Case XX Sodbuster Fit and Finish

S

SOUTHERN WOODS

Joined
Nov 17, 2011
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174
I recently purchased a new (old stock) large Yellow Sodbuster from the late 90's off a website. The knife hasn't ever been used but I found what appears to be rust around where the blade meets the handle and also inside of the handle. The knife is in fact stainless and has it etched on the blade.

Also if you open the blade and look down the spine there appears to be a curve or bend near the tip. Not to mention a little side to side blade play.

Is this pretty common for a sodbuster from Case?

I have the option of returning the knife for a refund or keeping it at a discounted rate from the seller and having Case possibly repair it.

The last thing I want is to send the knife to Case and they do nothing. I can live with every thing but the curve near the tip and the blade play. And I'm not exactly sure how Case would straighten out the curve.
 
Well, it's a pretty cheap knife so it's not going to have amazing fit and finish.

My SS soddie had blade play , and has rusted before as well. Stainless doesn't mean stainproof.

As far as the bent tip goes, that's weird. You should call the site that you got it from. (Unless it's from an auction site)
 
Sounds like a good user, and not unusual for a sodbuster. The rust stain is understandable; even 'stainless' grades will oxidize. A bit of lube like BreakFree should clean it up. If it cuts, a slight bend won't matter except perhaps aesthetically.
 
Hey neighbor. I bought a Sod Buster Jr from Lowes here in SC it had a small bend at the tip of the blade and I doubt it it centered exactly in the liners but heck for a $20 knife I don't care. It's a tool that I use and keep in my truck not show off as a thing of beauty. That is more for my GEC's.
I'd just use the knife like it was meant to be and not worry about it.
 
I think I may end up returning it. Just not my cup of tea.

Anyone happen to know what year Case stopped making the large yellow stainless sodbuster?
 
If I ever got a new knife with rust and a bent tip I would send it back.

Then again, I haven't seen your knife, and don't really know how bad it is. If the rust can't be gotten off with ease I would send it back for sure.
 
It's definitely a working knife. So, my understanding of it is this : strictly no acceptance of blade wobble (it will develop over time anyway, so let's start with none at all), true and reliable lock (strong spring action) in open position (I like all my fingers and so does everybody..). Gaps, sharp angles, rough spots, off grinded edge and similar concerns are over the top. It's a very good knife and you can get it at exacting standards with some work. It is actually worth it and it is sold at the price of an Opinel. But it's way over that range...
 
SOUTHERN WOODS said:
I recently purchased a new (old stock) large Yellow Sodbuster from the late 90's off a website. The knife hasn't ever been used but I found what appears to be rust around where the blade meets the handle and also inside of the handle. The knife is in fact stainless and has it etched on the blade.

Also if you open the blade and look down the spine there appears to be a curve or bend near the tip. Not to mention a little side to side blade play.

Is this pretty common for a sodbuster from Case?

I have the option of returning the knife for a refund or keeping it at a discounted rate from the seller and having Case possibly repair it.

The last thing I want is to send the knife to Case and they do nothing. I can live with every thing but the curve near the tip and the blade play. And I'm not exactly sure how Case would straighten out the curve.
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To be honest, I do NOT believe in keeping the knife at a discounted rate - that's when principles step in, you either want to keep the knife or return it, I would never discount a knife to someone - to me that's a guy trying it on ( and there are plenty out there like that )and I would only give the person who bought a knife off me who wasn't happy one option - return the knife.
If you keep the knife at a discounted rate - is this going to make amends and you be happy with the knife after all? - I doubt it - money is not the issue here.
SodBusters are as mentioned a cheaper knife, but they don't usually come with too many issues, I think its probably a knife you didn't pay too much for so its a good one to get down and dirty with and not feel guilty by putting the knife through its paces, or simply return the knife.
 
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I bought a SB Jr. at Lowes last Saturday. Disappointed. Gap and proud liners and center pin. Back spring flush when open but indented above pivot pin when closed. Opening was gritty. It took about three evenings of oil drenching the joint and working it to smooth it out. Lock up is tight and no blade play though. Sorting out who I'll give this one to. I'm not keeping it.
 
I've had three Sodbusters over the years. The third was well made and didn't have the usual Sodbusters issues. Issues aside, they were low-cost knives, perfect for dirty jobs.
 
My Case stainless Sodbuster has little rust spots on the spring inside the handle. It has side to side play which comes and goes and the handle pieces seem to come from two different batches; they are very uneven.
Rest of the knife is fine and I like it a lot (hey, it's yellow!)

I have a second Case (small Texas Jack) on the way and hope the fit and finish is better.
 
I have had one sodbuster, a yellow with CV blade. The fit and finish wasn't bad..... Solid lock up and no play with a centered blade. There were a couple of gaps in the back spring but nothing terrible. From what you describe you got a lemon, I would return it.
 
Ernie1980 said:
I have had one sodbuster, a yellow with CV blade. The fit and finish wasn't bad..... Solid lock up and no play with a centered blade. There were a couple of gaps in the back spring but nothing terrible. From what you describe you got a lemon, I would return it.
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I have a CV Soddie Jr from '99 similar to Ernie's description...very happy with it...send it back and try again.
 
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