Case Sodbuster jr S35vn

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Gary W. Graley

Gary W. Graley

“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Mar 2, 1999
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This arrived today and I had high hopes that all would be okay, but that was not the case

https://flic.kr/p/2osNp1o

While it looks ok the blade isn’t centered but doesn’t rub so I was fine with that.
But the blade itself has a warp along the thin edge so that one side has a wider bevel than the other side
I reached out to the place that I got it to do a replacement but no answer back yet so I went to their website and looked up what their return policy was. Not so great but I can understand why that is what it is. Which made me just say screw it and sharpen it up as best I could

https://flic.kr/p/2osTAai

https://flic.kr/p/2osTnUD

It cuts pretty good but it is just a disappointment
G2
 
That sucks.
It seems pretty common nowadays, unless you go full custom. I've been thinking about getting a belt grinder and angle guide for this very reason. Then I can put the edge I want on my knives.
 
The pictures dont lie, but that is really disappointing to see. I recently got a yellow synth sod buster junior and the grind and F&F were all acceptable, pretty good for the price. Now I'm thinking I would like a nicer one and see this.
 
Thanks guys, I recently picked up several 'new' version from Case and I had a feeling my luck was running out ;) Now, I'm not the pickiest person, but a few things I dislike are;
Wobbly blades, side to side play, bugs me to no end
Poor fit and finish of the scales or bolsters, some can be taken care of with light sanding to smooth over any crisp sections
Blade grind being off, with folding knives you are dealing with an already narrow blade, having to try and reset the edge bevels takes some of the life out of the blade.
...this one is hollow ground and looks like during heat treatment the blade was already ground too thin and caused it to warp, but I've sharpened it up and it is VERY thin behind the edge, we'lll see how long that lasts.
Blade pull, some knives have ridiculously strong pulls, nail breakers and that is tough to live with especially as a person grows older things don't work as well as they once did ;)

G2
 
Oh I thought that was just a bad sharpening job like I have gotten on lots of Case knives but if it is actually warped then maybe you should return it.
 
Yah warped she be and not talking about warp speed, but, the process of returns where I got it are quite convoluted where the buyer pays for return shipping to them AND return shipping to the MFG and then, you are not sure that they will 'see' what you see, although it's pretty obvious to me at least. AND then you risk getting another knife with possibly the same issue OR multiple issues and start the whole process over again.

Which is why I just bit the bullet and set out to sharpen it, the behind the edge thickness is quite thin so this cuts very easily, but that also brings it's own problems too.

I like the knife size and blade shape, my first Sodbuster in hand that I can recall.

G2
 
They are within driving distance and already had that idea just need want to to take the drive
G2
 
A warped blade would appall me I'm afraid. It's not pleasant as a CASE admirer to read this, but it is vital that owner's give an objective, overall view as you have done Gary :thumbsup:

I think these 'Scagel' like holes actually suit single blade patterns more, it's good to see CASE experimenting offering new steels and arrangements. But they really should take more care with early releases as these can make or mar peoples' impressions. The Sodbuster is a marvellous utility work-knife but if you're going to offer enhanced steel and choicer handle slabs then you have to make real efforts with checking the quality before it leaves the floor. I have a CASE Sodbuster in Chestnut Bone/CV and the finish on all of it is fantastic as it is a perceived upgrade from just delrin workhorsery , should be the same with these newer models too especially with rising prices.

Let's hope for better, Will
 
I think you are right to be disappointed, Gary. I fall on the not-too-picky end of the spectrum when it comes to F&F. A warped blade is just not reasonable. I miss the good old days of buying a knife in person and getting to look at it and feel it before committing.

But I do like the look of the knife! I wonder if those holes are growing on me?

Thanks for sharing your experience. If you don’t go the warranty path I hope you use the heck out of it and with time it doesn’t bother you.
 
jmh33 jmh33 Thanks, I had forgotten about that, would be a shame to drive that distance only to be turned away, but, the sharpening that I applied makes it cut like a razor, very thin edged blade, so hard cutting chores might need to be put to another knife.
G2
 
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