Case Russlock - whats it like ? Any good ?

[Jason Cutter]

I've never had the chance to handle a Case one-handed opener - with the Russlock. Has anyone here got one and has feedback to give me ? I like traditional looking slip-joint / lockback styles and this intrigued me. An alternative to the common liner locker / frame lock types. Thanks in advance. Jason.

 

[airyq]

The Russlock is an interesting hybrid. It is a slipjoint, with a locking liner and a "purported" one hand opening device.

I say "purported" because on both that I own, they are to stiff to thumb open, like you do a straight razor. I need 2 hands to open, can close with one hand though.

For a pocket knife, it is quite slim, but a little heavy. The thumb "lever" can give you a poke every now and then.

I like the original blade, there is a graceful sweep to it. There is a Russlock in the Midnight Tested XX series with a drop point. Just does not look right to me after the original.

It only come in Tru-Sharp, the Case SS. There are many threads on the inferiority of Case SS, have a look through.

In my opinion, the Russlock will suffice as a pocket knife that does not get too much hard use.

And I just love the Case bone scales.

 

[Gossman Knives]

I've sold and handle several of these. A very interesting concept. I felt the handle was a tad short for easy indexing of the blade. It is very similar to opening a straight razor although a razor's handle is longer. The blade opener can be a bit of a problem when in the closed position, but I still like the knife.
Scott

 

[Grateful]

I have a yellow handled Russlock with CV blade. I like it alot. The cv steel is pretty good stuff. It took a few tries to get the hang of opening it one handed but know I can do it easily. Washing it out and lubing with Mil-tech helped alot. I also bought the Russlock sheath, I am happy with it as well.

 

[Jason Cutter]

Thanks for the feedback. It did strike me as a knife that had closing bias like a slipjoint, and the spur on the blade would possibly catch on things if carried in a pocket. I guess I wasn't after an "exceptional" EDC of special user, just after something different for my collection. Thanks again. Jason.

 

[klattman]

I recently aquired a Russlock and it was difficult to thumb-open, until I lubed it with tuf-glide. Now it's just fine.

Mine is the yellow handle scales (the only one other than Amber Bone) with the Chrome-Vanadium steel.

I dunked the blade in coffee for two hours and got a beautiful patina on the blade and the lever, and it gracefully aged the bolster near the front too (steam from the coffee?). Now it looks very classic and 'used' and the CV steel gets sharp very easily.
It's now my EDC, along with a SOG PowerLock, and with its carbon steel, I think it cuts great. It's definitely worth a look.

P.S. I have heard a million times that the "tru-sharp" Case steel is 420 and quite soft. I wish they offered the CV steel in their fancier other designs.