Russlock: Sticky Lock Suggestions?

swarthys

swarthys

Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
74
I just got my first Russlock NIB a few weeks ago. It has a few minor F&F issues, but nothing I can't live with. The real problem I have, though, is that the lock is extremely sticky. It takes an extraordinary amount of force to push it out of the way and you can hear an audible snap when it clears the blade tang. Is this a typical Russlock problem? Wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to loosen it up, or should I just send it in to Case for adjustment?
 
I had the same problem with a Queen #06L Teardrop. I took a small file and worked on the tangs flat edge until I was satisfied with the locks movement. It takes a long time but not nearly as long as sending it back to Case.
You have to wedge the liner lock into the fully recessed position in order to work down the tang edge.
BTW....I have a Russlock and have no problem with the LL.
Still trying to figure out a way to open it with one hand. :rolleyes:
 
Never had a problem with any of my Russlocks that I can recall. Maybe one that was a little sticky at first, but just working the linerlock back and forth a few times may have smoothed it up.

To bdev: There's a trick to opening them. If you are used to something with a thumbstud or hole, where you are rotating your thumb around an axis, you'll end up holding the Russlock wrong. Took me a while to get the hang of it. You have to hold it just in your curled fingers, and then use your thumb to push the lever back and around, like the lever was a cowlick and you are slicking it down.

I took some "action" shots once - hope the pics help.

Starting position:


Pushing the lever back and over. The spine of the blade sweeps by the base of your thumb.


It ends up open, with the edge facing up. (Didn't snap that pic, sorry). Then a quick roll of the knife in your hand to edge down and ready to open that bag of fertilizer:


It's an odd-looking knife but very good ergonomics when open and a nice swedged clip blade.
 
jc57 said:
Never had a problem with any of my Russlocks that I can recall. Maybe one that was a little sticky at first, but just working the linerlock back and forth a few times may have smoothed it up.

To bdev: There's a trick to opening them. If you are used to something with a thumbstud or hole, where you are rotating your thumb around an axis, you'll end up holding the Russlock wrong. Took me a while to get the hang of it. You have to hold it just in your curled fingers, and then use your thumb to push the lever back and around, like the lever was a cowlick and you are slicking it down.

I took some "action" shots once - hope the pics help.

Starting position:


Pushing the lever back and over. The spine of the blade sweeps by the base of your thumb.


It ends up open, with the edge facing up. (Didn't snap that pic, sorry). Then a quick roll of the knife in your hand to edge down and ready to open that bag of fertilizer:
Click to expand...

Definitely helps.....I'll try it.
 
Takes some practice and trial and error as to how far up in your fingers you hold it to start. In those pics my little finger is off the bolster, but in general I may hold it a little further up so that my pinky finger is actually right on the bolster. I haven't carried mine in a while but with a little practice (and if your knife has a smooth action) it just becomes second nature and you don't even need to look at it .
 
Looking at my Russlock's locking liner, it may be possible to lightly file or burnish the mating end of it a little bit (mine appears to have been filed at the factory). It's in a very narrow space adjacent to the closed blade, but looks like it might be accessible with the blade closed. A folded piece of fine-grit wet/dry sandpaper might be able to burnish the contact face just enough to smooth it out. Might be able to use a very thin & dullish knife blade or a thin metal nail file inside the folded sandpaper for some firm backing & control. I'd bet it wouldn't take much burnishing at all to make a difference. The other contacting face on the back of the tang looks essentially inaccessible without actually disassembling the knife, with a small 'step' on the back of the tang to engage the liner; very little room for filing it.

(My locking liner is actually a bit loose with blade open, leaving a small gap allowing a little vertical play for the blade; not a big deal, as the backspring still keeps the blade firmly open.)


David
 
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give it a try and see if I can sand or file it down. The Russlock is an interesting design to be sure. I don't have any problem opening it one-handed. As others have said, it just takes practice. There are a couple of YouTube videos out there showing methods for opening the Russlock one-handed that were helpful to me. I think cutlerylover did one of them.
 
Haven't had that problem with mine-sending back is the safest way if not in a hurry.
I did a vid opening one in each hand (pause for exclamations of awe). I'll see if I can link it.I can only find this old one.
[video=youtube;TRjtwbDxx_A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRjtwbDxx_A[/video]
 
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