Russlocks, any other makes like them?

A

Amos Iron Wolf

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Mar 7, 2006
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I'm starting to want a Case Russlock, but am hesitant since they are only available in stainless blades. Is there any quality maker out there making something similar, but in carbon steel? I'm aware of the razors and copperliner one-hand openers. I'm really looking for the Russlock type opening.

I have a cheap, feather knife that has that type of opener on it and in plaing with it I've found that with a little practice I can pop it open quickly on drawing it out, kind of like a wave type operation.

Anyone out there actually using a Russlock? How's the steel in terms of sharpness and edge holding?
 
Bear with me, as this is a bit of a stretch. I saw these while I was in Japan, and if they weren't such neat little knives, I wouldn't even bring them up.

They don't have a lock. Heck, they don't even have a spring, but what they do have is a beautiful laminated Hitachi Blue steel blade (1.4% Carbon!!!) with what amounts to a Scandi grind and they cut like the dickens.

And they have a Razor type opening nub on the back of the blade.

http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product.asp?s=JapanWoodworker&pf_id=02.040&dept_id=13305

This place has the one size, but they are available in three different sizes.

My main complaint is with the lack of a backspring, so you have to peen them a little to keep them from opening in your pocket. :eek:

Apparently the design goes back a couple of hundred years, so you don't get anymore traditional than this.

For the money, they are a fun little toy.

Sorry if that is a little out there.
 
The Red Bone Russlock is CV:

6988.jpg
 
stevekt said:
The Red Bone Russlock is CV
Click to expand...

Sweet. Thanks for the info. Ya learn something everyday. :) I guess I just kept coming across ones in stainless. Now I know what to look out for.

Sharpthangs, a little stretch, but very interesting. It still had the tab on the tang. ;) It is an interesting knife and quite traditional. Even if it isn't what comes to our western minds when we think traditoinal.

I just found out there are Yellow Handle Russlocks in CV! Woohoo! The bolsters look a little edgy, like the twin bladed trapper, but I do like the yellow handles, and stag, and bone. :D
 
Pardon my ignorance, but does the Russlock actually, um, lock? That is, is it a lockback, or just a slipjoint with a lever opener?

Thanks,

-- Sam
 
ParaGlock said:
Pardon my ignorance, but does the Russlock actually, um, lock? That is, is it a lockback, or just a slipjoint with a lever opener?

Thanks,

-- Sam
Click to expand...

Yes, Sam they do! In fact, this knife (to my knowledge) is the first ever liner-lock knife ever invented and manufactored anywhere. Great knife with a great story regarding Russel Case..:cool: I have three myself. My favorite is in appaloosa bone.:thumbup:
 
Yes, it is a liner-lock. After getting the knife I am not really sure why they have the metal extension. It does not hit the base of the knife when opened, it is about 1/16" off the base, so it gives no support when cutting. You have to open it with the extension which to me is somewhat difficult, also the extension sticks out when it is closed and in your pocket. A interesting design, but I am a little baffled by it.
 
Please read the story about Russell Case and his russlock to answer all your questions!!:rolleyes:
 
I have been wanting to buy a "traditional" pocket knife but was always put off by the lack of a lock. Now that I see this knife with the liner lock and Chrome Vanadium I am very interested.

How difficult is it to carry the Case Russlock in your pocket? Does the extension poke you or cause the knife to partially open in the pocket?

Sunnyd, where can one find the story about Russell Case and the Russlock?

Thanks,

--SAK
 
SAK said:
I have been wanting to buy a "traditional" pocket knife but was always put off by the lack of a lock. Now that I see this knife with the liner lock and Chrome Vanadium I am very interested.

How difficult is it to carry the Case Russlock in your pocket? Does the extension poke you or cause the knife to partially open in the pocket?

Sunnyd, where can one find the story about Russell Case and the Russlock?

Thanks,

--SAK
Click to expand...
I first had some concern that the extension can poke your leg. Case shows the knife being 4 1/8" long, but it is really around 3 1/2" when you don't include the extension, so it fits easily in your pocket. After using the knife I really don't have that concern anymore. As far as the blade becoming partially opened, it is somewhat difficult to open, a bit of spring tension, so I really don't think that would be a concern either.

As far as the link...????:confused:
 
-the russlocks are wonderful knives. i have 7 myself.

-the pattern is fairly new as case knife patterns go. it was dedicated to Russell Case as the story goes because he only had the full use of one hand,(the other was missing fingers or something) ergo the knife was built with a special extesion called a gimp-lever to make it easy to open and close with only one hand. the gimp-lever and linerlock work together in this design to make it a smooth and simple procedure. with just a little practice anyone can get proficient with this operation. the gimp-lever was never meant to rest on the backspring for added safety. the linerlock is the only intended measure of safety engineered for this knife.

-as far as edc'ing this knife, my preference in the last 5-6 years is to carry in a small leather belt sheath. i used to carry the knife in my pocket, but after trying it in a belt sheath i never went back to pocket carry again. in fact, case makes specialized sheaths now just for the russlocks. check it out below:

http://www.knifestuff.com/Case/accessories/sheaths.htm

i hope this helps a little.

enjoy~
 
Yep, d-d-c is right on the mark, that is about it.. Although I have a few more fine details to add but I have got to go and find the story written in old copy of NKCA's 'The National Knife Magazine' if memory serves..
 
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