Russlock one-handed opening and closing techniques?

[Razoredj]

I purchased a lovely Russlock from a fellow over on the "other" forum recently, and discovered that the physics of this curious little knife don't work quite like I thought they did. I like it, but I'm still trying to figure out the best way to open and close it with one hand.

How do you open and close your Russlock? One idea that occurs to me is that the knife could be opened simply by pressing the little Russ-arm-thingy against a table or other flat surface; it springs open on its own once it reaches a certain point.

The oversized liner seems easy enough to disengage, but I find myself using two hands to close the blade. Anyone have experience with this design?

 

[Commodorefirst]

Hello,

The secret is in how you hold the Russlock. Hold it like you are lighting a Bic lighter, but hold it only with the fingers and hold it very tight. Hold upright (lever up) Push firmly on the lever with your thumb pad or inside edge of your thumb tip. Your choice. Also it helps to oil up the knife and break it in a little with two hands for a while. Another similar description would be to hold it like you are holding another persons fingers as if you are thumb wrestling. (lever pointing up) Don't hold the knife in the palm of your had. Crunch it with your fingers, the harder the better. With practice it is slick and easy. Takes a while to get the hang of it.

To close, press liner with the thumb and just partially on top of the blade with the first finger. Lift thumb around to top of blade and close rest of the way with the thumb.

I use the Russlock as my "sheeple" work pocket knife (public school administrator and teacher) and I use it in front of my students and my staff all the time. At least at my school adults can still carry tools. (so far even in the burbs of St. Louis)

I only cut/open boxes, fix music instruments, etc. , and I don't trust the russlock linerlock any more than a slip joint, but I find it nice and easy to open with one hand.

Cheers, Wade

 

[Razoredj]

Thanks, Wade. That makes sense. Now all I have to do is wait for my Russlock sheath to arrive in the mail...