Sodbuster & Rancher

Thomason

Thomason

Joined
Nov 28, 2002
Messages
9,375
Visual comparison of the A.G. Russell Rancher and the Case Sodbuster, sans commentary.

c1.jpg

c2.jpg

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c4.jpg

c5.jpg
 
Rob, that's a lot of blade for the same size package. I prefer the extra drop in the blade shape, too. Should have better tip control.
 
Looks like a brute with the thicker blade and liners. :thumbup: Thanks for the pics.
 
I think I likey!

Nice wide blade, looks good with the more mainline point. Love that is had a lanyard hole, but I wish he'd leave off the shield.

Carl.
 
The liners look thicker for sure, but is the blade that much thicker? From the nail nick forward they look about the same.
 
That Russell knife looks nice. I wish they'd contour the handles a bit more though.

- Christian
 
I'll be darned. I would not have guessed that A.G.'s knife would be that much bigger than the Case, which isn't what I'd call a delicate knife. I'm guessing either one would be a workhorse.
 
An interesting build detail from what I can see is that the A.G. knife uses a stop pin internally to allow more blade without hitting the backspring. However it also looks as if there is a considerable amount of run-up protruding(think of it as opposite of a sunk joint). I think perhaps there is a practical limit of blade to frame ratio.
 
Is the steel on the AG carbon or stainless? Also, I'd love to see a side-by-side price tag comparison.

-- Mark
 
I like it, but I kinda wish A.G. had gone with a simple carbon steel. I've heard decent things about the steel he used, and I recognize that lots of people prefer shiny blades for looks or ease of maintenance, but I can't get it out of my head that a work knife like the sodbuster (or A.G.'s rancher) should have a carbon steel blade.

On the other hand, I really like the width and shape of the blade.

James
 
mnblade said:
Is the steel on the AG carbon or stainless? Also, I'd love to see a side-by-side price tag comparison.

-- Mark
Click to expand...


The details are on the A.G. Russell site.

Steel is stainless, 8Cr15MoV (as listed on his site). Curious, I'm noticing in the pics here, the blade is marked as 8Cr13MoV. I've really come to like the 8Cr13MoV he used in the Sowbelly/Gunstock/Hunter models. Takes a very fine edge.
 
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Excellent pics and comparison. :thumbup:

I ordered mine yesterday (both the 'Rancher' and the larger 'Cowboy', each in both the yellow Delrin and Ebony Rucarta). Really looking forward to receiving those.
 
ken erickson said:
An interesting build detail from what I can see is that the A.G. knife uses a stop pin internally to allow more blade without hitting the backspring.
Click to expand...

How I wish more slipjoint mfgrs did this or something equally useful. Blades that dull themselves upon closing is such a shameful lack of detail, it pains me to see that happen on some otherwise very nice and esteemed brands.
 
Today, to my surprise, I received the yellow Delrin models (the Rancher and the larger Cowboy) I ordered. I'd also ordered the Ebony Rucarta models, but they're not available yet. I was expecting the order to be shipped as a whole, but they sent the yellow models on ahead (I'm not complaining :)).

The thing that really surprised me (in a GOOD way) about these, is the closing snap. The pull to open the blades is firm (I'd say maybe 6 or 7, out of 10), but not too much so. Yet upon closing, the snap leaves absolutely no doubt the blade will stay closed (keep the fingers out of the way). I 'tested' it by opening the blade to progressively steeper angles, then letting go. Consistent, authoritative closing snap from just above closed position, to about 30 degrees open, after which the resistance gives way to open the blade fully. No 'slop' at all, when closed, very firm. Seems a well-engineered balance, to me. Blade centering is perfect, no play whatsoever (open or closed), and the tang-to-spring seam is smooth & flush. I noticed, every time I went to close the blade, I was automatically feeling for the lock release, as if this were a lockback. Feels like it should be; very solid when open. Feels great in the hand, smooth and warm. And I still think the color of the yellow Delrin is perfect.

Edit:
BTW, I noticed my blades are marked as 8Cr13MoV. They were listed on the site as 8Cr15MoV. No idea if that's planned for future models, but I'm liking the '13' steel anyway.
 
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I received my Rancher along with A G's new button lock folder in White bone. Both are very well made folders. These are exceptional values in quality knives. I noticed that both knives are highly finished inside as well as out side. Reminds me of how the original Hen and Rooster knives were finished. I was impressed how sharp they are and well made they are. The Rancher has the added lanyard hole that I really like and the blade is perfectly centered when closed and has a just right spring tension.. More pocket knives need this feature. I am impressed with the rancher and appreciated Mr. Russell bringing a fine knife like this to the market for a very reasonable price. It is also a great slicer and carves wood very well. This is where a lot of knives fail in my opinion because the blades are not ground and sharpened properly. Thanks Mr. Russell.

RKH
 
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