Case Russlock

[Richard]

If you are like me, and starting to get a bit bored with the so called 'tactical' knives, read here

I have always liked traditional style pocket knives, I just got caught up in wanting to accumulate the latest, greatest tac-knives. Anyways, thanks to a buddy of mine showing me his collection, it re-newed my interest in regular pocket knives. I went to a gunshow yesterday and came across 3 Case knives I really liked. Not being able to make up my mind, I bought all 3

The one I think I am going to start using as a daily carry knife is the Case Russlock.

Overall workmanship is quite good, better than average for a factory knife. Factory sharpening could be better. This knife had quite a burr left on it out of the box, no big deal, 20 strokes on the sharpmaker took care of it. The burr was the only problem I found, nothing major, but it really should be done right at the factory. The little 'finger' you see at the end of the blade can be used for one hand opening if you wish. That takes a few minutes to get used to, but once you do, its pretty easy. When opened, the extension makes a nice thumb ramp, and is lightly grooved for control. The knife uses a liner lock. I doubt it would be as sturdy as some of the heavy duty tac-folders out there, but its more than secure enough to keep the blade secure during knife-type-chores. And no, I didnt do the spine whack test

Although the liner pokes our below the handle, it was not at all uncomfortable during the lite use I put it through to day. After having to touch up the blade to get the burr off, the knife was quite sharp. I only used it a little bit today, so I cant comment on long term edge holding yet. Construction on the knife is very tight, but the blade still opens smoothly, and is perfectly centered in the handle. The red bone handles are put on very well, with no detectable un-even spots. Overall, this is a very nice little knife to look at. I think it will do very well at utility type jobs, and I cant imagine anyone being offended by its appearance.

I will also be reviewing the other 2 new ones I got, and try to give them a little pocket time as well

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Richard
icq 61363141
Just some knife pictures
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=110070&a=4518795

 

[slow1]

I looked a a russlock the other day. I like the appearance, but I wish it came in a larger size.

 

[Dannyc]

Way to go, Richard!

Thanks for that very interesting review on the Russlock.

I also find myself slowly veering away from tactical-looking knives, and going back to the classical ones.

What type of steel is the blade made out of?

Dan

 

[Richard]

slow1, I dont know if Case plans to make a larger one. This one seems like a very good size for easy carry, and still large enough to have a nice grip. For a larger size, you might consider the copperlock, I have one of those as well, and like it very much.

Danny, glad to see im not the only one going back towards the classics

Im not sure, but I think the steel is 420HC, the same stuff Buck uses. If anyone knows for sure, I hope you will chime in here and tell us.



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Richard
icq 61363141
Just some knife pictures
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=110070&a=4518795

 

[Dannyc]

Richard, I think it's probably using the same Tru Sharp Chrome-Vanadium steel that it uses for the other Case knives.

And yep, I actually find myself carrying my very first folding knife, a Case XX Sharktooth, more often than these other tactical knives.

Dan

 

[Dexter Ewing]

I've noticed that Case lately has let their edge quality slip, as Richard pointed out with the burr on one side of the blade. I've seen several other of Case's knives - all brand new - that have burrs on the blades. One of them was the nice looking slimline trapper in vintage stag that had a very noticable burr visible on one of the blades (ugh). the other blade had a slight burr. Both blades felt like they had micro serrations, the cutting edge just wasn't as smooth as a plain edge blade can be. If I had bought that knife, I would have sent it back to Case in a heartbeat and let them see what they are putting out on the market. Sure it's no big deal, I could easily remove the burrs with the sharpening equipment I have here but that's besides the point. When I buy a knife new, I expect to have the cutting edge sharp with no burrs at all. Period.

I'm a bit disappointed in Case recently. they still put together some really nice looking pocket knives but its hard for me to overlook the fact that they turn their knives loose with cutting edges like that.

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AKTI Member # A000005
Living life "on the edge"

 

[Richard]

Dexter, you raise a very good point. They should get the edge right before it ever leaves the factory. For most of us here, its no big deal to remove the burr...but im sure there are many people out there that dont have the first clue as to how to take care of removing the burr. I remember Steven Dick of Tactical Knives mentioning a burr on the Copperlock he reviewed. I now have 4 Case knives. The Copperlock edge was fine out of the box, as was the peanut pattern. However, the Russlock, as mentioned above had the burr, as did the clip point blade of the Trapper I bought. I personally will continue to buy the ones I like, even if the burr is there, because it only takes a minute to fix. However, I agree that nobody who spends good money on a knife should have to worry about it...that is something that Case should concentrate on checking at the factory. Other than that though, all the knives are very well put together.



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Richard
icq 61363141
Just some knife pictures
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=110070&a=4518795

 

[krazykat]

Richard,

well I am happy to see another person that is getting a bit bored by all the black and gray knives. I am relatively new to knives as a hobby and I am not exactly sure what a
burr is. I think it is basically when an edge has been sharpened on one side more than the other. is that about right?
also I bought a limited edition peanut and I have had no problem with the edge out of the box. the knife is very easy to resharpen too. It is also a very nice knife to look at. nice blue bone handle and case's stainless blades.


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When a man wants to murder atiger he calls it sport; when a tiger wants to muder him he calls it ferocity.

 

[Richard]

Ok, I know what a 'burr' is, but my terminology might be screwed up

If I dont explain it well, hopefully somebody will come in and use the proper terms. The burr can be raised by sharpening one side of the blade. Once you sharpen down enough to actually remove metal from the extreme edge, it begins to push over to the opposite side you are sharpening. You can feel the burr by gently (AND CAREFULLY) running your fingernail along the edge, kind of off to the side the burr is on. Many times you can see it as well. The burr on the Trapper and the Russlock were very visible. The Peanut was fine...no burrs. I have no trouble removing them though, either with the spyderco sharpmaker or a strop that PTPALPHA made for me. Hope that helps.


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Richard
icq 61363141
Just some knife pictures
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=110070&a=4518795