My very first Case pocket knife was a Sodbuster Jr. It was, I think, the first time I'd ever held a nicely finished slipjoint. That was back in the mid 1970's when Case's stainless was 440C and the blade profile was more pointy, with subtle swedges and a finer satin grind than the current basic stainless model with black scales. The blade was also flat ground, not the scooped hollow grind currently offered, as on this model under review. The nostalgic Sodbuster Jr. etch with its old fashioned plow design was also much more subtle, like a pleasant memory of bygone times fondly recalled, more so than the vivid depiction of its present iteration. I still have it, much used and much appreciated, and it snaps like a bear trap.
This example of the familiar well worn farmer's friend is in a different, more upmarket niche. The Amber jigged bone scales are as noted more slender than the common Delrin handled versions, with definite reduction of bulk in one's pocket or grasp. The mirror polished stainless blade adds to the dapper good looks of this pocket knife, and the spring pressure on mine is a good balance of smooth operation and firm secure tension. And, with simple technique, the blade can be opened or closed with one hand.
The blade profile, which Case designates as a skinner, has more versatility than a cursory glance would suggest. Also, the edge thickness is quite minimal on Sodbuster Jrs now produced. A thin edge means a fine slicer, and despite the pronounced hollow grind, the blade does not disappoint in that regard.
Mine had a slight wire edge out of the box. A few stokes on some single ply cardboard impregnated with buffing compound quickly sorted that. Better than leather for this purpose of removing burrs. A more costly leather strop will be shredded in no time if used to remove burrs, or in this case, wire edges from the manufacturer. Keep your leather strop in good condition by using loaded cardboard instead. Found all this out the hard way.
A wire edge for a collector signifies that the blade has not been sharpened and with the absence of indications of wear and tear, shows that the knife is new or has not been used. A collector will examine a prospective knife closely, perhaps using a loupe, and given the difficulty of restoring a wire edge to exactly resemble a new Case, the presence of a wire edge all but guarantees that the knife is genuinely either new or new old stock, that is, unused.
Try just a little bit of oil on the bone scales from time to time. The appearance will gradually improve and acquire a richer colour and an almost translucent quality. Not too much oil, wiped off after a few minutes. Note that I recommend this for Case's Amber bone models. The more varied dyed colours Case offers I would not oil. At least not much. Time and use, with natural exposure to skin oils and sunlight, etc will pleasantly age the colour of dyed scales. This natural process adds character and charm.
Putting slimmer bone scales on a friendly and capable agricultural pattern like this one marries the naturally ergonomic proportions with an elegant appearance. So personally it seems to be a good candidate for a gentleman's folder' with its gleaming handsome and trim design.
Thank you Heinnie for making this model available. Well recommended!
