Question about Russlocks

[WA Martin]

Having never held a Russlock (Case pattern) I keep puzzling over something: is a Russlock basically a production friction folder with a proprietary pattern name?

 

[whetrock]

Actually the Russlock is a liner lock that piece of metal you see protruding from the back of the blade just helps with the ease of opening.

 

[Modoc ED]

Well, maybe it's just me but I have had a heck of a time trying open a Russlock with just one hand without dang near cutting myself. The knife looks nice - just doesn't function properly when I try to use it.

 

[Peter Parker]

I liked the one I had; to me it's a one hand liner lock dog leg jack. The trick is to use the index finger to lever it open. I had a stag one and sorta regret parting with it, but if I hadn't I wouldn't have gotten my railsplitter!

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I have one of these, in red Pocket Worn bone (year 2000 issue). The knife is a slipjoint with standard backspring and a liner lock. The extended tang is usable like that on a friction folder, but it can be a bit stiff at times. I'm sure the backspring contributes to the perceived stiffness, as compared to a simple friction folder. If the pivot gets a little gummy or dirty, that doesn't help. I gave mine a good bath in WD-40, then washed it in hot, soapy water (a.k.a., what I call the 'standard Case initiation' ). That smoothed the operation considerably.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I liked the one I had; to me it's a one hand liner lock dog leg jack. The trick is to use the index finger to lever it open. I had a stag one and sorta regret parting with it, but if I hadn't I wouldn't have gotten my railsplitter!

I actually use my thumb to lever it open. I hold the handle mainly with the middle, ring and pinky fingers (similar to gripping a golf club, not in the palm, but cradled in the fingers), and push my thumb into the jimping on the extended tang. My thumb then basically follows the tang, as it pivots around the end of the handle, and the blade locks open. Works well for me this way. Do have to watch out for the palm or heel pad of the thumb getting in the way of the blade tip, as it pivots open. As with opening most one-handers, it becomes more or less intuitive after doing it a few times.

ETA on 3/12/2012:
Finally got around to uploading a video to YouTube. This is the inaugural, my very first:
[video=youtube;a0Jg-GEshcY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Jg-GEshcY&feature=g-upl&context=G23ee226AUAAAAAAAAAA[/video]

 

[Amos Iron Wolf]

Yep. I use the index finger to operate the gimp lever. You do have to be careful doing that so you don't rake the sharp tip across you palm. Gets easier with practice.