The Ultimate Work Knife - Stockman, Sodbuster, or Jack Knife?

Another vote for the 8OT!

8OTampLT_zpsc2a1e6f1.jpg
 
Sodbuster Jr. in CV is a fine knife and a great value. Paired with a Peanut that covers a lot of ground. Hope it serves you well.
 
I'm a jack knife fan myself. GEC #78 is the perfect work knife in my book. Great clip main blade, longer than normal pen secondary so it's actually quite useful and a handle big enough that I can get all my fingers wrapped around it. Add a good firm pull, which the #78 definitely has covered, and you have a great hard use trad folder.
 
If you're just looking to try out a stockman, I'd have to join the group that suggests picking up a Schrade 8OT. I was able to pick up one of the old USA made ones last week from the bay for around $10. I've been very impressed with it.
 
The Sodbuster is a great start.

I'm with Carl. If you want a bombproof stockman, a Buck 301 would be awesome. They aren't pricey, either, so you won't have to wait so long before you can try one.
 
Solid choice. The SB jr is a true pocket knife and shouldn't require a sheath for belt carry.
 
I think for real work on a farm or in the woods I would want a bigger stockman - I carry this Buck 307 when I hunt (little bigger and more robust than a 301 - which is already robust). It is discontinued, but there are plenty out there to buy. If you don't want to mess around waiting on a good used knife the big Case Stockman on the 75 frame will work just as well (I'd stick with stainless steel for your kind of work). My Case here has bone handles, but the version with Yellow Delrin handles would serve you better for hard work. The Stockman pattern has a great blade selection in a good looking knife (after all, a knife has to look good too!) OH

IMG_23722.JPG


Case_6375_SS_-_1999.jpg
 
I suggest that you look at the possibility of using a large (minimum 4 inches closed) single blade Jack Knife with a Sheepsfoot blade.

These are the hands down favorite of most South African farmers, they use them for everything.

Other knives are used, but not many.

Cheers.
 
I like the #73 & the #78 for a real work Knife as they always do what I need them for.! Have not let me down yet.**
 
For me, it depends on the work! ;) They're all great work knives, but I think a single-blade has an advantage for hard use in that you can get a good solid grip on the knife, without other blades getting in the way, spoiling your grip, and giving you blisters. Of course, the disadvantage is a lack of versatility, and the potential to break your only blade. Like Astrogator suggests, a good solid Sheepsfoot is a good choice in my opinion :thumbup:
 
Stockman. Large size...about 4.25" or so. Whatever brand you like best. Stainless or carbon or in between. But a large stockman nevertheless.

I like a jack knife and a jack knife is highly useful for most people most of the time. I've never warmed up to my sodbuster. I guess the thick handle for being a single blade seems a little wrong to me. But a stockman? Just the number of different blades makes it the most versatile of the three patterns mentioned and being versatile is a Good Thing for a general work knife.
 
Jack Black said:
For me, it depends on the work! ;) They're all great work knives, but I think a single-blade has an advantage for hard use in that you can get a good solid grip on the knife, without other blades getting in the way, spoiling your grip, and giving you blisters. Of course, the disadvantage is a lack of versatility, and the potential to break your only blade. Like Astrogator suggests, a good solid Sheepsfoot is a good choice in my opinion :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Jack and Astrogator make a good point about the sheep foot. Looking back in history, the large sheepfot has been a mainstay in the working mans cutlery. All the sea mans knives from the 1800's and back were the sheep foot. And I recall that photograph of the knives recovered from the steamboat Arabia that sank in the Missouri river, a heck of a lot of them were of the single sheep foot blade type.

Of course, those old soldier and sailors clasp knives that Jack loves are a tank of a knife as well. Sheepfoot plus a marlin spike may make for a wicked worker!:eek:

I figure the knives being shipped west in the time frame the Arabia went down after hitting that snag, were most likely destined to be real working knives on the western frontier. Something to think about.
 
If I'm out in the yard messing around doing yard work it would be a Sod Buster, if I needed something where I'd be away from home, too far too go back out on a job that lasted a few days is go with a large Stockman.

My reasoning is the Sodbuster will handle all the hard yard work but I'm close enough to the house if I needed another blade type/pattern I could go get it.

If I'm away I'd rather have a few blades in one handle with varying angles on the blades leaving me more than one choice and back ups if I really dull a blade.
 
jackknife said:
Of course, those old soldier and sailors clasp knives that Jack loves are a tank of a knife as well. Sheepfoot plus a marlin spike may make for a wicked worker!:eek:
Click to expand...

;) :thumbup:



(Totally gratuitous Sheepsfootpic! :D )
 
I don't remember the last time I only carried a single knife. But if I did, it would either be a Case Sodbuster 2138 in stainless, or a 1974 model Case Hawkbill. I rotate these two for box cutting and hard use duty. Prefer the Sodbuster for sharpening, but prefer the "carryability" and cutting ability of the old Hawkbill.

As a restaurant owner I have need for a food prep knife, my Opinel No. 10 Carbone is great. As a paring knife, I alternate an Opinel No. 8 Garden Knife, and an Opinel No. 8 Carbone.

Then there is the ever-present Leatherman Micra in my pocket too. And usually a Mora Companion in Carbon steel on the hip.

Ultima Thule
 
Between those 3, I'd say Sodbuster. Feels better in my hand than most stockman knives I've handled, though I really liked the Buck 303 I handled briefly. On some stockman knifes, the sheepsfoot can ride high enough to feel lumpy if you're using any other blade, but I don't recall that being the case with the Buck 303. Can't really go wrong with any of them, but don't automatically discount the Opinel. The folks that give you strange looks over it are probably just trying to figure out how it works and how they can get one for themselves. :cool:
 
Dale Gribble said:
Can't really go wrong with any of them, but don't automatically discount the Opinel. The folks that give you strange looks over it are probably just trying to figure out how it works and how they can get one for themselves. :cool:
Click to expand...

My approach is to keep a spare Opinel laying around. If/when it generates some interest, including incredulity, I give it away saying, "Go ahead and break it. I'd love to know what it takes to bust one." One buddy of mine who works as a contractor uses and beater #8 with impunity. Regularly opens paint and tar cans with the spine of the blade. He just laughs and shakes his head.
 
I agree with Jack: if I needed a knife for work, I would pick a single bladed folder with blade style of choice and the most comfortable handle I could find. Sodbuster, Opinel, Backpocket, single bladed trapper...you name it :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top