Russlock question?

coop1957

coop1957

Joined
Oct 22, 2002
Messages
2,624
This is the first Russlock I've ever held so I need some help from you guys/gals.
I just recieved a Case Russlock which is a gift for my son's 17th birthday. I noticed that it is difficult to open. The liner lock pushes the blade to the opposite side so that the blade is not centered. Should I be able to open it using the thumb tang? Since there is no nail nick I would think that the thumb tang is for opening. Since there is a liner lock I would think that the thumb tang is not designed to hold it locked open.
Thanks for your input.
 
You should be able to open it with the thumb tang. That's what it was designed for, after all.

I have one of the RussLocks. It was a bit 'tight' to open initially. But, as with many Case knives it seems, the pivot was a bit 'gummy' and sticky. I used WD-40 to flush out the pivot, then gave the knife a bath in warm, soapy water (w/dish soap). Rinsed in hot water, dried thoroughly, then re-lubed with lube of choice. That took care of the stickiness, and made the knife considerably easier to open as designed.
 
I'll second rinsing out the pivot, when you stop seeing black ooze and chunks you're there. After significant openings, it's smooth as silk. The key for me when I got one was having that "Aha!" moment when it clicked how to open it one-handed: Hold it like a lighter with the top facing me, tail up. Then push the thumb ramp away and into the locked position.

Sounds simple, but it's a unique gesture to get down. I'm still shaky closing it one handed because of how thin and sharp it is, making getting the thumb clear imperative. The blade being off-center seems common; have three firmly against the liner and one somewhat centered. Edge isn't making contact closing so I don't mind it.
 
I've always needed to flush out the pivot area on any Case I've bought. Once you've done so--with your choice of WD-40, soap/water, mineral oil, etc., then use a non-oily lube to insure you don't recollect gunk.

You should be able to single-hand any Russlock after you've cleaned the pivot.
 
berzerker said:
then use a non-oily lube to insure you don't recollect gunk.
Click to expand...

I know I'm bringing an older thread back to life, but was doing some searching and was wondering what was meant by non-oily lube? Any examples may be helpful. Thanks.
 
I occasionally use a lube designed for bicycles called "Rock-n-roll Gold" on knife pivots and springs. It lubricates without being oily. Has Teflon particles in it. Keeps the action very smooth flowing and does not collect gunk. I don't use it on blades and I do not know what it does for preventing corrosion. I only use it as a lubricant.
 
I always thought it was easier to roll the blade open with my index finger on my old RL, as for lubricant I prefer Militec.
 
Tuf-Glide's main selling point is that it's a "dry" lube. It is dry to the touch on blades but lubricates and protects very well.
I use wd40 most of the time, I don't use enough of it to attract lint and gunk.
 
[video=youtube;TRjtwbDxx_A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRjtwbDxx_A[/video]
 
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