What's a Sodbuster?

Q

quinnjoblow

Joined
Nov 14, 2006
Messages
5
Can someone explain the term sodbuster. I'm new to vintage folders and I'm trying to figure things out.
 
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Knives that look like this.
Usually a plastic handle, one non locking blade. A simple work knife.
They are made in a large and small size (sodbuster jr.)
Also, made by several companies. Case calls them sodbusters, Queen calls them country cousins and foreign companies make their versions.
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The term "Sodbuster" has been used to describe Tough Settlers to tough plows, etc.. In a knife it's certainly a tough/simple workhorse.
 
You can pick up soddies at reasonable prices. There are many from which to chose. Get yourself one or ten ;)
 
Sodbuster is what Case called this pattern when they introduced the larger version in 1967 - with the Sodbuster Jr introduced in 1970. This was when the pattern finally caught on in America and thus what the pattern is generically called here. But the basic original pattern had been kicking around for a long time in Europe - going back to friction folders before spring backed knives ever came along. BRL calls it a "farmer's clasp knife" to give it its most general name -- he noted that Herder and Henckels tried to introduce it to America as a folding butcher knife before WWI, and Union Cutlery copied the pattern (obviously recognizing a good thing) -- but nobody was buying.
 
I think I might start looking for one. I just started carrying my Buck 311 for the last couple of weeks. I find its a bit heavy in the pocket. I'm used to having a Spyderco type pocket clip knife. I think the sodbuster style might carry in pocket a bit better only having one blade.
 
I would also point out that which has already been implied; by design they do not have metal bolsters.
Wikipedia does a decent job of giving an overview of folding knife designs and blade shapes, etc.
I used it to good effect clearing up some of my initial confusion (now I am left with just the resultant confusion).

pete
 
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