Sodbuster/bullnose

totkst1

totkst1

Joined
Oct 14, 2016
Messages
437
Several years ago I owned a yellow delrin version of the case xx sodbuster jr. I enjoyed the knife and liked the way it looked but in my youthful ignorance allowed it to be covered in salt water fish cleaning leftovers and didn't wash it after cleaning fish. Then accidentally left it outside overnight while camping on the beach. Needless to say it did not take very long to ruin it. I have seen several for sale at dealers with black handles and probably will replace it at some point. My real curiosity now is that I have seen a gec bullnose with red micarta scales and am wondering how would it compare size wise and fit and finish wise to the case xx version.
 
Both knives are great, I have 3 Sod Buster jr and 2 Bullnose. The Bullnose is slightly larger. You may have some difficulty finding the red micarta but you can't go wrong with either brand.
 
The gec is slightly bigger than the sodbuster jr, I prefer it for that reason. Both knives are excellent, I have multiples of both. I would suggest you do the same.

Cases are always available, but gec's are usually hard to get if you missed the initial release. The recent run of bullnoses are already in that category.
 
Most Case are stainless, GEC are made of 1095. It is good to remember that if you go cleaning sea fish again! :)
 
I have a Case sodbuster Jr. in yellow delrin and CV. Frankly, it's a hunk of junk. Maybe I got lemon. But I was extremely underwhelmed by the knife.

I had one the original Red Neck GEC Bullnose. Should never have sold it. I have one in the red micarta and one in Nkfebrite. I prefer the Nifebite myself because it's slimmer. All three are rock solid. Go with the GEC. It's absolutely worth the extra cost.
 
I will probably buy one of each at some point but doesn't have to be the red micarta that was just the one I saw in the picture I was looking at.
 
I looked on a few sites to see if they still had any Bullnose in stock. All three had the Orange Delrin and one still had the Nifebrite in. I wouldn't wait to long, once they are gone you'll have to wait till the next release.
 
The pattern is a working class knife. You can lose a Case and buy another for the price of a GEC with Case being ~$28 and GEC ~$55...but really this means they are not truly comparable :)
 
I've handled a Case sodbuster jr, and own a red linen micarta bullnose. I prefer the bullnose by far, but to each their own. Part of my bias is I've had quite a few case knives lately with issues (blades rubbing liners), but that may just be an isolated experience and not indicative of the brand as a whole. I have an older case peanut that's outstanding.

Look on the exchange, you can usually find great examples of both at a price that won't kill the wallet.
 
My only sodbuster is the GEC #71 Bull Nose in linen micarta. Been using it a lot over the last couple of months as my primary edc. I seem to sharpen it more often than I think would be normally necessary, but I'm not worried about it. Probably going to retire it when the GEC jigged bone Improved Trapper hits retail. Looking forward to that one. Generally speaking I prefer two blade slip joints and I have given this Bull Nose a good workout and the blade shows the stains.

Generally speaking, I haven't really been looking at Case slip joints much over the last couple of years. Seems that if I want something less expensive, I'll choose a Rough Rider.
 
It might be worth noting too that there are numerous options available from Case in regards to their Sodbuster pattern. On the low end of the scale, you have their Delrin/synthetic covered versions which can run you $20-$30 but everything I have read about them states that the fit and finish is usually pretty hit and miss. On the upper end though, you will find nicer options with various bone covers and what not and the prices can exceed that of the GEC Bullnose in some cases. However, fit and finish can still be a bit of a factor. But with that all said, the Case is always available like TheChunk91 TheChunk91 stated and they do come in stainless which is a nice factor.

I own the GEC Bullnose in OD linen micarta, I scooped one up from the most recent run. It turned into one of my favorites for everyday carry. It is a working knife for the everyday working man or woman. Its built like a tank, tough, solid, sharpens easily, and pretty much does everything I could ask of a pocket knife. Before purchasing the Bullnose, I was looking at the Case options. After purchasing the Bullnose, I am no longer looking at the Case options. Personal preference....

If you can, buy both! And let us know what you think of them side by side.
 
I don't really care for the image but here is my collection.
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I have had good luck with Case Sodbusters. I might be a little biased though, because it was a Sodbuster Jr. that got my traditional juiced flowing again after being fixated on modern knives for awhile (I still appreciate both, don't get me wrong)
 
The GEC bullnose is better fit & finish wise. Everything about it feels like quality. You don't get that with the Case. But it's still a fine knife, and I'd put it higher on the value-for-money scale. If you can, get your Sodbuster Jr. with Case's CV (carbon steel) blade. A bit harder to find, but will give you a lovely patina over time and probably a better edge, too.
 
Has anyone ever seen counterfeit ones of either brand? I found one on an auction group I use some it's a red micarta GEC like I saw in the picture but am hesitant due to my inexperience with the brand. I probably will pick up a case one as I am very familiar with their brand as that is mainly the basis of my collection and knowledge. But am becoming more interested in gec and some other brands after joining the porch.
 
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