A few questions about the sodbuster

[comma]

Hey guys. New to Case and looking to get a sodbuster.
I am all about the history when it comes to knives.
I was curious what current sodbuster is closest to Case's original pattern?
Was their original sodbuster black or yellow? Or would it have been bone or wood?
Looking to get the most historically accurate new sodbuster I can.
I've tried to reach out directly to Case but haven't had any luck so was hoping someone here could help.

Thanks!

[cody6268]

The "Sodbuster" is actually a form of clasp knife; a design that goes back at least a couple hundred years, and quite often, had wood handles. It was only when Case trademarked the term "Sodbuster" did it become a household name among knife enthusiasts.

[comma]

The "Sodbuster" is actually a form of clasp knife; a design that goes back at least a couple hundred years, and quite often, had wood handles. It was only when Case trademarked the term "Sodbuster" did it become a household name among knife enthusiasts.

Thanks! For Case specifically, do you which style/color they made first? And when did they start making the sodbuster?

[Mumbleypeg]

The pattern was made in Europe long before Case introduced it in their line. Some of the oldest I know of were from Germany. I don’t know when Case first made the pattern but the first I recall seeing were black (doesn’t mean black was first, just the first I remember). Case now now has two versions - the original Case “Sodbuster”, and the smaller “Sodbuster Jr.” Case has also offered them in jigged bone, orange G10, and maybe other colors.

Here’s just one of several older threads here about the pattern viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56381.

Someone here may know the answers to your questions but if not just send them to Case, by email to consumer-relations@wrcase.com. If you do, be sure to come back here and tell us what they said.

Welcome to AAPK.

Ken.

[XX Case XX]

Here's a link to some Sodbuster history. Might be of help to you.

https://www.northernknives.com/post/why ... an-classic

___________
Mike

[XX Case XX]

If you go to the top of the Homepage here, and type "Sodbuster" in the search box, you will see several Case Sodbusters for sale just in case you're interested. There are several different types, some with wood handles.

___________
Mike

[Steve Warden]

Here's a link to some Sodbuster history. Might be of help to you.

https://www.northernknives.com/post/why ... an-classic

___________
Mike

Great link, Mike. Good info. Thanks!

[comma]

Here's a link to some Sodbuster history. Might be of help to you.

https://www.northernknives.com/post/why ... an-classic

___________
Mike

Thanks! Lots of great info in there.
Still curious about what the first Case sodbuster looked like though. Can't seem to find that info anywhere.
I did reach out to Case a few days ago. We'll see if they get back. I'll post here if they do

[Old Folder]

Below is a link to a member on "Bladefurums.com" His handle is: trevytrev.
He has a wonderful collection of Sodbusters posted, the most I have ever seen. All posted in beautiful color pictures. Many manufacturers.
Perhaps you can send him a message for his opinion on your Case question? trevytrev has been a member since 2010 and was recently active on Aug 28, 2020.
Bladeforums is free to join.
I very seldom participate within Bladeforums.com (AAPK has my full dedication)
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... em.970292/

[Old Folder]

Below is a link to a member on "Bladefurums.com" His handle is: trevytrev.
He has a wonderful collection of Sodbusters posted, the most I have ever seen. All posted in beautiful color pictures. Many manufacturers.
Perhaps you can send him a message for his opinion on your Case question? trevytrev has been a member since 2010 and was recently active on Aug 28, 2020.
Bladeforums is free to join.
I very seldom participate within Bladeforums.com (AAPK has my full dedication)
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... em.970292/

Modoc ED from "Bladeforums.com stated:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... 92/page-68

Case introduced their #37 Pattern Small working knife around 1970 and named it "Sod Buster" Jr. (two words) just as they had named their #38 Pattern Large "Sod Buster". It became a Copyright issue and Case took action against other cutlers for using the name "Sod Buster" so now all other manufactures call them Sodbuster (one Word) thereby getting around the Copyright infringement. BUT in a thread like this everyone, including me, uses the one word name "Sodbuster".

[comma]

Below is a link to a member on "Bladefurums.com" His handle is: trevytrev.
He has a wonderful collection of Sodbusters posted, the most I have ever seen. All posted in beautiful color pictures. Many manufacturers.
Perhaps you can send him a message for his opinion on your Case question? trevytrev has been a member since 2010 and was recently active on Aug 28, 2020.
Bladeforums is free to join.
I very seldom participate within Bladeforums.com (AAPK has my full dedication)
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... em.970292/

Modoc ED from "Bladeforums.com stated:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... 92/page-68

Case introduced their #37 Pattern Small working knife around 1970 and named it "Sod Buster" Jr. (two words) just as they had named their #38 Pattern Large "Sod Buster". It became a Copyright issue and Case took action against other cutlers for using the name "Sod Buster" so now all other manufactures call them Sodbuster (one Word) thereby getting around the Copyright infringement. BUT in a thread like this everyone, including me, uses the one word name "Sodbuster".

Thanks!
Stupid question, but just to clarify, did Case make the #36 Sod Buster Jr. before they made the regular Sod Buster?

