SODBUSTERS... bust 'em out, work 'em hard and show 'em off

[bigfish64]

We 've all heard stories of vintage cars found derelict in old barns.
I, for long wanted a Country Cousin, the one I already have being, and this is an euphemism, not the best example of Queen's work.
I appreciate yellow sodbusters, I have a yellow carbon Jr Case, an Imperial, and a Rough Rider. Even if not my Grail knife, I regret I could not get the yellow Jr sized Moore Maker.
So, I could not believe my eyes when I saw a new yellow Country Cousin for sale (along a Mountain man) in a smalll Belgian town's cutlery shop. Price was in par with Case (in Europe) and I ordered it last monday.
Wallonie is about 200km away (in fact much nearer than Thiers) and his inhabitants are well known for being jolly people.
This morning a smiling postman handed me a fairly large box and I was puzzled when it read ferments for ale... At least did it come from Belgium.
Inside was a small Queen box and a wooden cutting board (a bonus).
The best was yet to come : the CC is an early one with the cousin's face and hat etching, finish as fine as it gets, the exact opposite of the one I have already.
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Love a good knife story, especially the ones with happy endings!

 

[Fodderwing]

We 've all heard stories of vintage cars found derelict in old barns.
I, for long wanted a Country Cousin, the one I already have being, and this is an euphemism, not the best example of Queen's work.
I appreciate yellow sodbusters, I have a yellow carbon Jr Case, an Imperial, and a Rough Rider. Even if not my Grail knife, I regret I could not get the yellow Jr sized Moore Maker.
So, I could not believe my eyes when I saw a new yellow Country Cousin for sale (along a Mountain man) in a smalll Belgian town's cutlery shop. Price was in par with Case (in Europe) and I ordered it last monday.
Wallonie is about 200km away (in fact much nearer than Thiers) and his inhabitants are well known for being jolly people.
This morning a smiling postman handed me a fairly large box and I was puzzled when it read ferments for ale... At least did it come from Belgium.
Inside was a small Queen box and a wooden cutting board (a bonus).
The best was yet to come : the CC is an early one with the cousin's face and hat etching, finish as fine as it gets, the exact opposite of the one I have already.

Great score and story Alain. I haven't forgotten about you searching for the Moore Maker and I have been watching for one ever since with you in mind. One of these days one will manifest itself.

 

[Jolipapa]

Great score and story Alain. I haven't forgotten about you searching for the Moore Maker and I have been watching for one ever since with you in mind. One of these days one will manifest itself.

This CC is proof that hope must not be lost!

 

[Fixall]

I tried to wait for the Case Copperhead to come in stock at Collector Knives, but in the end the temptation was just too great, lol. I just had to snag one of Mike's Maserin Plow Sodbuster exclusives, and I'm glad I did. It's a sweet knife and it has already been getting some use around the yard. If you're on the fence, I highly recommend grabbing one. Mike also has these goat skin leather chamois on his website that I also highly recommend. They are fantastic for removing fingerprints off of knives. I like them way more than micro-fiber cloths.

Thanks @knifeswapper!

 

[Marlingspike12]

I tried to wait for the Case Copperhead to come in stock at Collector Knives, but in the end the temptation was just too great, lol. I just had to snag one of Mike's Maserin Plow Sodbuster exclusives, and I'm glad I did. It's a sweet knife and it has already been getting some use around the yard. If you're on the fence, I highly recommend grabbing one. Mike also has these goat skin leather chamois on his website that I also highly recommend. They are fantastic for removing fingerprints off of knives. I like them way more than micro-fiber cloths.

Thanks @knifeswapper!

Handsome knife! Beautiful grain on the handles. What wood are the scales?

 

[Fixall]

Handsome knife! Beautiful grain on the handles. What wood are the scales?

Bocote.

 

[Fodderwing]

Maserin Plow

 

[Jolipapa]

 

[Will Power]

Yes Jolipapa one must not give up as for car barn finds, where's my Jag Mark VII??

