Sodbuster Jr. for 74 yr old?

annr

annr

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I want to buy my dad a Sodbuster Jr. for his 74th birthday. I paused for a moment and wondered if this might be safe and easy for him to use. I'm thinking about the point, and the fact that he would have to open the blade by hand.

I don't own one so I can't really judge. Any comments and feedback welcome.
 
I would have to say that if he is not suffering from any of the mental problems that so often assault the elderly and severe arthritis or palsy isn't a factor then I think it would be a fine gift. My father is about the same age and he gets a new knife from me 3-4 times a year.

Of course he did cut himself several times learning how to open the CRKT Snap Lock I gave him a couple years ago...lol...but so did I trying to open it fast.
 
Absintheur said:
I would have to say that if he is not suffering from any of the mental problems that so often assault the elderly and severe arthritis or palsy isn't a factor then I think it would be a fine gift. My father is about the same age and he gets a new knife from me 3-4 times a year.

Of course he did cut himself several times learning how to open the CRKT Snap Lock I gave him a couple years ago...lol...but so did I trying to open it fast.
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In terms of safety would the Opinel be any better than the Sodbuster?
He works full-time -"professional," and in his free time he thinks nothing of going the roof to make repairs, even in high winds:eek: Hikes in the canyons, works in the garage and outdoors. Yeah, I think he's pretty active. BTW still has his eyesight, only started using cheaters a bit recently.
 
I personally would recommend something he could open with one hand. Something with a thumb stud and locking mechanism, I personally like liner locks just because I find them easier to work with. Light duty is all about I use it for.
A William Henry of most any type with the button locks are not only a NICE gents knife, but a fine user. Just my two cents. I am not far behind him in age and it works for me.

Jim
 
From a sodbuster to a William Henry is a bit of a leap, price-wise... Dunno if you're looking to make that kind of jump, are you annr?
I'd say a sodbuster would make a fine gift. If you think he'll have a tough time opening it, you could always make an easy-opening notch in the handle like you see on some teardrop jacks (might be easier for you to modify the handle of an Opinel, since it's made of wood).
 
Get him that Soddie! He will love it. It might bring back some memories too.
 
puukkoman said:
From a sodbuster to a William Henry is a bit of a leap, price-wise... Dunno if you're looking to make that kind of jump, are you annr?
I'd say a sodbuster would make a fine gift. If you think he'll have a tough time opening it, you could always make an easy-opening notch in the handle like you see on some teardrop jacks (might be easier for you to modify the handle of an Opinel, since it's made of wood).
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As lovely as the William Henry knives are, wow, that is leap---you are right I'm on more of a beer budget.:) Thanks for reminding me: STR did a nice modification for me with the easy-opening notch.
 
If he's as vigorous as you mention, it sounds like he'd be fine with the sodbuster jr.
Just bear in mind that most come with a firm backspring so if he has any issues with hands, fingers or nails he might find it difficult. (But it doesn't sound like it.)

In any case, it's a pretty small investment in a nice classic knife.
 
I would also say that adding a thumb stud to a soddie wouldn't be either expensive or difficult.
 
James Todd said:
I personally would recommend something he could open with one hand. Something with a thumb stud and locking mechanism, I personally like liner locks just because I find them easier to work with.
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Maybe I'm stereotyping annr's dad, but I don't really see a lot of 74-year-old guys toting around one-hand-openers with a thumb stud and locking mechanism. Get him the soddie jr., annr. Get one in CV if you can find one. He'll love it.
 
My 78y old dad does just fine with a slipjoint, as he has done for many decades. So a Sodbuster should be fine.

I agree that a one-hand opener is not optimal in this situation. :thumbup:
 
mnblade said:
Maybe I'm stereotyping annr's dad, but I don't really see a lot of 74-year-old guys toting around one-hand-openers with a thumb stud and locking mechanism. Get him the soddie jr., annr. Get one in CV if you can find one. He'll love it.
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The fact of the matter is that this may be his FIRST knife so he may not even appreciate a super-fancy knife, or may not even care for knives at all. I figured I'd test the waters:D (give us something to talk about).
 
I Swiss Army Knife might work too. Hard to say. But once someone carries a folder or a SAK for a few days, he figures out pretty quick how handy they are.
 
So I am out voted, a Soddie it is, Annr, I have a mint condition stag handled soddie, that I will give to you so you may give it to your father. I happen to have two of them, so I will still have one. Sorry no new box, but will send it out tomorrow if you will be so kind to send me your address via PM.
Jim
attachment.php

PS the one on far right.
 
Jim, you sir, are a fine gentleman!
 
Very fine gesture! I was about to suggest a STAG scaled sodbuster myself but I don't have a spare one to pass on.

CASE Mini Copperlock in Amber Bone is another fine candidate.
 
Please no praise for me, but to Him who has given me everything. Besides that, I am just making room on the shelf for the Khnutbuster that some year I may get from Kerry.:D:D
Jim
 
James Todd said:
So I am out voted, a Soddie it is, Annr, I have a mint condition stag handled soddie, that I will give to you so you may give it to your father. I happen to have two of them, so I will still have one. Sorry no new box, but will send it out tomorrow if you will be so kind to send me your address via PM.
Jim
attachment.php

PS the one on far right.
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Wow, I am overwhelmed. You must have liked my jokes more than I thought.:D:D:D. Many thanks and blessings to you. It looks beautiful AND it comes complete with a history, something more treasured than a box. From your pic I can see quite a bit of space to find the blade; looks like something he could grow into.:)

And thanks, everybody, for helping find a consensus.:thumbup:
 
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