Other than say a knife like this or whatever the shit this knife is called perhaps one
of the most iconic and functional knife designs is a sodbuster- I mean I’m not sure but
I think it is. According to the google a sodbuster is a few things like a farmer, farmhand, homesteader,
someone who works the land, or one who participates in sod- oh oops that’s the urban dictionary
definition. I guess it’s the knife of a farmer. So in this case the knife we’re
looking at… it’s a uhh Case Sodbuster the full sized version with yellow synthetic
handles. Sodbusters generally don’t have a full lock, but a slip joint, with a functional
basic curved handle, a thumb knick, a drop point or clip point and is the knife most
likely to be carried by an old guy. But before we get into any more of that lets take
a look at the dimensions like the overall length and weight. Blade length and cutting
edge. Handle size and grip area. Spine thickness
and handle thickness. Tallness closed.
This full sized sodbuster not to be confused with the Jr Sodbuster, features a slightly
over 3 and a half inch blade with about a 3 inch cutting edge. The blade as case puts
it- is a skinner blade with CV or Chrome Vanadium steel. Maybe the definition of the skinner
blade has changed over time but I feel like this is a case I do not think that word means
what you think it means… to me though it looks like a standard drop point with a flat
grind. The Chrome Vandium blade will stain and patina after not much use, because its
not a stainless steel… case does make knives with stainless steel blades known as Case
Tru-Sharp Surgical Steel. According to the internet, and by that I mean people on blade
forums said… it’s a variation of 1095 carbon steel. So like me you can repeat it
as fact now. My blade’s original lightly tumbled finish, is starting to discolor because
I ate a steak with it one time and also light Instagram use. Out of the box it was sharp
except the last maybe quarter inch to the tip which was kind of dull. Like a video
about a knife. The blade is a non tactical two handed opening
with a thumb nick which is probably there mostly for looks, because I find it easier
to open by using two fingers and pulling. The knife is technically non locking, because
it’s a slip joint… however it has a decently strong back spring. that allows the blade
to click into place when opening or closing. The backspring isn’t quite as strong as
on my Cudeman or my Boker slack. Both of those knives have knicked me a few times when
closing… and you’re like that’s really surprising! Blade retention when closed be
good and you can’t just fling it open. I would assume only the worst slip joints would
allow that- and if you could do that well you wasted your money.
The Sodbuster can be had in many handles like eagle bone whale bone and human bone but I
chose the yellow synthetic handle because yellow is pretty and the color of pee pee.
Since there is no clip the handle and yellow plastic scales are rounded and comfortable
to squeeze and or hold. The scales are held onto the knife with brass pins over a
brass liner. although the butt of the handle is a tad sharp on mine- right in this area…
It could use a light sanding. Otherwise the handle is smooth and doesn’t provide
much texture in wet conditions, other than the strongness of your grip.
There ain’t no pocket clip. This is kind of a large knife to be floating around down
in the bottom of your pocket- and well the sheep might think you’re happy to see them.
I plan on trying out some small clip sheaths in the future- but I think manufacturers should
get in on that. Otherwise it’s a tool box, glove box, or bag knife. Maybe you have big
pockets I dunno.
Let’s do some comparisons. First let’s look at the sodbuster. It’s big and yellow.
I think it’s a nice looking knife. A lot of manufacturers make sodbusters, but I wanted
an affordable made in USA version with a 3 inch or larger blade. Also a helpful tip when
searching retailers online sometimes sodbuster is one word and some times its 2 words
sod buster. Next the Cudeman classic slipjoint folder. This one is about $25 on Amazon. It
has a very strong backspring and a long pointy blade good for piercing. However the Amazon
deception say bullhorn which might be bullshit, because mine feels and looks a lot like unfinished
olive wood. It’s made in spain- actually a very fine knife. Look for a full review
in a few weeks. Ok now the Boker slack. Also like the cudeman, a very strong back spring.
The case is a loaner friendly blade, but both the boker and the cudeman are not easy closers.
This uses a stainless VG10 steel, its made in china, and costs about $100. It has a tad
better fit and finish than the case. And how about the Douk Douk. Finally the douk douk.
This one ain’t an easy closer either… and can be had in a blade more the size of
the others here, but I opted for the smaller version because I didn’t know what I was
buying. Fit and finish is the worst of the 4- however it is well built and according
to internet legend many people were terrorized and murdered in sarahan Africa with them-
so that’s not cool. Unless you think murder is cool. Ok we’re done here.
Now when most people who don’t really do knives are given a knife, and you pay attention
to how they expect to open it and close it, well they expect a slip joint or you to close
it for them. If they can’t apply pressure to a blade and close it, they furrow their
brow and say uhh how do you close this. And while these observations don’t really mean
much- it does point to the fact that a knife like the case sodbuster is basically the knife
a lot of people expect out of a pocket knife. The blade will darken and change color with
light use, making it look well used in a short amount of time. It’s a nice solid buy for
about $30 and probably one of the cheapest made in USA sodbusters you can buy in this
size blade. Maybe Bear and sons makes one too. There’s many more expensive ones though,
if you’re that kind of dude. Anyway if you like this review subscribe to my channel,
give the video a thumbs up- sorry BATON that like button bro (thanks Kyle Miller)! unless
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a persons character. Or maybe it isn’t and it’s indicative of a much larger problem.
Comment. Thanks for watching!