[Old Folder]

Below is a link to a member on "Bladefurums.com" His handle is: trevytrev.
He has a wonderful collection of Sodbusters posted, the most I have ever seen. All posted in beautiful color pictures. Many manufacturers.
Perhaps you can send him a message for his opinion on your Case question? trevytrev has been a member since 2010 and was recently active on Aug 28, 2020.
Bladeforums is free to join.
I very seldom participate within Bladeforums.com (AAPK has my full dedication)
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... em.970292/

Modoc ED from "Bladeforums.com stated:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... 92/page-68

Case introduced their #37 Pattern Small working knife around 1970 and named it "Sod Buster" Jr. (two words) just as they had named their #38 Pattern Large "Sod Buster". It became a Copyright issue and Case took action against other cutlers for using the name "Sod Buster" so now all other manufactures call them Sodbuster (one Word) thereby getting around the Copyright infringement. BUT in a thread like this everyone, including me, uses the one word name "Sodbuster".

Thanks!
Stupid question, but just to clarify, did Case make the #36 Sod Buster Jr. before they made the regular Sod Buster?

Your very welcome comma.
Also: Welcome to aapk.
I do not know if the chicken came before the egg, perhaps the above members within "Bladeforums.com" can answer your question?
I do not have any Sodbusters. However, your post has certainly got me interested. I am currently looking into the Case Stags.

[cudgee]

Modoc ED from "Bladeforums.com stated:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... 92/page-68

Case introduced their #37 Pattern Small working knife around 1970 and named it "Sod Buster" Jr. (two words) just as they had named their #38 Pattern Large "Sod Buster". It became a Copyright issue and Case took action against other cutlers for using the name "Sod Buster" so now all other manufactures call them Sodbuster (one Word) thereby getting around the Copyright infringement. BUT in a thread like this everyone, including me, uses the one word name "Sodbuster".

Thanks!
Stupid question, but just to clarify, did Case make the #36 Sod Buster Jr. before they made the regular Sod Buster?

Your very welcome comma.
Also: Welcome to aapk.
I do not know if the chicken came before the egg, perhaps the above members within "Bladeforums.com" can answer your question?
I do not have any Sodbusters. However, your post has certainly got me interested. I am currently looking into the Case Stags.

I may be able to help you there, i have a coupe and will post some photos later to show the difference, it may help you make a decision.

[cudgee]

Modoc ED from "Bladeforums.com stated:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sod ... 92/page-68

Case introduced their #37 Pattern Small working knife around 1970 and named it "Sod Buster" Jr. (two words) just as they had named their #38 Pattern Large "Sod Buster". It became a Copyright issue and Case took action against other cutlers for using the name "Sod Buster" so now all other manufactures call them Sodbuster (one Word) thereby getting around the Copyright infringement. BUT in a thread like this everyone, including me, uses the one word name "Sodbuster".

Thanks!
Stupid question, but just to clarify, did Case make the #36 Sod Buster Jr. before they made the regular Sod Buster?

Your very welcome comma.
Also: Welcome to aapk.
I do not know if the chicken came before the egg, perhaps the above members within "Bladeforums.com" can answer your question?
I do not have any Sodbusters. However, your post has certainly got me interested. I am currently looking into the Case Stags.

These are 2 that i have, one is Yellow Delrin, the other is Pocket Worn Bone. I have measured both for you with a micro-meter to show the difference in thickness. It is a personal preference, but i prefer the slimmer Pocket Worn Bone, just feels better in the hand in my opinion. The Yellow Delrin is .532 inches thick, the Pocket Worn Bone is .389 inches thick. They are really good slicers and really sharp, hope this helps.

[rea1eye]

Thanks everyone who participated in the discussion. I never new how the knife
got its name.

Maybe this might me on my list to get!

Bob

[Mumbleypeg]

Finally got time to look at my copy of Pfeiffer’s Collecting Case Knives, in which he says the Case Sod Buster pattern number 38 (4-5/8 inch closed length) was first introduced in the late 1960’s with smooth black handle covers. First appeared in the Case catalog in 1968, offered with CV blade (2138) or SS blade (2138 SS) and a liner lock version having SS blade (2138 L SS). In the 1990s a yellow handled version (3138) with CV blade was introduced. He goes on to say he believes Case to be the first American cutlery to offer a Sod Buster style knife, which was a standard pattern of several German companies for a long time.

The 37 pattern “Sod Buster Jr.” (3-5/8 inches closed length) was introduced in 1970 as the 2137, smooth black handles, in CV and SS versions. The 3137 (yellow handles) was introduced in 1993.

For further info see the book.

Ken

[comma]

Finally got time to look at my copy of Pfeiffer’s Collecting Case Knives, in which he says the Case Sod Buster pattern number 38 (4-5/8 inch closed length) was first introduced in the late 1960’s with smooth black handle covers. First appeared in the Case catalog in 1968, offered with CV blade (2138) or SS blade (2138 SS) and a liner lock version having SS blades (2138 L SS). In the 1990s a yellow handled version (3138) with CV blade was introduced. He goes on to say he believes Case to be the first American cutlery to offer a Sod Buster style knife, which was a standard pattern of several German companies for a long time.

The 37 pattern “Sod Buster Jr.” (3-5/8 inches closed length) was introduced in 1970 as the 2137, smooth black handles, in CV and SS versions. The 3137 (yellow handles) was introduced in 1993.

For further info see the book.

Ken

Thanks so much! This is exactly the info I was hoping for

[knifeaholic]

The original Case Sodbuster was introduced in 1967 - it was the 2138, full size with black handles and CV (carbon steel) blade. That was the first one.

In 1970, Case added the 2138 SS, the 2137 small Sodbuster, the 2137 SS, and the 2138 L SS large Sodbuster with liner lock.

Little known fact - some percentage (perhaps all) of the Case Sodbusters were actually made on contract for Case by Alcas.

Case does make them in-house now and has for quite some time.