The Country Cousin is an extremely satisfying version of the Sodbuster, mine came with exc finish and I particularly like the rounded handles and more 'stabby' type blade than on rivals' The blade is thinly ground and with D2 that's a fine combination

 

[Catdaddy2]

I tried to wait for the Case Copperhead to come in stock at Collector Knives, but in the end the temptation was just too great, lol. I just had to snag one of Mike's Maserin Plow Sodbuster exclusives, and I'm glad I did. It's a sweet knife and it has already been getting some use around the yard. If you're on the fence, I highly recommend grabbing one. Mike also has these goat skin leather chamois on his website that I also highly recommend. They are fantastic for removing fingerprints off of knives. I like them way more than micro-fiber cloths.

Thanks @knifeswapper!

Fixall I've been looking at those for awhile snd don't know how much longer I can hold off. Nice knife

 

[btb01]

We 've all heard stories of vintage cars found derelict in old barns.
I, for long wanted a Country Cousin, the one I already have being, and this is an euphemism, not the best example of Queen's work.
I appreciate yellow sodbusters, I have a yellow carbon Jr Case, an Imperial, and a Rough Rider. Even if not my Grail knife, I regret I could not get the yellow Jr sized Moore Maker.
So, I could not believe my eyes when I saw a new yellow Country Cousin for sale (along a Mountain man) in a smalll Belgian town's cutlery shop. Price was in par with Case (in Europe) and I ordered it last monday.
Wallonie is about 200km away (in fact much nearer than Thiers) and his inhabitants are well known for being jolly people.
This morning a smiling postman handed me a fairly large box and I was puzzled when it read ferments for ale... At least did it come from Belgium.
Inside was a small Queen box and a wooden cutting board (a bonus).
The best was yet to come : the CC is an early one with the cousin's face and hat etching, finish as fine as it gets, the exact opposite of the one I have already.
View attachment 1543392
View attachment 1543393

What a find!

HI Jolipapa ... The CASE tang stamp only indicates issue of 2010-2019
This Sod Buster Jr is part of their American Workman Series
Don't remember exactly when I purchased it, but I think 4-5yrs ago
The blade is mirror polished and there may be reflections and shadows in the pictures

That’s interesting. I have a knife that looks identical to that, except the blade is very much not mirror polished; instead, it has Case’s as-ground finish. The fit and finish on mine isn’t phenomenal, but it’s my go to yard work knife and gets a lot of use.

 

[BrotherJim]

That’s interesting. I have a knife that looks identical to that, except the blade is very much not mirror polished; instead, it has Case’s as-ground finish. The fit and finish on mine isn’t phenomenal, but it’s my go to yard work knife and gets a lot of use.

Barrett, the F/F of the Sod Busters I have, is not as good as the F/F of the couple I EDC'd back in the 70's. I was a bit disappointed when I got my recent ones. Well, I've had them several years now. The disappointment doesn't annoy me though, because they still perform just as well. And it doesn't affect opening and closing. The F/F issues are more to do with forming and finish of the Delrin handles ... which are only noticed on close examination. Still feels good in the hand too.

 

[Jolipapa]

Yes Jolipapa one must not give up as for car barn finds, where's my Jag Mark VII??

The Country Cousin is an extremely satisfying version of the Sodbuster, mine came with exc finish and I particularly like the rounded handles and more 'stabby' type blade than on rivals' The blade is thinly ground and with D2 that's a fine combination

I agree D2 makes for a real difference. On the (soon ex-) burgundy it has a varnished-like look, not on the yellow. (reality was much worse than picture shows)

What a find!

Seems the shop has been "sleeping" for some time and gets a new start and it is always a bonus to find a NOS.
I really dig the CC I already have, even with the poor finish, at such extend that it is getting micarta slabs (was burgundy delrin)!
The shop has still a nice Mountain Man and a Ka-bar Dog's head Coppersmith lockbacks for sale, both NOS , but too large and a bit expensive for me.

That’s interesting. I have a knife that looks identical to that, except the blade is very much not mirror polished; instead, it has Case’s as-ground finish. The fit and finish on mine isn’t phenomenal, but it’s my go to yard work knife and gets a lot of use.

