WRCase Sodbuster delimma, requesting experienced guidance

T

Tim Schneider

Joined
May 24, 2018
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Recently made an estate purchase: Case Sodbuster 2138 Case xx usa 1970- 79 according to tang stamp, but no dots are visible, peculiar as not known if they are under the handle or a pre-dot. Knife in apparently unused condition, never sharpened, no cracks or scars, brass is bright most likely polished by estate folks.

It is beautiful but seems to have a build flaw. The snap and stay at open is very weak. I have others from the 70s and 80s eras and they snap and stay open with authority. Have a few recent ones of same model that are anemic in comparison, and of course are not built husky, with thick blades and springs like the old ones.

This one is even more anemic than the new models. Bought this for an everyday user, but am fearful of blade closing. I thoroughly degreased the hinge, but no change.

The problem appears to be the tang pivot pin location. When knife is open the tang top edge sits below (maybe 1/64) the mating edge of backspring, which is perfectly flush with liners. This leads me to believe that the blade was drilled a bit high on the tang, creating too much gap between tang flat and spring flat.

Called Case and the lovely CS person said to send it in for review, the tech will look it over and determine if it is a manufacture flaw and if it can be repaired. She said they retooled in 1990 and do not have parts to repair pre-90 knives.

I am unable to come up with a fix besides complete disassemble and redrill fresh handle/liners to replace pin. Any thoughts on repair method would be appreciated, and thoughts on value of sending to Case. It is painful to mail it as I don’t know what they could do, maybe replace it with another new one that unfortunately is not in the same league.

Note: Initially thought to put in maintenance category, but think the Traditionals group might be more experienced with these matters.
 
Send it to Case.
Worsterest case, they send you a new one.

If you take it apart, you void the warranty.
 
Send it to Case. You bought it as a user. Like the man said, worst case is you get a new one. --KV
 
It's a sodbuster, not a Singer 1911. Send it in.
 
If you send it back, make sure if they can't fix it and you want original back for whatever reason make sure to include a note stating your request. Otherwise, I'd send it back and get a new one.
 
If sending it back to Case for review, I'd make sure to tell them to send it back to you, if they can't or won't fix it. It may be worth looking into customizing options too. There've been at least a couple of craftsmen around whom specialized in making custom handles for Soddies. A pristine blade in their older carbon steel of that vintage (1967-'69, if no dots) could be worth holding onto, if the weak spring issue can be repaired along with a customizing job. It may not be repairable; but there's little harm in finding out for sure, before you give the knife up to Case for a replacement.
 
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You can send it to Case to look at. But, what you see is "under-blading" and it is very common with most traditional makers. Drilling the pivot in the wrong place simply didn't happen, even back then. It is a fairly automated process such that all parts come out looking identical. At the time it was probably a sub-$10 knife and they didn't spend time trying to get a Bose fit on the blade/spring. I would say it is more likely that the knife sit in a display quarter opened for 20+ years and just eased the backspring.

If you seem to want to send it back, you will get a lot of support to do that.

If you call the factory, their customer service gets paid to be real nice.

But, in the end, it is a sodbuster. Make it happy and use it.
 
What he said^^

I think its most likely that the blade has galled into the pin on the spring side a bit. I see this on many old, used and cared for knives. I say 'cared for' because they seldom show side to side play like you'd see from a bit of prying, but the blade will sink and sometimes 'twist' a tiny bit if you feel at it when it's opened. I've opened a couple like this, and both of the worst ends' pins were grooved from the blade wearing them. The pins are the softest part of the wearable parts in a pivot, so usually will be thr only thing that gets 'worn out' in an otherwise intact and cared for piece. I reeeaaaallllly dont think it was 'mis-drilled'. Which is encouraging, case may just be able to smack a new pin in there, rub the bolsters a bit to hide it, and bang. New old knife.
 
^That might be even simpler to fix, for the Sod Buster, if the pivot pin is the issue. The 'pin' in the Case Soddie is a brass cutlery rivet, so far as I know, at least in relatively recent models. Brass pin + steel pivot hole in blade = might be some wear in there. If so, it may be relatively easy for Case to replace the rivet and call it 'Good'.
 
Thank you all so much for responding. A lot of good and thoughtful info and possibilities presented. Doubt the pivot is worn much due to unused appearance, but the weak spring due to staying open a long time could be something. Have tried a very thin shim on the tang flat to spring mate surface, but seems to make little or no difference. Still up in the air what I will do with it. I know its a cheap knife but I do like the old ones very much.

Do any of you know a dealer in pre-1990 parts or a good repairman?

Thanks again to all you good folks.
Tim
 
I can't see much downside in sending it to Case for evaluation. Their repair form that you print and include with the knife when you send it in asks specifically whether the knife has sentimental value. If you state YES, the form indicates: "If SENTIMENTAL VALUE is indicated and repairs cannot be made, your knife will be returned as-is."

At best, they can repair your knife and all will be well, and at worst they send it back to you if repairs are not possible. I've dealt with Case's Warranty and Repair department on numerous occasions, and have always had a truly excellent experience. I have no doubt that they'll do their very best to take care of you.
 
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Padawan
Your insightful comment has given me a much better understanding for the experience with Case. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
 
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