Case WR XX Pocket Knife Orange Synthetic Sod Buster Jr Item #80502 - (4137 SS) - Length Closed: 3 5/8 Inches

Three months ago, I didn't know what a "sodbuster" was. However, since 1970, I have carried a wood-handled single blade knife that I picked up in Amsterdam while backpacking around Europe for a year. The pattern was somehow familiar to me; I just didn't know what it was called. Then, while prowling a knife forum, I came across a picture of my knife, right in the middle of a thread on sodbusters.Since it was made in Germany, it turns out my old knife is more properly called a "Hippekniep", or pocket knife. On these shores, it became known as a sodbuster, probably after the prairie-homesteading immigrant settlers who brought the knife from Europe and made it popular here. The Sodbuster is a no-nonsense working knife with a versatile drop point blade.The Sodbuster Jr. is a 2/3 scale version of the full-size sodbuster, about 6 1/2" overall with a 3" blade. A lot of manufacturers make this pattern; I chose Case because it is readily available and has a reputation for quality, which was evident in the full-sized sodbuster i had bought earlier. The Junior is more pocket-friendly than its big brother, and gets carried a lot more.The stainless blade came very sharp out of the box. I have not yet been tempted to sharpen it myself. I generally prefer carbon steel blades, particularly Case's chrome vanadium steel, but I am thoroughly satisfied with the performance of this blade. The stainless is a bit better suited for use with food, always a part of an EDC's agenda.One niggle: the blade does not center well when closed, and rubs slightly on the liner, something I was not able to catch buying online. A guy might want to phone the order in rather than ordering on-line, which would at least allow you to ask the vendor to check the knife over before sending it out. It is not serious enough to want to send the knife back, however, and apart from this detail, the fit and finish of the knife are excellent.One last thing: This knife looks fabulous in orange.

Beautiful knife

Great size. The orange is easier to see in the dark. Quality is great ,good function.

Another fine product by Case. Fit and finish is spot on. Typical of Case a minor amount of honing and a few passes on strop and its razor sharp.

This knife exceeded my expectations. The handle is very sturdy and solid.

Just a very satisfying knife to hold and own. I have the orange model and love the color. Sharp blade and just feels good to own.

I was so excited to get this knife and when it showed up I was pretty disappointed. This is the first Case I've ever bought and while the blade is very sharp, the point is extremely dull. It has a ton of side to side play and is almost impossible to open/close. It's like there's sand in it.I would have expected this from a $5 knife, but not from a Case. Maybe I just got a bad one.I'm sending it back for a replacement, but if this is any indication of the quality of Case knives, I'm sure the replacement will go back as well.I'm bummed.Update 2/14/18 - I received the replacement knife and am much happier with it. There is no play in the blade at all, it was very sharp out of the box (although I was able to get it a lot sharper), the action is smooth, the blade is centered and it's gorgeous. The only reason It's not getting 5 start is the point is still rather blunt.

Perfect for cutting open boxes, which is exactly why I bought this knife. Even as a 'Jr' model, it's still too large for me to carry every day in my pocket - however, I am a petite female, and women's jeans have VERY shallow pockets. So, my every day carry is a Baby Doc, which is the perfect size.This knife stays on my desk - the orange color stands out, ensuring it won't get lost if I toss it into my purse. The price is ridiculously affordable (Case, for under $30??), and the blade is just right for opening boxes and letters. A great workhorse for sure. Thanks to the low price, if I lose this one (like I lost my first Case knife), I won't be too incredibly upset.If you like a larger knife, look into the Sod Buster, but don't think of this as a Mini or Tiny version. To me, it's just right.