One of the Most Iconic American Knives Gets a Compact EDC-Friendly Update

Case’s Sod Buster is nothing shy of a knifemaking icon. This upgraded reinterpretation vaults it into the modern era.

Hand placing a small folding knife with a black clip labeled "CASE" into a brown fabric pocket.

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Published February 2, 2026

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Dating back to 1889, Case is among the oldest and longest-operating American knifemaking brands ever. And even after all this time, the outfit is still consistently putting out excellent cutting tools. In fact, the brand has recently been making a push into more modernized folders and other EDC knives.

The latest is actually a magnificent blend of the brand’s iconic heritage and contemporary everyday carry. Called the Case Crossroads Smooth Seafoam Green Burl G10 XR Sod Buster Jr, this knife takes one of the most significant and historical American pocket knives and vaults it into the modern era.

Folding pocket knife with a partially open stainless steel blade and a black, white, and turquoise patterned handle. — This new version boasts the same classic Sod Buster profile, but in a much more contemporary size and style.

Making a strong case

The original Sod Buster folding knife dates back to 1937. Yet, despite its old-timey origins, it has remained among Case’s catalog and is still a strong seller. That should tell you a lot about just how timeless and useful this folder is.

This version is actually a smaller take, hence the “Jr” in its name. While the original isn’t a particularly beefy knife — it measures 4.625 inches closed with a 3.7-inch blade — this one is decidedly smaller, measuring 3.63 inches closed with a 2.8-inch blade.

Unlike the vast majority of Sod Buster knives, this one has an EDC-friendly pocket clip.

That size-down alone makes this a much more pocket-friendly knife. However, this version has another handy feature that sets it apart from its brethren, making it even more carry-ready: a pocket clip.

Traditionally, the Sod Buster and Sod Buster Jr do not have a pocket clip, so this is a decidedly contemporary departure, one that makes it a more convenient and accessible carry. Of course, that’s just one of the many changes that set this knife apart.

Folded pocket knife with a black and turquoise marbled handle and a black clip labeled "CASE XX. — Unlike the vast majority of Sod Buster knives, this one has an EDC-friendly pocket clip.

Sod off

As handy as the addition of a pocket clip is, it’s far from the most exciting swap with this new take. While the iconic silhouette of this knife remains intact, the materials have undergone a complete revamp.

The handle, for instance, is exceptionally eye-catching. This is because it’s done up in a Seafoam Green Burl colorway that’s pretty unique among Case’s catalog. It’s also made from G-10, as opposed to more traditional bone, wood or Delrin. Along with adding some style, it keeps the knife light while retaining plenty of strength, stability and resistance to a ton of impediments.

Small folding knife with a patterned handle and a partially open blade held in an open hand. — While the original Sod Buster measures 4.625 inches closed with a 3.7-inch blade, this one is much smaller, measuring 3.63 inches closed with a 2.8-inch blade.

The pointy end of this knife has seen a significant upgrade, too. Instead of Case’s Tru-Sharp stainless steel, it has been upgraded to S35VN — an EDC fan favorite — and stonewashed satin-finished.

This knife is living proof (so to speak) that timeless designs and contemporary styling (and materials) can, in fact, go hand in hand magnificently. And it certainly bodes well for the future of Case.

Small folding pocket knife with a stonewashed blade and a textured black and turquoise handle held in two hands. — The Seafoam G-10 handle adds an eye-catching element to this iconic cutting tool.

Available now

The Case Crossroads Smooth Seafoam Green Burl G10 XR Sod Buster Jr is available on the brand’s site now for $125. It’s also available over at Blade HQ for even cheaper: $105.

Folding pocket knife with a stonewashed blade and a blue and black patterned handle.

Case Crossroads Smooth Seafoam Green Burl G10 XR Sod Buster Jr

$125 at Case

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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