It’s clear that Case learned a lot from these ventures and is determined to show the knife community it’s here to stay and evolve. Continuing down that modern-traditional path, Case has now given one of its oldest and most beloved designs a full modern overhaul. Enter the Sod Buster Jr. Crossroads, featuring a CPM S35VN blade and wooden Dymalux handles. Fans have been asking for a traditional Case knife with modern steel for a long time, and now we finally have it. Case’s Tru-Sharp stainless and Chrome Vanadium have served the brand well for decades, but this is a major step forward for those who wanted to see high-end powder steels in traditional patterns.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Crossroads is that gorgeous stabilized wood handle. Case says the material is  Dymalux, which is made from thin layers of dyed wood compressed with resin or epoxy. The result is a material that looks natural but is tougher and waterproof, offering the warmth of wood with the durability of a synthetic. It’s also nice to see Case replace traditional brass pins with black Torx screws. It gives the knife a slightly more modern look and, who knows, maybe even makes disassembly possible. The handle feels familiar in hand—same comfortable dimensions as the standard Sod Buster Jr.—but executed with a level of refinement that feels like a real upgrade.

Now let’s talk about that blade. The shape remains true to the original pattern, but the steel choice changes everything. S35VN has been a benchmark in the knife world for years, known for its balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. It’s a fantastic fit for a hard-working design like this one. Traditionally, the Sod Buster Jr. has been the go-to knife for farm chores and everyday cutting—opening hay bales, slicing fruit, or just general utility. The Crossroads version handles all that and more, with edge retention that’s been excellent so far. I’ve only had to touch it up a couple of times with honing rods.

Instead of a nail nick, Case opted for a small hole in the same location. I wasn’t sure what to think of that at first, but it actually works better for me. I can pinch the blade near the hole and open it cleanly without needing to dig in a thumbnail. The only small issue I found was that my blade wasn’t ground all the way to the tip. My other Sod Buster Jr. doesn’t have that problem, so I’m assuming this is a hand-grinding quirk from the factory. It doesn’t hurt performance much—just makes it harder to start a cut by piercing—but it’s something I’ll easily fix on a sharpener.

Overall, the Case XX Crossroads Sod Buster Jr. is a thoughtful upgrade to a timeless classic. The construction feels solid, the performance is excellent, and the premium materials bring this traditional knife right into the modern era. It’s great to see Case continuing to innovate while honoring their heritage. If this Crossroads model is any indication, I hope we’ll see more of these modern-traditional hybrids across other popular Case patterns.