Sodbuster/bullnose

[totkst1]

Bought this knife as a gift for my cousin not long back. The jigged rosewood looked great and I had to snap a picture before handing it over.

That does look awesome, thanks for sharing. This pattern has quickly become one of my favorite types and few days pass lately that I don't have one in my pocket somewhere.

 

[MBeckett]

Hi all! First time posting. I find myself reading posts here quite frequently so I figured I might as well sign up. I'm a little late to the party, but I'll throw in my two cents.

I just recently got a GEC Bullnose with the Nifebrite acrylic. I wasn't too keen on the glow in the dark material at first, and I'm not much for gimmicks, but it really is pretty neat looking in person. The appearance ranges from something like a creamy smooth bone color to full-on glow in the dark. But it isn't out in the dark much. I forget that it glows, really, until it passes through some shadow. I like it a lot. The handle scales appear to be thinner than the micarta versions, and also thinner than Case's Sodbusters. For my personal taste, the Case handles are a little too chunky for the size of the knife. The Bullnose is just slightly longer in the blade and handle, and a little wider at the butt of the handle. It feels great in the hand.

On the other end of the spectrum, I also have an Imperial/Schrade IMP22 (their version of the Sodbuster Jr), and the fit and finish isn't great, but its been a workhorse and has done whatever I've needed it too. I got mine for $8 shipped, and have not been disappointed. So between the two, I've got a really nice knife and a beater that I can use hard. Case is right in the middle, price-wise, and I don't feel like I need to pick any up (although the bone handles are pretty classy).

It sounds like you really can't go too wrong with any of these brands. But I think the GEC is worth the little extra, and the Imperial is worth checking out for the cost of lunch.

 

[Planterz]

Hi all! First time posting. I find myself reading posts here quite frequently so I figured I might as well sign up. I'm a little late to the party, but I'll throw in my two cents.

I just recently got a GEC Bullnose with the Nifebrite acrylic. I wasn't too keen on the glow in the dark material at first, and I'm not much for gimmicks, but it really is pretty neat looking in person. The appearance ranges from something like a creamy smooth bone color to full-on glow in the dark. But it isn't out in the dark much. I forget that it glows, really, until it passes through some shadow. I like it a lot. The handle scales appear to be thinner than the micarta versions, and also thinner than Case's Sodbusters. For my personal taste, the Case handles are a little too chunky for the size of the knife. The Bullnose is just slightly longer in the blade and handle, and a little wider at the butt of the handle. It feels great in the hand.

I've had a Bullnose in orange derin, have one in maroon micarta, and one in Nifebrite. Even if it didn't glow in the dark (which I dig - I like anything that glows), I'd prefer it over the other ones because it is indeed much thinner. I prefer the 47 Hay'n Helper myself though. In fact, the 2 blade Nifebrite Hay'n Helper is about as thick as the micarta Bullnose.

 

[MBeckett]

I'd prefer it over the other ones because it is indeed much thinner. I prefer the 47 Hay'n Helper myself though. In fact, the 2 blade Nifebrite Hay'n Helper is about as thick as the micarta Bullnose.

Good to know. I was about to buy a Bullnose with black micarta, but if its that thick I might pass (personal preference). Also like the Hay'n Helpers but haven't gotten one yet. I guess the Micarta needs to be thicker for strength?

 

[Pàdruig]

Good to know. I was about to buy a Bullnose with black micarta, but if its that thick I might pass (personal preference). Also like the Hay'n Helpers but haven't gotten one yet. I guess the Micarta needs to be thicker for strength?

I can't comment in regards to the thickness of the Micarta versus the other handle options on the Bullnose. However, I do have the Bullnose in OD Micarta and I am very fond of it. The knife is solid, immensely comfortable and tends to fill my hand "just right". Any thinner and I might feel that something is amiss... However, that simply could just come down to personal preference. I prefer a good solid knife as my hands tend to run towards the larger side. I don't think the Micarta needs to be thicker for strength purposes, it can be ground far thinner and still maintain its integrity, it is pretty stout stuff. In fact, it is probably one of the toughest handle materials out there...

I am not sure if this would be of any help to you but here is a pic of my Bullnose next to a large stockman, there isn't a huge difference in thickness.

 

[MBeckett]

I can't comment in regards to the thickness of the Micarta versus the other handle options on the Bullnose. However, I do have the Bullnose in OD Micarta and I am very fond of it. The knife is solid, immensely comfortable and tends to fill my hand "just right". Any thinner and I might feel that something is amiss... However, that simply could just come down to personal preference. I prefer a good solid knife as my hands tend to run towards the larger side. I don't think the Micarta needs to be thicker for strength purposes, it can be ground far thinner and still maintain its integrity, it is pretty stout stuff. In fact, it is probably one of the toughest handle materials out there...

I am not sure if this would be of any help to you but here is a pic of my Bullnose next to a large stockman, there isn't a huge difference in thickness

Thanks for sharing the photo and review. The comparison to the stockman is helpful. I'm sure it would be comfortable. I have to admit my hesitance about the thicker Bullnose is mostly aesthetic. I might go for one still. Love the blade shape and profile of the handle.