I own 2 Russlocks. One's natural bone with SS. The other is yellow with CV. The bone/stainless is pretty as a picture, just right for whipping out to cut string with sheeple around. But not good for serious use do to crappy stainless blade. The CV/yellow is almost as pretty, but has serious steel in the blade. As for the Russlock openning system, I find it works very well, even with my arthritis. Actually a bit easier than some smaller "tactical" one-handers. I reccommend using the leather belt pouch Case sells because the opening lever can be hard on pockets.