New Case Russlock

glocktenman

glocktenman

Gold Member
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Jul 20, 2008
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I've been interested in getting a Case Russlock for myself for some time now but just never pulled the trigger on one because I wasn't totally happy with the clip blade on them. Well, I just found a Russlock with a drop point blade. I'm not sure if Case has made these with the drop point in the past but they're making one now. The drop point gives the knife a very different look and in my opinion a better look. Well, I've got one on the way! I think it'll be a great knife to add to my group because it carries some great history with it and it's more to my liking with the drop point blade. I'll slap some pics up here when It arrives.
 
I've been developing a hankering for the same knife for the same reason. Clip point blades just do much for me.

Let me know how you like the opening and closing. I've never handled one or seen it in person. Looks like a friction folder but on another thread I was told it was more of a liner lock with a funky quasi-flipper.
 
It's a great little knife with a blade i was happy to see return.Im not crazy about the scales and funky shield.SMKW Special Edition i think.Plain chestnut or red bone would be nice.Stag would be great!Wade,its actually a slippie with a liner lock.You can operate it one handed with a bit of practice.Russlocks are one you either love em or hate em i guess.
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I have one of the older clip point versions. I've always been on the fence about whether I like it or not, and occasionally I'll drop it in my pocket for another 'review'. I do like the look of the drop point on the new one, though. The narrow tip on the clip version is rather flexible too, and that sometimes makes it a little harder to get flush contact on a hone, as the blade deflects away. The drop point should be easier to put a sharp point on it.

As Don said, the mechanism is slipjoint + liner lock + flipper tang. Depending on the backspring strength, it may feel a bit stiff in opening up, compared to a true friction folder. Especially if the pivot is somewhat gummy/sticky. When handling mine the other day, I was again reminded that the liners are nickel, instead of brass. I like that about it, too. Don't know if they've continued that on the new one.
 
Yea,they are "nickled out".I think the drop point would be a better user also.They are a bit pricey @ $56.99 + shipping.But theyve always been a good collectable for value.Lately anyhow.I remember when they first came out,(the standard Russlock)people at shows around here hated them.The dealers couldnt give them away and quit carrying them.They are overall quite popular now it seems.
 
Seals said:
Yea,they are "nickled out".I think the drop point would be a better user also.They are a bit pricey @ $56.99 + shipping.But theyve always been a good collectable for value.Lately anyhow.I remember when they first came out,(the standard Russlock)people at shows around here hated them.The dealers couldnt give them away and quit carrying them.They are overall quite popular now it seems.
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Sort of interesting, how some of these patterns keep cycling in & out of fashion, from time to time. I'm once again fiddling with mine, thinking of replacing the factory bevel with a new one. I've found that to be a great way to make an 'OK' knife a good bit more appealing. The more I look at mine, the more I'm thinking this blade might be a pretty good fruit-slicer/apple-quarterer, at least. :)
 
Seals said:
It's a great little knife with a blade i was happy to see return.Im not crazy about the scales and funky shield.SMKW Special Edition i think.Plain chestnut or red bone would be nice.Stag would be great!Wade,its actually a slippie with a liner lock.You can operate it one handed with a bit of practice.Russlocks are one you either love em or hate em i guess.
IMG_2931.jpg
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That's the one. Thanks for posting the pic.
 
The Case Russlock has been one of my favorite traditional folders since the inception of my traditional awakening.

Since I'm a carbon aficionado, I first procured the yellow delrin CV Russlock, and was happy.

Then I lost it, and was sad. :(

So I bought the newer, and still current offering, red CV Russlock.

I'd buy another CV Russlock, if they'd only make another color.
 
You know, I've never seen a photo of one on any vendor site or otherwise that shows the knife in a closed position. Some sort of coincidence or am I just bad at looking at images? If one of you gents would be so kind as to post one up it would be appreciated.
 
No Problemo.
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Flying Guillotine said:
You know, I've never seen a photo of one on any vendor site or otherwise that shows the knife in a closed position. Some sort of coincidence or am I just bad at looking at images? If one of you gents would be so kind as to post one up it would be appreciated.
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Ah, someone is a mind reader!

Thanks for the closed photo. It's in another catalog as "Calypso Blue Jigged Bone" if I remember correctly. Still on the fence...
 
Not a SMKW exclusive. I hope they offer it in more options as that is a very nice configuration. I like that bone alright, but just need a selection for folks to pick from. Seems like there is going to be a stag, but in some trademark or boxed commemorative setup.

It is funny that they measure that tail in the "closed length". I guess it does add to the length, but a little confusing to people accustomed to expecting that to be a frame measurement.
 
My knife arrived and it's too cool. I really like the russlock with the drop point blade. The bone has a good look to it as well. The blade looks a little funny with no nail nick but it does have a little bit of a swedge that's nice. If Case makes more of these in the drop point I'll jump on another. I'll get some pics posted in the next day or so. I'll be carrying this one this week and see how it works out.
 
I've been eyeing the orange micarta version off for something different...still not 100% sold on them just yet but that sure is a fine looking knife, Randy. :)
 
Robert.B said:
I've been eyeing the orange micarta version off for something different...still not 100% sold on them just yet but that sure is a fine looking knife, Randy. :)
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I didn't know they were making one with orange micarta. I'll have to take a look at that somewhere.
 
glocktenman said:
I didn't know they were making one with orange micarta. I'll have to take a look at that somewhere.
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Probably orange G10, instead of micarta. Pattern 101953L (same pattern# in black G10 also, and maybe red too). Case did quite a few patterns in orange G10 around 2004, give or take.

C6204.jpg
 
I see some sites market it as micarta...same same old in my book :p but it looks really nice.
 
The only true factory micarta handled knife I remember seeing from Case, was a pattern called the 'Lock Horn', back around 1980. All of the (factory) synthetic laminated stuff of more recent vintage (post-2000) has been G10, in orange/black/red and even some yellow for an SFO. The more 'reputable' sites, such as Case's own home site, and Shepherd Hills list it correctly as G10. There do seem to be a lot of these G10 knives listed incorrectly as 'micarta' on the auction site, though, and a few 'collector' sites as well. :(

G10 is actually a little more durable, thanks to the fiberglass layers. As opposed to paper, fabric or linen in the micarta, which is sometimes prone to absorbing water or other liquids, and rotting or de-laminating as a result. There's nothing else in G10 besides the glass and the resin, neither of which are affected by moisture.
 
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