Which sodbuster

W

wvstockman

Joined
Dec 30, 2007
Messages
62
I've been researching the sodbuster pattern and am going to order one in the next few days. Problem is I don't know which one. My budget is $30.

Here is where I'm ordering it from and what they have:

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...hText=sodbuster&list=50&range=1&order=Default

I'm was actually thinking of getting the case sodbuster jr. and also one of the Kissing Cranes (at those prices it'll still be under or close to $30).

I know the Case has a good history but what about the Kissing Crane? I've never had or seen one. I was looking at either the brown mule or the coal miner. Just wondered how good they could be at this price? Are they worth even getting? I kinda like the coal miner since I have a lot of family in mining and (after my knee heals) I'm going to try and get a job there also. Would be nice to carry just for the etching on the blade but I noticed the pins don't go all the way through the handle. Does this matter?

Btw, does the large model sodbuster (kissing crane or otherwise) still carry well in a pocket?

Sam
 
I have a Queen D2 soddie in black coming, for $23.
Let you know what it is like.
I know I will rebevel it then put it to work...
 
I have several sod busters from Case and Boker. You can pick up a Boker Cinch soddie for around 20 bucks. Are you looking for a stainless or carbon blade?
 
I have the Kissing Crane Coal Miner and, while it's been a great little work knife, to me it feels kind of "clunky" in the hand. The black plastic handle is just kind of boxy to me, but your milage may vary.
 
I have a yellow Case Sodbuster Jr. in CV that's GREAT. They're getting quite hard to find, but if you're not averse to Ebay, they are out there for not a lot of money.
 
I have 2 newer black Case stainless Sodbuster jr's, 2 newer CV Sodbuster jr's and a pile of older black Case stainless Jr's that were my dad and grandfathers. The Case sodbuster jr's are in my top 2 pattern favorites. My preference is the yellow handle CV Sodbuster jr. I have a 2005 one that goes with me often. The patina has gone past gray into a nice gray & black color. I like the yellow handles because it makes them easier to find since I do a lot of work on mowers, tractors and equipment for my business.

All the Case sodbusters I bought were exceptional in their workmanship and quality. The snap of open and close is tight and crisp. They have this pattern down to a science. I wouldn't hesistate to buy one sight unseen.

I prefer the CV over the stainless, to me the CV gets sharper and holds it a little better. It also appears to be a little sturdier, the stainless has a little more flex to the blade than the CV. I am also a carbon steel junkie, so that is a big plus to me. My dad and grandfather were black handle stainless users. Some of them are 35+ years old, many were used hard. So the stainless blade did hold up well for all those years. I will say, I believe the new black handles are actually better quality (material wise) now than the ones made in the 70's and 80's.

My dad and grandfather threw their stainless Soddies in there pockets without a thought about them. They didn't worry about patina or rust. My CV knives I spend more time with taking care of. A beautiful patina requires more TLC and during the summer when I am outside sweating, surface rust becomes something I must be aware of. I've become pretty good at dealing with CV so its no big deal to me, but my dad and grandfather would probably not agree. They both had carbon steel knives that they grew up with, but both became stainless steel junkies starting in the late 60's and early 70's. I have very few carbon steel knives of theirs after that time period.

I have no experience with the other brands, but the history of Case in my family make it easy to recommend the Case Sodbuster Jr...in either steel.
 
my experience with kissing crane has been hit or miss so i can't recommend them. as far as the case goes i've got a jr/cv i'm carrying right now i just can't put down. it's funny when one of the cheapest knives in the box gets all the pocket time. i'd go case, then queen.
 
mnblade said:
I have a yellow Case Sodbuster Jr. in CV that's GREAT. They're getting quite hard to find, but if you're not averse to Ebay, they are out there for not a lot of money.
Click to expand...

Actually, I haven't had any problem finding them. I go to Bass Pro and get them for me and as gifts for others often. You can also order them online. They are $19.95 for either the CV or stainless.
 
Are you looking for a stainless or carbon blade?
Click to expand...

I don't know. I'd like stainless (I sweat alot) but I've heard some bad things about Case stainless steel. So I was considering the case cv.

Is the Case stainless all that bad?

Sam
 
wvstockman said:
I don't know. I'd like stainless (I sweat alot) but I've heard some bad things about Case stainless steel. So I was considering the case cv.

Is the Case stainless all that bad?

Sam
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with Case SS. Grab a Case SS soddie and tell us how it works for you. I'm sure you'll happy with it.
 
wvstockman said:
I don't know. I'd like stainless (I sweat alot) but I've heard some bad things about Case stainless steel. So I was considering the case cv.

Is the Case stainless all that bad?

Sam
Click to expand...

Like I said in my above explanation, I prefer CV but the stainless is very good. The black handle stainless Sodbuster jr is a very well made knife with lots of strenght for a slippie.
 
I have a new black Queen Country Cousin in D2. The edge grind was very good and the thing snaps open with authority. If your "steel hunting" for a work knife D2 is very good.
I think they are had for 22.00
 
I have two Case Soddies and love them. I prefer the big one, mine is SS and I've got a great edge on it. It is my primary yard working knife and I made a belt/pouch sheath for it. I recently bought the yellow CV JR. It is also a neat little knife sized for EDC though a little fat. I have a thing for patina on blades and the CV took a nice shade of gray with vinegar.

Case SS is fine. My Sodbuster took more effort than my other Case SS knife get a good edge on. But, I have gotten better at sharpening and this knife holds the edge well.
 
I spotted the Case Sodbuster Jr. on display for just under $18 at Lowe's, and I'm considering going back to get one. It was black handles and SS, which I actually like Case's SS blades.
Jim
 
I've got a Kissing Crane Coal Miner. Won it on ebay for a couple bucks ($3 or so). It's been a pretty good little knife. I can get a great edge on it and it holds it pretty well.

Having said that, I do want a yellow Case!
 
James Y said:
I spotted the Case Sodbuster Jr. on display for just under $18 at Lowe's, and I'm considering going back to get one. It was black handles and SS, which I actually like Case's SS blades.
Jim
Click to expand...

I got one from there a yr ago. Quality excellent.
 
Well, today I picked up a Sodbuster Jr. at Lowe's. I like this one. The backspring is nice and strong, with solid walk-and-talk, yet it's not a nail-breaker to get open. I simply use my thumb and index finger to pull it open, rather than use the nail nick. It's also razor-sharp.

Possibly the one thing I wish it had would be if the handle had a slight integral guard; not to prevent forward slippage, but to kind of cover the sharp end of the blade tang when it's closed. That tang in the closed position extends out a bit and is sharp. However, that same tang lines up perfectly and solidly with the backspring in the open position, so I really cannot complain at all.
Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top