Sodbuster?

[Bigfattyt]

I have a question about the "sodbuster" style knife.

I am thinking abotu ordering a couple AG Russell "sodbusters" with the ebony Rucarta handles.

Is this blade "pinchable"

Seems like the sodbuster pattern has enough blade that it would be pinchable?

I can't get the idea of a Micarta handle, stainless liner slipjoint out of mind. Especially one that is under $30!

I would love one in D2 or 1095 (if offered in a g10 or micarta) but am not sold on derelin handles.

The AG Russell versions look great, in a basic stainless blade. I don't mind the made in china issue for a knife in this price range (even though it would kill my all made in USA knife streak).

Thoughts? In general about the sodbuster pattern? Strength of derlin scales (especially as a shadow pattern)?

 

[LKJW]

Definitely pinchable. And seems to me the natural way to open it. I only have experience with Case and Rough Rider though.

 

[Gevonovich]

I have a 1974 Case Sodbuster that is 4 5/8 in. closed. It has the black composite handles. The scales seem to be very durable. I sharpened it up and its holds an edge very well. The blade is 3 mm thick at the spine with a flat grind. Blade approx. 3 1/4 in. long. Easily pinchable and as far as looks ...she can eat crackers any time she wants. I do think with natural micarta handles it would be sweet.

 

[mnblade]

I have a question about the "sodbuster" style knife.

I am thinking abotu ordering a couple AG Russell "sodbusters" with the ebony Rucarta handles.

Is this blade "pinchable"

Seems like the sodbuster pattern has enough blade that it would be pinchable?

I can't get the idea of a Micarta handle, stainless liner slipjoint out of mind. Especially one that is under $30!

I'd say they're definitely pinchable. And you're right, those ARE great looking knives. At some point I might have to take the plunge even though, like you, I haven't yet broken down and purchased a traditional-pattern knife that was made in China.

By the way, here is an old thread you might want to check out.

-- Mark

 

[Groove]

Even the smaller ones are pinchable. I've had my Soddie Jr. for a week now and it hasn't left my pocket. Such a simple and useful knife!

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Most sodbuster patterns are quite pinchable. Case's version, no worries at all. Probably the closest one to not being pinchable is the Queen Country Cousin (in D2, by the way). Blade sits lower in the handle with that one, and the backspring is quite stiff. It is pinchable, but you have to make sure your grip is good, beforehand. If the blade slips from between your fingers, it has some very hard closing snap.

I have four of the A.G. Russell 'sodbuster' style knives (Rancher and Cowboy models, in other words). They are about as pinchable as you could hope for. Big, wide blade makes that easy. These are great knives, especially for the price.

As for the delrin handles, they're plenty strong & durable enough. Especially on the AGR models mentioned; those are backed with stainless liners and a stainless pivot. Rock solid.

Here's a photo of my two Cowboy (large) AGR knives, alongside my 2138 SS and 3138 CV soddies from Case:

 

[Bigfattyt]

Most sodbuster patterns are quite pinchable. Case's version, no worries at all. Probably the closest one to not being pinchable is the Queen Country Cousin (in D2, by the way). Blade sits lower in the handle with that one, and the backspring is quite stiff. It is pinchable, but you have to make sure your grip is good, beforehand. If the blade slips from between your fingers, it has some very hard closing snap.

I have four of the A.G. Russell 'sodbuster' style knives (Rancher and Cowboy models, in other words). They are about as pinchable as you could hope for. Big, wide blade makes that easy. These are great knives, especially for the price.

As for the delrin handles, they're plenty strong & durable enough. Especially on the AGR models mentioned; those are backed with stainless liners and a stainless pivot. Rock solid.

Here's a photo of my two Cowboy (large) AGR knives, alongside my 2138 SS and 3138 CV soddies from Case:

I ordered a large for Christmas, and had it sent to my in laws house. I am going to have a great haul for Christmas this year with traditionals.

Thanks for the pics! Put me over the edge.

I am surprised they don't offer the yellow in a micarta or G10 also. I would be sold in a heartbeat. I have never owned a derlin handled knife.

I also just ordered a GEC Barlow in Bocote for my Dad for Christmas.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I ordered a large for Christmas, and had it sent to my in laws house. I am going to have a great haul for Christmas this year with traditionals.

Thanks for the pics! Put me over the edge.

I am surprised they don't offer the yellow in a micarta or G10 also. I would be sold in a heartbeat. I have never owned a derlin handled knife.

I also just ordered a GEC Barlow in Bocote for my Dad for Christmas.

Yellow micarta or G10 would indeed be wonderful. Having said that, I wouldn't write off delrin. Especially on these knives; it's very smooth & comfortable in hand. I actually carry my yellow ones more than the Rucarta models, as the yellow ones are thinner & hide almost invisibly in the pocket. Here's a pic showing thickness comparison between the delrin and the Rucarta, with the larger Cowboy models on the left, and the Rancher models on the right:

 

[Bigfattyt]

Yellow micarta or G10 would indeed be wonderful. Having said that, I wouldn't write off delrin. Especially on these knives; it's very smooth & comfortable in hand. I actually carry my yellow ones more than the Rucarta models, as the yellow ones are thinner & hide almost invisibly in the pocket. Here's a pic showing thickness comparison between the delrin and the Rucarta, with the larger Cowboy models on the left, and the Rancher models on the right:

Wow, the machining on the tang on those looks super clean!

 

[jujigatame]

Yeah, the finish on A.G.'s knives from China is really clean everywhere.

 

[whetrock]

Those imported AG Russel slipjoints look excellent for the money I may have to add one to my wish list. It's really IMO hard to go wrong with a Sodbuster they're just so simplistic and useful not to mention ergonomic and easy to use for extended periods of time.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Wow, the machining on the tang on those looks super clean!

Definitely.

A.G. mentioned, in his description of the similarly-constructed Gunstock lockback model, he has a pet peeve about the rough/poor finish on the inside surfaces of most production knives. So those knives are cleanly finished inside & out (inside faces of the liners, backspring/lockbar, and the mating surfaces between tang & backspring/lockbar). He did the same with the sowbelly trapper and large folding hunter models. You will notice a similar attention to detail in these knives.