Question about the GEC Bullnose

fatheadhill

fatheadhill

Joined
Mar 30, 2008
Messages
1,180
Hey guys,

I'm pretty new on this end of BF, but I've been eyeing all these Bullnose pic's ya'll have been posting, and I've really been wanting one. I'm curious though, are they that much different/better than the $20 Case Soddie's that you can pick up just about anywhere? I found the GEC's at a semi-local dealer for $49, but I'm just wondering if they're $29 better than the normal Case Sodbuster's. I really dig the pattern though, and may grab one regardless, but just wanted to see what you guys thought.

Thanks in advance for any info!
 
Well I do not have a Case soddy but a crappy Eye Brand 37$!!(http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-with-crappy-QC-but-my-first-home-made-patina) and a stay-glow GEC Bullnose.

The Finish and Design on Bullnose is perfect , everying just in the right way and it is the only soddy with a lanyard hole yet I know.

The only shortage, I am not joking , it is too nice to be used . I carried it several times but never use it . And maybe that is why I carry this crappy one ( I filled gap with glue , re-edged it and made patina by hot vinegar for 3 times . NOTE: I brought this after Bullnose).

IMG_20121019_021018_zps3a172cb7.jpg
 
I can't make the comparison to a less expensive Sodbuster. No point in doing that anyway. What I can tell you is that I own and carry a Farm & Field Bullnose and feel that it was worth every penny that I paid for it. The fit and finish on my Bullnose exceeded my expectations and I am very happy with it. Whether it's worth 50 bucks to you is up to you to decide. Mine was definitely worth 50 bucks to me!
 
Some people take issue with spending $50-55 on a Bull Nose because, to them, a sodbuster is a throw-away, beater knife. If that's the way you see a sodbuster, then spending the extra cash for the GEC might not be worth it. But if you're simply looking for a hard-working, durable, comfortable knife to use, then the GEC is most certainly worth the extra cash. I'm sure I my example of the Case CV Sodbuster Jr. is what we'd consider a "lemon", but my GEC Red Neck is most certainly twice the knife my Case is.
 
Thanks for the info guys! I'm always looking to upgrade in quality, if I wasn't I'd still be carrying my $10 Remington folder! Lol

Anyone got any side by side pics of a Case Sodbuster and a Bullnose handy?
 
You can't go wrong here with either brand.
The AG Russell Rancher and Cowboy folder models shud not be overlooked.
 
Here are a few pics with the bull noses next to some other soddies, including the Case Jr

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i-3Grbxqx-L.jpg
 
The bullnose is longer and fills the hand a little better than the Case. Also Case's blades have a less defined point and are hollow ground. The bullnose has more of a drop point and the grind is more of a full flat grind. Personally the construction details are more refined on the bullnose, but the case is more pocket friendly for me (but I'm descended from Hobbits, so your mileage may vary).
 
BTW, you can't go wrong with either, imo. Both great knives and both worth what you pay and then some.
 
fatheadhill said:
Hey guys,

I'm pretty new on this end of BF, but I've been eyeing all these Bullnose pic's ya'll have been posting, and I've really been wanting one. I'm curious though, are they that much different/better than the $20 Case Soddie's that you can pick up just about anywhere? I found the GEC's at a semi-local dealer for $49, but I'm just wondering if they're $29 better than the normal Case Sodbuster's. I really dig the pattern though, and may grab one regardless, but just wanted to see what you guys thought.

Thanks in advance for any info!
Click to expand...

Worth, value and quality are in the eyes of the beholder. Different people value different things.

If you are looking for a simple, durable but quality work knife that you can use and abuse without much thought, then the Case has a great reputation. IMO, really hard to justify extra dollars for a knife that will bounce around in a tool box.

If you have more of a collector's eye and if fit and finish details of more importance to you, then the GEC has a great reputation.

Whether or not the fit and finish issues add to the basic utility of a work knife is the thing that keeps forum threads lively.

Sodbusters aren't my cup o tea but I do have both a very pretty Buck 112 and a less pretty but super tough and functional Buck Ecolite 112. Day in/day out, I use the lighter, simpler Ecolite 112. Some days though, I want a prettier knife just because. I mention this not to steer you toward the Ecolite (great knife but not my intention) but rather to affirm to you that functionality and fit and finish are both ok reasons to buy.
 
Never underestimate your other senses.... Every time you reach for the Bullnose it will spring open in your hand with a nice 'snap' sound. Reassuring...., mmmm;)
 
I think that it is worth the extra moolah, and I beat the heck out of mine all of the time. It is 100% rock solid in it's construction, has some sweet steel, awesome edge geometry, a really good snap, a more comfortable handle (IMO), a lanyard tube, has more tip than the Case and it is just plain sexy for a soddie.

New
IMG_2595.jpg


Now
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IMG_2614.jpg
 
bemo said:
The bullnose is longer and fills the hand a little better than the Case. Personally the construction details are more refined on the bullnose, but the case is more pocket friendly for me.................
Click to expand...

That pretty much expresses my feelings - the Bull Nose fully fills the hand but the Sod Buster rides easier in the pocket. Further, there are some guys here on the forum that have been using their Sod Busters for decades while the Bull Nose has only been around for a couple of years. Yes, the Bull Nose appears to have a slight build edge over the Sod Buster but only time will tell as to the long range durability of the Bull Nose. I have both and use both. I can't say I like one over the other at this time.
 
Thanks for all the info guys, it's much appreciated!

I like the Sodbuster pattern enough to give one a shot. A black handled one will be coming my way in a few days! Thanks again!
 
I finally gave my my orange Bullnose a shot lately and it has finally started to losen up enough that I can pinch it open. Fit and finish is bettern than any other soddie that I own with the exception of my KR Johnson.
 
I just got the Bull Nose recently and I can honestly say that it is a better quality than a lot of other soddies including the basic Case Sodbuster Jr.
59E1039B-27F6-477C-8297-9F84B19A084A-2898-0000053C3C3E9BB3.jpg

Both of these are EDC'd often. I have over 50 soddies now and shy from customs this seems to be the best I absolutely love it.
 
The Sodbuster is a WORK knife, but that doesn't mean it's total utility and has no pride of ownership factor.

My CASE versions have been very good with acceptable build for an inexpensive knife tough too.

The GEC is likely better made (I don't have one but would like the Glo version, hard to get in Europe) and the O1 steel is a nice alternative.

Recently I got hold of a Queen Country Cousin and this has certainly impressed me very much indeed: My example is gap free, very well finished indeed and the D2 did not take too long to get satisfying. This too cost more than the CASE but its more rounded handles and better finish make me like it more. Sodbusters appeal by their simplicity and in the hand feel.

Does anybody have the weight for the GEC Bullnose please? My Queen weighs in at 56g the CASE Jr 57g and German Bull in stag 70g

Thanks, Will
 
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