Opinel or Sodbuster?

waynorth, that Burke looks great, exactly the kind of custom sodbuster thing I was talking about. Earlier today I sent an email feeler to maker Gary Crowder out of Salisaw, OK. Haven't heard back from him yet. We shall see. :)
 
Thanks SharpT,
Those two reports clear the fog. An interesting knife concept, filed for later consideration.
 
Here's some crappy pics of the "Medium" and "Large" Drop point models, that really should be called Large and Xtra Large. I've thrown a couple of others in there for comparison: Opinel #6, EKA Masur, and the Okapi Ring Pull Lockback. Hope this clears some things up.

detail


detail


detail
 
As pointed out by Suerte, the effiles (filet style) have a kick. It looks like this has more to do with the thinner blades than preventing wear on the handle. Since the blade has no spring pressure to push it into the handle, it would not get constantly pushed into the handle, it is held shut by being blocked by the ring. Unless someone really torques the ring shut, wear to the handle should be very slight. It would really be a problem on knives with spring powered metal to metal contact, that's for sure.
 
you can put me firmly in the sodbuster camp, shouting woo hoo!!!! recently started carrying one and have been really happy with it. I'm carrying the case full size with ,gasp, stainless steel and am tickled to death with it. I've carried a couple of opies over the years and they are great knives, really for the money involved you owe it to yourself to buy both. right now!! get away from your computer and go get both right now. then report back here to let us know which you like better. later, ahgar
 
Now that the summer is here for proper evaluation purposes, I carried one of each last week. Sure enough the Opie got pretty difficult to open once the handle got damp for a while. The stainless sodbuster sure is the way to go once it warms up a bit outside.
 
I’m carrying my Eye Brand Sodbuster Jr. right now. It’s seen a lot of pocket time since I got it a few weeks ago. The large version that I have is cool too, although it’s pretty huge (just over 4 5/8 inches closed)!

On occasion, I’ve carried an Opinel #7 in carbon steel, but its ultra thin blade feels flimsy to me. I like my #9 more. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to pocket carry, due to a thicker handle.

All thing being equal, I guess I prefer Sodbusters. Opinels are still great though. :)
 
I went agooglin' for Eye Brand sodbusters after I read cerulean's post. I saw that make a lockback sodbuster. I didn't even know that there was such a thing. Something else for my wish list, I guess. It never ends does it?
 
I would go Opinel. I carry one, at times, and never had discomfort doing so- though I prefer to use a belt sheath with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top