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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Kissing Crane Soddies?
- Thread starter Lycosa
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2010
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- 2,392
One of the Italian-made 'Brown Mule' versions? I say go for it. I got mine a while ago for maybe $12 and I liked it very much--carbon steel, wood scales, nice snap and half stop. Tight construction with maybe a gap or two but excellent for the price. I gave it to my older brother and he enjoys using it daily. I know there are synthetic handle models too but I don't know if they're the same.
Hello,
I don't post much as I let the folks who really know their stuff have the bandwidth. But I went on a sodbuster buying binge recently, looking at most examples of the current soddies available. The $9 sodbuster junior sized Robert Klass knives with the plastic handles aren't constructed the same as the larger wood handled sodbuster. I bought one of the Coal Miner etched versions, the steel is INOX or stainless, not carbon (my prefered steel) and the liners aren't full lenth/full width like on a traditional sodbuster. I was able to put a shaving-sharp edge on it (small belt sander with multiple grit belts and power stropped) but haven't tested edge retention. If I would have known about the handle construction, I would have put the money toward another case or Country Cousin.
I don't post much as I let the folks who really know their stuff have the bandwidth. But I went on a sodbuster buying binge recently, looking at most examples of the current soddies available. The $9 sodbuster junior sized Robert Klass knives with the plastic handles aren't constructed the same as the larger wood handled sodbuster. I bought one of the Coal Miner etched versions, the steel is INOX or stainless, not carbon (my prefered steel) and the liners aren't full lenth/full width like on a traditional sodbuster. I was able to put a shaving-sharp edge on it (small belt sander with multiple grit belts and power stropped) but haven't tested edge retention. If I would have known about the handle construction, I would have put the money toward another case or Country Cousin.
So far my favorites are Case in CV, the Queen Country Cousin (once it's re-profiled), and the GEC (if you can find one). The German Eye takes a screaming sharp edge but the F&F isn't great. Not really interested in the AGRussell, but would love to get hold of a Bulldog. But I think I'm done collecting soddies for now. Except I only have 1 full size and it's not a Case....
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2010
- Messages
- 7,432
I have nealy the same one like that Robert Klaas one. Mine is made by Otter Messer, Solingen. Has also carbon steel blades and a wooden handle. I made a thread about it somewhere here in Trad forum.
I like it very much. It´s a typical pattern here in Germany. As much as I can remember, it´s called here in Germany a "Hippeskniep".
Beside the yellow Case Soddie.
Kind regards
Andi
I like it very much. It´s a typical pattern here in Germany. As much as I can remember, it´s called here in Germany a "Hippeskniep".
Beside the yellow Case Soddie.
Kind regards
Andi
I have one of the Italian Brown Mules and also one of the old German ones.
I kind of rate carbon steel on the steel in an old Mercator I have. Nothing to write home to mom about, but a decent carbon steel.
I found the old German Brown Mule steel to be at least as good as the Mercator, whereas the Italian model was much softer. After carrying for a time I realized that I still liked it better than, say, the 440A in a Rough Rider. I had to sharpen more often but it took a good edge. It was softer than a Mercator but not as soft as Opinel.
I've *heard* some of the Mules are made in China now, but that may or may not be internet gossip.
I also have an old German Coal Miner, Not carried it a bunch but would rate it with 440A(?), I dunno. The plastic handle stood up to back pocket carry for about a month with absolutely no issues and I think is more durable than it looks. Still, wouldn't buy another Coal Miner no matter what country of origin.
If I had the Italian Brown Mule purchase to do over I would save more and get a Case Sodbuster or a Queen Country Cousin for more $$$, as has been said. I really love the old German mule.
They both have quite a strong backspring, too strong. They can be "broken in" though.
I kind of rate carbon steel on the steel in an old Mercator I have. Nothing to write home to mom about, but a decent carbon steel.
I found the old German Brown Mule steel to be at least as good as the Mercator, whereas the Italian model was much softer. After carrying for a time I realized that I still liked it better than, say, the 440A in a Rough Rider. I had to sharpen more often but it took a good edge. It was softer than a Mercator but not as soft as Opinel.
I've *heard* some of the Mules are made in China now, but that may or may not be internet gossip.
I also have an old German Coal Miner, Not carried it a bunch but would rate it with 440A(?), I dunno. The plastic handle stood up to back pocket carry for about a month with absolutely no issues and I think is more durable than it looks. Still, wouldn't buy another Coal Miner no matter what country of origin.
If I had the Italian Brown Mule purchase to do over I would save more and get a Case Sodbuster or a Queen Country Cousin for more $$$, as has been said. I really love the old German mule.
They both have quite a strong backspring, too strong. They can be "broken in" though.
Last edited:
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- Apr 17, 2009
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I have 3 of them and think highly of them. YMMV
Sent from Ash forum mobile
Sent from Ash forum mobile
I have an overall, pretty favorable view of the KC/Robert Klaas Sodbusters. IMO while they aren't as pretty as a Case or Queen they have a certain "earthy" quality to them and are a tad rough around the edges all of these attributes that most would dislike are the ones that I feel make the knife a Sodbuster Wich in a nutshell is just a rough yet reliable working knife. The blade steel is a bit on the soft side but takes a downright scary edge and is easy to sharpen reliably by hand and develops a nice patina, all in all very traditional and Sodbuster-esque.