What is the origin of "Sodbuster"?

powernoodle

powernoodle

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Titles says it. I did a search on "Barlow" and found it to have a probable origin in 1600s England; a Barlow was carried by George Washington; mentioned by Mark Twain. But haven't been able to find anything on "sodbuster". Thx. :thumbup:
 
I'm wondering how that translates to the particular style of sodbuster knife. Sodbuster does mean farmer, you're right. Jez curious.
 
Well, I don't rightly know for certain, but this would be my guess:

The "sodbusters" were folks who broke virgin soil to till and grow food. Typically, they were homesteaders -- folks who had to go into the wilderness and do this in order to afford to have a farm. Thus, they weren't wealthy, but hardworking men of the soil who needed tools to do their work with. The "sodbuster" knife seems to be an old, old knife design. I've seen many sheath knives of similar size and shape, so it's not truly limited to a folder. The simple, unadorned clasp knife would seem to be the appropriate knife for such a "sodbuster" and therefore, the knife seems to have taken the name of the men who used it traditionally.

Again, this is only my opinion. And I still don't own one. ;) Not that I won't, just don't.
 
According to Levine's Guide IV:

"Before WWI, German firms introduced a light, simple, clasp-type folder with wood handles and no bolsters which translated to "folding butcher knife". Although Union Cutlery soon copied this German style of farmer's clasp knife, the pattern had negligible sales in the US until 1967 when Case introduced the "Sod Buster"."

So it appears that Case is responsible for naming their version of this traditional farmer's knife the "sod buster".

Hope that helps.
 
Blues, thanks that is interesting. Sod busters have always kind of reminded me of butcher knives in a way. Great knife pattern. Joe
 
Blues, thanks for posting that definitive information you quoted on the origins of the Sodbuster design. It has mostly answered my questions in another thread on the history of these knives. I was surprised to learn that I was already 20 years old when Case brought this design out. But, then again, I am surprised every time I remember that I'm getting old as dirt! :eek:
 
Well, we are of an age, Dr. Mudd. I am (by my reckoning) about five years your junior. But I think we still got a few tricks up our collective sleeves.
 
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