Large sodbuster comparable in quality to GEC #21 Bullbuster?

[edgecentricity]

While I don't personally have one, the Moki Blakiston's Fish Owl Black Linen Micarta Lock Back is said to be a fine knife with impeccable fit and finish.
The large one is about 4" closed. The small one about 3 1/2" closed.
It does only come in AUS-8 (stainless) though ... and I just might have to pick one up LOL

Yes, I recall reading about the Fish Owl. I wish it came in colors other than black, but is a beautiful looking knife. I just looked at a review video; it seems very well made, and I enjoy a good back lock. The blade also has a nice tip that looks good for piercing and more precise work.

 

[DavidABQ]

Not cheap but perhaps look for a custom maker who will make what you want? Not cheap but you get what you want. Maybe ask over in the Knifemaker area of the forums?

 

[Mitt]

Equally hard to find and just as expensive is Smith and Son's Mudbug. BUT the same quality. I have seen a few for sale from time to time.

GEC makes the Mudbug for Smith and Son's

 

[joeradza]

E edgecentricity
I left you a message on your profile page. The man does amazing work and his sodbusters are second to none.

 

[afishhunter]

Does Böker make one in the Tree Brand line?

 

[hornetguy]

The only gec I have is the 71, the smaller one. Personally, I see very little to no difference between the gecs and the case sodbusters. I have owned three or four of the sod busters, and I have all been very nicely done, good fit and finish and smooth walk and talk. It's hard to get much better than that in this type of a knife. You can probably get three of The sod busters for the price you would pay for one gec.
Of course, this is all just my opinion, and worth exactly what you paid for it.

 

[Bastler]

Does Böker make one in the Tree Brand line?

But of course! On their website, Böker lists a Rangebuster made in Solingen as well as some made in "Asia." The difference in price between the two is, shall we say, significant.

 

[edgecentricity]

Not cheap but perhaps look for a custom maker who will make what you want? Not cheap but you get what you want. Maybe ask over in the Knifemaker area of the forums?

I've wanted a custom knife for years. Most are out of my price range, and I could never justify that kind of money for a sodbuster that's going to get dirty and scuffed. But maybe one day, for something really nice I'd reserve for light use. There are some gorgeous pieces out there.

 

[edgecentricity]

E edgecentricity
I left you a message on your profile page. The man does amazing work and his sodbusters are second to none.

Thank you, I checked that maker's knives out. They're very nice! Out of my range, especially for a user knife, but I will keep him in mind if I'm ever in the position to afford one.

 

[edgecentricity]

The only gec I have is the 71, the smaller one. Personally, I see very little to no difference between the gecs and the case sodbusters. I have owned three or four of the sod busters, and I have all been very nicely done, good fit and finish and smooth walk and talk. It's hard to get much better than that in this type of a knife. You can probably get three of The sod busters for the price you would pay for one gec.
Of course, this is all just my opinion, and worth exactly what you paid for it.

Thanks for the reply, that's encouraging to hear -- it inclines me to try a Case side by side with the GEC.

 

[Travman]

I recently bought two of Cases Sod Buster Jr’s with the intention of using them, sharpening them, and then giving them away to nephews. I know you are looking for the larger size, but based on the quality of these two, I’d say you should give one of Case Sod Busters a try.

Both of these two knives have good action. There is no half stop on these. There is a very small amount gap between the liners which can only be seen when holding the knife towards a light source. There is a little blade rub because neither of these are centered very well. None of that affects the use of the knives at all. The GEC Sod Busters have thicker handles and feel like a more solid knife. However, these feel good in hand too.

For under $40, I would give one of the yellow CV Case Sod Busters a try. If the knife has any issues, then simply send it back. All of these companies have a return policy.

 

[Don W]

Case makes a great large Sodbuster, yellow handle CV steel, black handle stainless steel.

For me though, I want to find a store that has a few of them in stock and then I choose which one I want. I dont care too much about the edge grind. I look for ones that open and close all the way (usually not a problem) and ones that the handles sides have been shaped with some thought of symmetry (common problem).

For $30-40 the right one will stand up there with GEC as a tool. You will never be able to resell it for $$$'s though.

 

[Spock91]

GEC makes the Mudbug for Smith and Son's

Yes they do.....