Case russlock question

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barefingers

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Apr 25, 2013
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Question about the russlock a little background first I am a first responder, EMT in New Jersey. I always carry my Leatherman raptor trauma shears at work, I also carry a tactical folder. My supervisors at work have advised me that I can carry a knife but it seems a few people feel intimidated by it when ive used it in an emergency situation. They feel it's to big and just plain Scary. I know who cares in an emergency situation in my eyes anything to get the job done and done safely. I am looking at the russlock as I want a one hand open blade but don't really have the money to put out for a knife I'm not going to like . So those that own one let me know how you like it. Hopefully I can find one cheap on the sale site here before I put out for a new one.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
 
the one I had was nice, but not particularly stout. Its not comparable to most tactical folders beyond the fact that its a one handed opening knife. the blade is thin and the opening is much slower than a thumb stud/flipper/wave, or whatever. Its not what I picture as a first responders knife.
 
Emerson cqc7 so I thought the russlock with the pocket clip a smaller profile isn't as scary lol. And I like the look of the russlock. Just don't want to spend the price of a new one if I'm not going to like it
 
I agree that the Russlock is probably not what you're looking for, on a few different levels. It can be opened with one hand; but it won't be the one hand opening you're used to - it's slow and methodical. Granted, there's nothing intimidating about it (other than OMG, he's got a KNIFE!!, and that response should be reduced.)
Is it your fellow responders that are intimidated, or patients and bystanders?
Assuming the former, is it the knife...or you? (I don't know you, so it's a reasonable question. I've been around people with knives that made me uncomfortable.) Are you THAT GUY with a knife, pulling it out & snapping it open at every opportunity, perhaps with enough of a flourish that everybody notices? Are you careful enough when working around others, or do they stop what they're doing to make sure they're out of the way?
 
hhmoore said:
Is it your fellow responders that are intimidated, or patients and bystanders?
Click to expand...
I think this is a good question.

Are your colleagues not carrying knives at all? If the job doesn't require a knife, I don't see why the Russlock would be inadequate. It's definitely a friendlier looking knife than the Emerson.
For me the Russlok opens easier with less stress on my joints than an unassisted thumb-stud (can't stand those, myself).

What about a small fixed blade?
Something fixed or folding with a serrated sheepsfoot for cutting seat-belts without sticking seat-beltees?

If you can't handle the Russlock in person, there are e-tailers who'll take it back if you don't like it.
 
hhmoore hhmoore I am definitely not that guy lol I understand what you're saying. I try not to use a knife unless its totally necessary. I try to use my trauma shears as much as possible. screened porch screened porch I use the raptor trauma shears they have a seat belt cutter on them. I have had times when the shears wouldn't cut it ( sorry had to go there lol) . Most of the knife use is in motor vehicle accidents. When having to cut side air bags or other things to get a patient out or getting into the back of the car and also other situations.
 
I have several Russlocks and like them. It takes some practice to get to where you can open them one-handed. If you are just looking for something that looks less threatening, I'd suggest the Case Trapperlock over the Russlock. It's a little bigger, sturdier blade, and easier to open and close one handed in my opinion.
 
Seconds on the trapperlock. I carried a chestnut bone in CV when I first starting getting away from modern folders and back to carrying traditional patterns. It’s a great knives with a smooth action.
 
Worked EMS in Metro Atlanta many years ago. While I had some nicer knives, I carried a combo edged Spyderco Delica. Reason being it was inexpensive (they cost around $50 at that time) yet did what I needed a knife for well. If you think a Delica may still upset your fellow employees, maybe look at the sheepsfoot Rescue models.

Not to look down on traditional folders, but you need something that is easily accessed & opened. Digging into a pocket for a knife without a pocketclip, possibly wearing body fluid covered gloves, does not sound ideal. A Russlock with a clip could do the job, but there are better choices.
 
I am a recently retired professional firefighter. 31 years in a large metropolitan area on a unit that specialized in rescue. I carried a CRKT fixed blade which came with a hard sheath which i kept mounted on my left turn-out suspender. This knife had a double edge (dagger type) which was perfect for quick access and used primarily to cut seatbelts when working vehicle accidents. Approximately 7" long and parkerized.
 
Fodderwing said:
I am a recently retired professional firefighter. 31 years in a large metropolitan area on a unit that specialized in rescue. I carried a CRKT fixed blade which came with a hard sheath which i kept mounted on my left turn-out suspender. This knife had a double edge (dagger type) which was perfect for quick access and used primarily to cut seatbelts when working vehicle accidents. Approximately 7" long and parkerized.
Click to expand...

I would second this. Granted, this is the traditional forum, but what you’re looking for, a modern knife would probably suit you better. People that are afraid of knives tend to be scared of anything shiny or flashy, so a subdued black blade without an agressive profile would probably be best. I would think a drop point shape. In fact, the ESEE 3 comes to mind. Micarta handles, glass breaker pommel.... a fixed blade would be a very good option. No flashy opening.
 
I am also, despite the forum, going to have to go with the idea that you would be better off with a friendlier looking modern folder. The Emersons, especially with the wave opening, can be pretty intimidating for a lot of people. Of course, some knives can just scare people for unclear reasons. I used to have a Kershaw Scrambler that really made people jump (I thought it was a pretty knife, but it scared people), but I have never had that response to a Kershaw Cryo. It seems silly to me, but there it is. I stopped carrying the Scrambler and gave it away.

The main reason that I mostly carry traditionals is for the friendly factor, but if you are in a situation where you actually need fast access and one handed opening, then that is what you should be looking for. I don't want to derail this thread, and I don't want to drag too much non-traditional talk into the subforum. Maybe consider looking at some AG Russell designs. There are some not-quite-traditional one handed designs there that are pretty friendly looking.

I don't want to get in trouble for breaking any rules, so I'll just stop talking now. Feel free to message me if you want more specific opinions from me.
 
I would like to thank everyone for their opinions and thoughts on the russlock. Thanks to jstrange jstrange I will be able to try one before I buy one as he is letting me borrow one. I will post an update to let everyone know how I feel about it and how it performs for the intentions I want to use it for in a couple weeks after I get it.
 
If you're deadset on a Russlock I suggest the ss drop point version.
It's got more blade and not quite as wicked looking as the very pointy clip point.
As a former firefighter/rescuer of 30 years I found the Smith snd Wesson 1st responder to be the most functional....if you need to break car windows it has a spring loaded centre punch...not traditional though.
 
Taylor brands Schrade old timer line has a knife very similar to the trapperlock. I don't remember what's its called. I recently seen one in a blister pack at AutoZone, for $20. I have several Taylor Schrades, all are good Fit'n'Finish wise and are pretty sturdy. Thumb stud and pocket clip, cheap enough it won't break the bank if you want to try that style.
Edit: looked it up ,Schrade 294ot trapper clip $14.94 on the bay
Also maybe the Schrade 223ot pioneer. Its 4.1 inches closed and less than 20 bucks on the bay. Just found it myself, just want to throw some options out there;)
 
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Oh yeah
And not wanting to blow my own trumpet too loudly but I can personally open and shut 2 Russlocks simultaneously one in each hand.....
:cool::p:rolleyes:
 
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