Bear & Son Farmhand: a modern take on the traditional Sodbuster

I picked up this Bear & Son at the same time as the Moonshine Barlow. The Farmhand is more or less an modern take on the traditional slip joint. I think it safe to assume that if Bear & Son's these are the knives that people have been talking about when they are say Bear & Son have stepped up their quality.
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[@littlemanscorner1718]

Bear and Son and Case are a gamble, plain and simple.

[@HTS_EDC]

Love than creamy burnt bone!! Very nice brother Tobias, ty for sharing and God bless!!'🙏👍👊🫡💯🇺🇸🔪🔥

[@LeashMechanic]

For use (as opposed to collection reasons) I’d buy this over an actual Sod Buster in a heartbeat!

[@bdh3949]

That is a cool looking/functioning knife. Many times companies must go off-shore for products not available in the US so there is that too I guess. Thanks once again for a great look at an interesting knife Tobias.

[@mikeadams2538]

I like the looks of the Farm Hand, but there are no B&S dealers close by where I can try one out. Thanks for the info. Can I get you to loosen up my “Moonshine” Barlows for me while you’re at it?😆

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

You had my attention when I saw that pocket clip! 😮 This is a modern rendition of a Sod Buster...there are hundreds of traditional sod busters, so the back lock and the pocket clip are part of the new pattern. If this knife doesn't tick your clock, then there are many other knives available. Don't knock this attempt at modernizing the sod buster slip joint for those of us who like pocket clips and locking blades.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I don’t think I was doing knocking this at all. I was pointing out my biases. For many, I know this is a welcome addition. That said, I always point out, that in my opinion, pocket clips should be reversible and removable on even the most modern of folders.

[@lewisgreenway5065]

I have no problem with modern construction methods used in manufacture of traditional pattern knives, I like screws being used instead of pins but like you I still prefer brass liners. 😁

[@SubUrbanNinja-EDC]

I like the pocket clip. It looks cool. The whole knife has a western and rustic appeal. Where can I get one and how much was it?

[@propblast82nd]

It may be just me but a pocket clip seems odd on a traditional pattern knife

[@mikeadams2538]

Me, too. Likewise thumb studs….

[@dm1523]

it took me over a decade to buy another Bear and Son after I received a shockingly poor barlow. I recently bought two versions of their 4" barlow. A world of deference. I hope their QC continues to be solid as I hope to buy more from them.

[@JoseGonzalez-yx6vm]

Those burned scales, do look really nice, thanks for sharing it, Tobias.

[@JoelPerri7777]

Cool video. I’ve always wondered about the farm hand, I like that it’s a lock back. Not a fan of the pocket clip either, but looks like a nice one. I actually have that roper you showed, I think it’s called the tumbleweed or pecos or something, but I love it, the 1065 steel takes a nice patina. Thanks for sharing

[@ericstarr9399]

Beautiful toasty bone! They did a good job making that! I wish they would have just left the clip off and gone for a pinned construction.

[@hleeky]

that bonfire bone could have been called toasted marshmallow bone. looks great. additionally, you could tether some pliers to your barlow :D

[@Orlosthedruid]

I was fortunate to find a massive lot of B&S knives being sold under another name, HARD HAT; I ended up buying about 30 knives total. Let me say this, the bone scaled trappers and the stag handled knives are among the best looking knives I have EVER SEEN. In particular, the green smooth bone knives, these knives look like EMERALDS. You can look INTO the scales and see depth of polished color. I Love my Bear and Sons knives, they may not be the worlds best materials or have the highest build quality, but man, they are sure pretty.

[@Jimthechevywheelman]

Beautiful knives!

[@jeffjackson5331]

Neat looking knives

[@Stans_Cutlery_Universe]

Tobias's Thumb & Index Finger Workout. Guaranteed results, no week fingers again.😅 I have a black Aluminum farmhand, it is a very well made knife and I enjoy using it. The one you have is a really good looking piece. Thanks for sharing it and your thoughts about it with us. God bless you and your family.

[@wingatebarraclough3553]

...weak? Or...

[@ezrahendog5837]

I think the oil gives your barlow knife a little character. I mean it's called a moonshine barlow not a fancy barlow

[@Tarheelsteel]

The Bonfire looks great! Literally the first thought that popped in my mind was that the pocket clip would have to go. I think it would actually look ok with just the screws.

[@deniskozlowski9370]

Beautiful knife but the pocket lip just looks a tad out of place. Great video. I'll have to their line out.

[@williammunny2295]

When I get one a little stiff or "gravelly " opening I put a small amount of mothers mag and aluminum polish in there and open and close it a bunch. Then give it a good clean and oil.

[@richardkut3976]

Bonfire is beautiful.

[@danedwards8535]

The pocket clip is inoperable. It’s almost impossible to clip it to your pocket it’s so close to the scale. I did remove mine from the aluminum scale type . I reinserted the screws and it works perfectly. So sorry for the oil discoloration on the barlow. I oiled a recent Rosecraft nolichucky jack purchase that had a beautiful moss green color and the scales literally turned black. The knife works fine, but the allure to me purchasing the knife as the original scale color. Oh well lesson learned. Enjoyed your video. .

[@rockets4kids]

It's going to be a sad day when Case stops making pinned/hafted slip joints.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

I recently bought the R/R Brown Burlap RR2333 it has a rough opening closing- any recommendations?

[@Mmagnus7]

I purchased the large toothpick from that series, and it had that infamous black goop rough ryder started using. It also had a rough open/close and the blade was extremely off center. So much so that it was scraping the liner on that side. I adjusted the centering and used a whole lot KPL flushing the pivot and working the pivot with oil in the joints over and over. Open and close over and over. Over time the grinding stopped and the majority of the crud came out. You'll be surprised at how much crap is in some of these knives from factory!

[@deniskozlowski9370]

I flushed mine with hot water then lubricated the pivot with Breakfree CLP a d it smoothed up nice.

[@fredcox6994]

I have used a tiny pinch of emery powder mixed with oil, then the blade worked a bunch of times,then hosed out and re-oiled. Might take a couple treatments, but works for me

[@slick_slicers]

I’ve always liked The sodbuster style of knife, but I think it’s German/Austrian roots stretch back almost 400 years before trademarked the word. I do like this bonfire bone but I’m too much of a stick in the mud for the screws.

[@felinebline7154]

Meanwhile they get the cash

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

🇺🇲...☕...👋🏼

[@Ajaxykins]

The original Bear and Sons SUCKED. Horrible fit and finish, scales popped off quick, blade came poorly ground and looked messy. This was circa 2010. This is a huge improvement and I might actually give them another shot