custom maker prices for a knife that you may or may not actually like when you have it in hand?
 
I think a good place to start would be your budget.... How much are you looking to spend, and and are you wiling to pay custom maker prices for a knife that you may or may not actually like when you have it in hand?
Willing to pay up to $200 shipped. Most knives have very good resell value so I’m not worried about losing too much if I don’t like it.
 
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