Same for my 2018 vintage, though F&F are pretty good. On B BrotherJim 's fine picture light made a different blue, more shiny and very desirable in fact!
I wjsh they'd make more fun colors besides their black and dark blue stalwarts/best sellers.

 

[Fixall]

Fixall I've been looking at those for awhile snd don't know how much longer I can hold off. Nice knife

Thanks, I really like it.

Just be careful not to hold off too long! I recently made that mistake with an exclusive Boker barlow.

I think you'll enjoy the knife. Great fit and finish, great cover choices, and great steel all for about the price of a Case jigged bone Sodbuster.

 

[jeffsenpai]

I really liked the look of the Blue G10 on the bear and son farmhand, so I bought the larger version.

Then, I figured it was a bit too large, so I bought the smaller farmhand

I love the smooth G10. The Shields and springs have a nice polish. The only issue is with the smaller model, the blade hits the backspring, so I have a dent on the edge that is annoying. Have to close it slowly to avoid damage. I figured it was just a bad example, so I bought a second small farmhand, and it does the same thing I still enjoy them.

 

[BrotherJim]

The only issue is with the smaller model, the blade hits the backspring, so I have a dent on the edge that is annoying. Have to close it slowly to avoid damage. I figured it was just a bad example, so I bought a second small farmhand, and it does the same thing I still enjoy them.

This CASE Chestnut Bone Sod Buster Jr hits the backspring too. Not bad but WILL put a small flat spot in the edge if snapped closed, so I walk it down. I MAY have gotten most of the problem out with sharpening but I'm not even going to chance it LOL. And while I really like the bone Sod Buster Jr's, I'm afraid to get another because it might have the same problem. dunno

 

[CelloDan]

I really liked the look of the Blue G10 on the bear and son farmhand, so I bought the larger version.

Then, I figured it was a bit too large, so I bought the smaller farmhand

I love the smooth G10. The Shields and springs have a nice polish. The only issue is with the smaller model, the blade hits the backspring, so I have a dent on the edge that is annoying. Have to close it slowly to avoid damage. I figured it was just a bad example, so I bought a second small farmhand, and it does the same thing I still enjoy them.

Nice pics my friend
Those B&S sodbusters look great

My Masserin Plow has a little bit of blade rap too. I sharpened it and thought the issue was resolved but the other day I forgot to ease the blade when closing and there is a tiny little dent now.

Same thing happened with my Otter.

I've read reviews that this is an issue with the GEC ones as well.

It's teaching me to gently close my knives lol

 

[AntDog]

I hadn’t carried my “ol Soddy” in a while and I missed him. Got him out yesterday and put on a fresh edge, oiled the joint, and did a little embellishment. Master scrimshander, I am not.

He oozes character already, and has even more with his new tattoo.

In person it’s much darker than it looks in the photo above.

 

[Pgg365247]

I recently acquired this sodbuster and it has become and instant favorite.

 

[LastRodeo]

We 've all heard stories of vintage cars found derelict in old barns.
I, for long wanted a Country Cousin, the one I already have being, and this is an euphemism, not the best example of Queen's work.
I appreciate yellow sodbusters, I have a yellow carbon Jr Case, an Imperial, and a Rough Rider. Even if not my Grail knife, I regret I could not get the yellow Jr sized Moore Maker.
So, I could not believe my eyes when I saw a new yellow Country Cousin for sale (along a Mountain man) in a smalll Belgian town's cutlery shop. Price was in par with Case (in Europe) and I ordered it last monday.
Wallonie is about 200km away (in fact much nearer than Thiers) and his inhabitants are well known for being jolly people.
This morning a smiling postman handed me a fairly large box and I was puzzled when it read ferments for ale... At least did it come from Belgium.
Inside was a small Queen box and a wooden cutting board (a bonus).
The best was yet to come : the CC is an early one with the cousin's face and hat etching, finish as fine as it gets, the exact opposite of the one I have already.
View attachment 1543392
View attachment 1543393

As far as size, shape, and steel; the Country Cousin is my favorite sodbuster type knife. Every one I have had has had a hint of side to side play in the blade, but since it is the only shortcoming it has in my opinion, I am willing to overlook it