Case RussLock Bone Folding Knife

This is a little bit of an oddity. Case married the traditional slipjoint type pocket knife with a sturdy linerlock. Nothing new there. And then they added the unusual feature of a curved and jimped lever, to allow one-handed opening. The other reviews make valid observations, and it was interesting to read the historical background. I have to agree, there is a little amount of rotational blade play in the open and locked position. I think that it is due to very slight flexing of the backspring, despite the fit and robust thickness of the linerlock. However, the design is quite secure, and in actual practical use, this pocket knife works just fine. It seems to me that the Russlock was never intended for rapid opening. It takes a firm grip and a little care to lever the blade open with a fair amount of pressure from one's thumb or forefinger. The firm backspring that keeps the blade securely closed in a pocket also means that the effort to open a Russlock is significant. So it was a bit of an adjustment to learn to open and close this model smoothly. Take these opinions with a grain of salt; it's merely my thoughts. I do like the Russlock design, actually. It makes a dressy single blade pocket knife, nicely finished to Case's usual gleaming standard. At present, my collection has three Russlocks; one with Magenta jigged bone and clip blade, one with Jigged Rosewood scales and clip blade, but without a bolster at the bottom of the handle, in what is referred to as a bareheaded' configuration, and finally an interesting drop point Russlock with handsome jigged Crimson Bone scales. The Rosewood model is noticeably lighter. The overall looks of a clip blade Russlock reminds me of the original Schrade Sharpfinger fixed blade pattern from the 1970's. That had a similar dramatic sweeping curve to the blade profile, an ergonomic handle, and featured an intrinsic thumb rest. All in a compact design. So in some respects, the Russlock is like a folding pocket version of the Sharpfinger. The jimped lever has not worn a hole in any pockets, and a Russlock carries comfortably around the house. Excluding the lever, the closed length is 9cm or 3-1/2 which places the Russlock size-wise in familiar SAK territory. The weight is comfortable and reassuringly hefty but not a burden. What one person finds desirable in a pocket knife may not necessarily suit the next person. But if you are interested in an unusual design from a respected cutlery manufacturer, a Case Russlock is certainly unique. I like mine; enough said. Thank you to Heinnies for making this pattern available.

My Russlock arrived today and its unique style and beauty was amplified by the blue jigged bone and red oval Case logo, love it. Tommy Hart Case's late Master Knifemaker featured a liner lock mechanism, along with a gimped lever for convenient one- hand opening and came up with Case's answer for a high tech knife, the sleek body style of the Russlock was inspired by the Jack Knife, a pattern that had been retired for over 40 years. The pattern was named after Case founder, J. Russell Case or "Russ" to his Buds. The pattern number 1953L is a tribute to the year Russ Case passed away. Here endith the Case History Lesson XX

This is an odd little number. One of the more unique looking knives out there, it blends old and new to produce something that I am still not entirely sure about. Starting with the blade. Mirror polished, it is extremely sharp. Sharpest OTB I've ever received, no doubt. The clip point blade is extremely useful in shape but it is also very thin. It is by no means a heavy use knife. The blade actually bends a little under sideways pressure. The handle scales are amber bone and look lovely. The case shield is inlaid well and everything is beautifully finished and fitted. It isn't the most comfortable thing to hold. To my surprise, the knife has a back spring which you would usually only find on a slipjoint so the initial opening of the knife gave me pause. It is easy enough to open with the extended tang using your thumb and I quiet like the method you have to use. Closing with one hand is a little more worrying because the back spring is so strong which I think unnecessary on a liner lock knife. Regarding the lock, it serves its purpose but there is massive up and down blade play. If the knife was just a slip joint, it would be fine as the extended tang would work like a friction folder. If it was a liner lock without the back spring, it would be fine as it wouldn't put your fingers in danger of being sliced off whilst trying to negotiate the lock and back spring with one hand. I just don't think it works having both features. Having said that, I think it is a beautiful piece that looks good in my collection, I just don't expect to be using it as I would have liked to.

I've been collecting knives for 30 odd years and have never owned a Case so I wanted to see if they are as good as they say. Its a good looking "traditional" knife. Well made with great fit and finish. A nice gentlemens folder only let down by excesses sideways blade play . The steel has taken a great stropped edge which it seems to hold quite well. It is in no way a heavy use knife but its not pretending to be. All in all , pretty good but marked down because of the blade play.