Sodbuster Choice

I have a few myself. The one that I like the best is a KR Johnson but that is a different class overall. I also have a Case SS, Queen in D2, a Moore Maker with 1095 steel, and a GEC. The Johnson is basically perfect. The one that gets the most use after that is the Case. The steel is not the best in class but it is just so easy to open. I tend to pick up a Soddie when I am working outside. Easy opening is a must have feature. The GEC, Queen, and Moore Maker are a little on the stiff side. The Queen and Moore Maker also have dents in the edge where they contact the liner. I'm fixed both of them by doing a reprofile. I'm thinking that the AG Russell sounds like another great option.
 
I've had this Case Sodbuster Jr. since the late 70's and sharpened pencils in the field for years. The K.R. Johnson is newer and still gets some pocket time. Always loved the Sodbusters.
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KRJOHNSON-CASE-SODBUSTER.jpg
 
Well, thanks for all the good info folks.
I like them all, but have decided to eliminate 2 from the list.
I wouldn't get the Queen just because I'm not the best sharpener in the world. I don't want to pull out my EdgePro everytime I need to touch up the D2.
Really like the AG Russell, but I just can't bring myself to buy anything made in China unless I have no other choice.
So it's down to the Case or GEC.
Anybody have a tie breaker between these two?
Lenny
 
Lenny said:
So it's down to the Case or GEC. Anybody have a tie breaker between these two? Lenny
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Yes, I have a tie-breaker. You can get two or more CV or SS Case Sodbuster Jrs for the cost of one GEC. Get a couple of Case knives (one yellow delrin and one black delrin) and perhaps a GEC in the future.
 
My GEC won't come in until later this week I think, so I cannot comment about it yet. What I can comment on is the Case. I am very impressed with the Case and I have been longing for one myself. My buddy has one and let me use/sharpen/handle/play with his Sodbuster Jr. in CV and I would not feel under-knifed carrying that in my pocket. Takes a really good edge, holds it decently and sharpens back up quickly. The edge geometry rocks, IMO and I can open it with gloves very easily :thumbup:

It's a perfect work knife, you don't feel bad using it, if you lose it, give it away...basically everything people have said above me is how I feel about the Case. If i get my Bullnose before you decide, I'll you my $.02 on her as well.

Hope I helped a little!

**Ed up here has a point too^, he makes a really good argument.
 
Anybody remember this line from Frank Zappa?

"Say, is that a real poncho or is that a Sears ponhco?"

Maybe the question here should be, "Say, is that a real Sodbuster or is that a Nieman-Marcus sodbuster?"

I don't care if the fit and finish of Nieman-Marcus blue jeans are better than Levis. If I want a pair of Levis (or Wranglers), I'm buying Levis (or Wranglers).
 
Let's face it, you're going to own both the Case and GEC eventually, just which one first is the question:D I would say you should go with the Case first, it's cheaper and a good solid user. It you decide you like the pattern and want try something different than you can buy a GEC down the road. Just my two cents.
 
Getahl said:
I have a black delrin Case Sodbuster Jr. from Lowe's that is approximately 3 or 4 years old, and gets used more than a good number of the rest of my knife accumulation. It is easy to sharpen, I love the blade shape, is very light, and, so far, no blade play in any form or fashion. If memory serves, there bevel grind was even when I first picked it up. A very nice folder.

I also picked up one of the larger AG Russell offerings in yellow, though I can't recall if it is called the Cowboy or the Rancher. What really surprised me about the knife is how large it was. The blade is a full inch wide, but has one of the best flat grinds I have ever seen. First rate snap and sharpness right out of the box. The only real issue it has is the blade being a bit off center upon nesting. It doesn't touch the liner, so all is fine.

As to which I like more, it is hard to say. The only common link between the two is that they are both stainless. I adore and use both regularly.

I do have an orange GEC inbound. Not sure if 01 tool steel is classified as stainless, carbon, or semi-stainless, as in D2. Guess I'll find out on Wednesday.
Click to expand...

I saw no one really answered you. O1 I most definitely not stainless. It will patina nicely, but also rust if abused. Not stainless, not semi stainless. Definitely only a basic high carbon steel.
 
of course if its an Orange GEC you realy want and the price doesn't suit you can always get a cheap Case and improvise

P1000656.jpg
 
very simple - turns out the yellow plastic takes multipurpose dye real easy I used Dylon but Prijon the chap I got the idea from used Dyerite

I used a I 3.5g tin cost a couple of $ the color is Tangerine


clean the knife so its grease free. mix the dye as instructed - (mix up the powder in 500ml of boiling water in an old pan, add 30g of salt - I think rit dye comes pre loaded with salt so you might need to check). Put the pan on the hob and simmer, add the knife making sure its completly covered, it says stire but I suppose thats for material. I did it anyway? It was done in 40mins, maybe sooner

it should last - I gave the knife a hand sanding half way through as there were a couple of much darker patches and i got nervious about the finish - didn't make any difference it wouldn't come off, shouldn't of worried though the dye ended up being very even.
 
Thanks bro! So do you continue to simmer the water when the knife is in there or cut the heat off before you toss her in?
 
Based on the amount of thought going into this purchase it seems that cost is a major factor. So I'd recommend the Case --it's $18. Otherwise buy both the GEC and the Case. But it really doesn't matter. Both will cut stuff and will probably outlive the owner if properly maintained.

The Case Sodbuster is one of the least expensive traditional knives that is made in the USA. I suspect Case uses it as a "loss leader" to promote sales of other more profitable knives.
 
This is a great thread, as I'm deciding between a Queen and GEC myself. I like the overall look of the GEC better, and I suspect that the f&f is better, but I like the smaller size of the Queen.
 
I'm psyched!
Just did a trade for an Orange GEC Red Neck.
I'll let y'all know how I like it when it arrives.
Lenny
 
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