Case Russ Lock

[Masteroffajitas]

Hey, I just got my RAT RC-4 and I've had a KA BAR, but I want something a little more classy. Does anyone have experiance with the Case Russ Lock?

 

[STDK]

I don't own one but talked to a guy who said that the darn thing would grab his keys everytime he pulled it out of his pocket if they happened to be in the same pocket. He ended using a grinder on his.

 

[Ice Tigre]

I got one, love it. Thats a lot coming from me, i hate liner locks.. Its go enough back spring to snap open and closed, but not enough to inhibit easy one hand opening with the bar. I've heard a lot about the bar wearing on pockets, or catching in things but its been no problem to me.

G.

 

[moonwilson]

I have a Russlock, and I have to say it may be my least favorite Case Pattern. It seems a little bit too small for my hands, because of this I find it awkward to open and close. Also, the blade pivot doesn't have bushings, so it's a bit tighter to open than most one-hand openers. I wouldn't recommend the pattern, I find it clumsy and the lines inelegant. The "horn" opener is a neat idea, but the overall design is not as nice as it could be IMO.

Case is coming out with a new one-handed, locking folder, the trapperlock. It's similar to a single-bladed trapper, except it has a thumbstud, bushings, and a linerlock mechanism. That looks like a winner.

Here's a link to the press release from Shepherd Hills:

http://www.casexx.com/NewsOnTrapperLock.asp

Unfortunately, it's not on the market yet. Just a couple months, hopefully, until the yellow CV version comes out. That's the one I want!

 

[babakanoosh45]

The only one I have ever had is the one in the photo and it is a Classy little knife. One handed operation is a bit tough. The bar pokes every now and then as well. Still a great little folder!!!

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I have one of these and one of the Mid-Folding Hunters which is a similar knife without the opening extension on the blade. My conclusion is that Case doesn't know how to do a liner lock. They set it up so the backspring still puts considerable tension on the blade, making opening and closing more difficult than it should be with a supposed one hand opening, locking blade.

Further, I agree with Moonwilson in that it (Russlock) just doesn't fit my hand well. Plus, it's a single, thick blade, which is not my preference in a slipjoint. Finally, that thumb opening thing is just weird in your pocket. It'll hook stuff, or if you're not careful, poke a hole in the pocket lining.

-- Sam

 

[Ice Tigre]

A friend had one apart, and there is a bushing in the blade IIRC. Same as with the mid folding hunter and the coperlocks.

Mainly what I like is the simple smooth opening, and the back spring means it has more holding it open that just that thin liner... I doubt case was trying for a true liner lock, probably more along the lines of the old electrician knives that had a liner lock to help hold the screwdriver open. The lock is there as an added/helping feature, not the main mechanism IMO.

 

[s7brad]

when i carry mine, usually keep it seperate in the watch pocket of my jeans. it is a stiff opening little booger though but still kinda like it, probably wouldn't buy another one

 

[myright]

I handled one at SMKW a while back and didn't like it all. It just seemed like a goofy design and wasn't very comfortable. Just my opinion though.

 

[Seals]

They kinda grow on ya.Dealers i know hate them because they didn't sell well at all early.But now the early and odd variations are going for sky high money.I like them quite well and collect them.They have a slim flat grind and are good slicers.They have a red bone available with a CV blade.I am also looking forward to the trapperlocks.

 

[Ice Tigre]

That one in CV is hard to come by though! every time I find a dealer that lists it, they're sold out...

And sky high is right, especially for the drop points.... babakanoosh45, hang onto that thing, in a few years it should be worth a small mint..

G.

 

[brownshoe]

There are 7 CV redbone Russlocks at www.vintageknives.com.

 

[berzerker]

I agree that the lever is a bit of a pain, but I like mine. It's a nice "safe" looking knife in situations where you want a locking blade, but "social" pressures demand otherwise.

I've dealt with the lever by making an in-pocket dangler pouch (long leather facing on one side), which cuts down on wear and hooking of stuff.

babakanoosh45, I like that drop-point; I've a pair of those myself.

Best regards.