Case Sod-Buster JR. questions. My first Case!

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bladeboss

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Mar 6, 2012
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I just picked up a black-handled Case XX Sod-Buster Jr. at a big box store.
I really like it's heft, sharpness OOB, and I love how tight the spring is.
I'm sure that I'm nit-picking here (especially if it's handmade) but i have some quality questions.
The blade is slightly off-center, and the handle scales aren't equal on both sides. (IE one side is slightly thicker than the other and angled a bit)
Regardless, I'm not going to send it back, I'm still going to carry it, but curiosity is eating away at me to know if it's normal.
Thanks for any input,
Bladeboss
 
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Well, I own a Soddie, made by Case, too. I really like it. It´s my favorite working knife (building lot and working in the woods).

Did you take an SS or CV?

The blade is not centered at mine, too. But I don´t mind. It doesn´t rub against the liner, so it doesn´t damage the edge during closing. The scales are equal at each side at mine.

CV keeps the edge very well and gets really razor sharp.

IMG_1489.jpg


It´s a heavily used knife, as you can see here.


Kind regards
Andi
 
bladeboss said:
I'm sure that I'm nit-picking here (especially if it's handmade) but i have some quality questions.
The blade is slightly off-center, and the handle scales aren't equal on both sides. (IE one side is slightly thicker than the other and angled a bit)
Click to expand...

How much did this made-to-work-like-a-dog knife cost?

-- Mark
 
I have one of these black Case Soddie Jr's myself, also purchased at a 'big box' home-improvement store. Mine would appear to match the description of yours, in all aspects. Blade slightly off-center, very tight snap, and at least slightly asymmetrical shaping to the handle scales. This last point is to be expected, as these are shaped & buffed by hand. It would be virtually impossible to get the scales perfectly matched, in this manner. I have 5 Case Sod Busters, including one 1970 vintage. None are any different in this aspect.

Don't worry about the off-center blade much, if at all. If it isn't colliding with the liner on closing, it won't impact the functionality of the knife at all. Same for the asymmetry of the handles. These particular knives were made and priced to be hard workers without being pretentiously 'pretty', and they fit that description well. Factory edges on them seem to be pretty darn good in recent years (maybe some burrs to clean up), and they'll re-sharpen easily. These are very handy little knives.
 
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Obsessed with Edges said:
I have one of these black Case Soddie Jr's myself, also purchased at a 'big box' home-improvement store. Mine would appear to match the description of yours, in all aspects. Blade slightly off-center, very tight snap, and at least slightly asymmetrical shaping to the handle scales. This last point is to be expected, as these are shaped & buffed by hand. It would be virtually impossible to get the scales perfectly matched, in this manner. I have 5 Case Sod Busters, including one 1970 vintage. None are any different in this aspect.

Don't worry about the off-center blade much, if at all. If it isn't colliding with the liner on closing, it won't impact the functionality of the knife at all. Same for the asymmetry of the handles. These particular knives were made and priced to be hard workers without being pretentiously 'pretty', and they fit that description well. Factory edges on them seem to be pretty darn good in recent years (maybe some burrs to clean up), and they'll re-sharpen easily. These are very handy little knives.
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No, it doesn't rub the handle. :D:D:D
 
Mine's got all kinds of problems. None of them effect the usefulness of the knife. Don't sweat it man. If you had paid $300 then this would be a different conversation. $23 knives aren't made for perfectionists.
 
Like others have said, it's a $23 knife, not a $500 custom. It's an inexpensive working knife, and, in my opinion, the best of the Sodbuster-style knives and better than a lot of knives that cost quite a bit more.
 
So you're all saying that it's pretty normal, but it can still handle some work and last for years to come?
 
Finedges said:
It would seem that would be for YOU to find out my friend. Let us know how it goes!
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You are right there :D. It IS my first Case, but from what I've heard, and read, they are great knives. I've only had it for about 11 hours, and so far, I'm agreeing.
Thank you all for your help. It is greatly appreciated. :)
 
You will be allright with that sodie,I love mine and it too is offcenter BUT with that said I do judge knife companys from the bottom up and case's latest line is the tecx made in china.
 
garddogg56 said:
You will be allright with that sodie,I love mine and it too is offcenter BUT with that said I do judge knife companys from the bottom up and case's latest line is the tecx made in china.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I know what you mean here. :confused:
 
I wouldn't worry about the fit and finish in regard to the Sodbuster pattern. As others have stated it's a pattern that's really intended as a bare bones working knife nothing more nothing less IMO. My CV yellow Delrin Jr. Sodbuster's blade is a tad bit off center as well, but with that being said so is my AG Russel Rancher and Kissing Crane/Robert Klass Brown Mule. It's a Sodbuster thing I suppose:rolleyes:.
 
I think you are going to be happy with that sodbuster. It is somewhat iconic for Case and it will certainly handle a lot of work. The blade shape is reminiscent of the spey blade on a stock knife except that the tip is not clipped as is the spey blade on a stockman. It is a much larger blade of course, but I'm sure that it would do the job fine. As it will most other ordinary cutting jobs. The fact that it is a single blade knife means you have to keep the edge sharp always as there is no backup in the knife. It's a good work knife and a good size -- not too big and not too small; a good compromise. It's not really meant to be a knife to carry around the office; it's really made to work outside on the farm (hence the name - sodbuster). If you treat it reasonably, it will last your lifetime. If you use it hard, then it may give up on you at some point, but the price point is such that it can be replaced without much financial heartburn. Case's sodbuster is pretty much as good as anyone's (customs being an exception of course). You have a good knife made and intended to be used for work.

Ed J
 
my sodbuster is not centered very well and has a little side to side play in the blade. But it doesn't bother me, it's my go-to, beat the crap out of, knife. Which is what it's intended purpose is :D. It ain't pretty but it gets the job done.
 
My $30.00 yeller CV soddy is the ONLY Case knife I own that is centered perfectly and has virtually no flaws.

Regards

Robin
 
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