The Russlock by W. R. Case & Sons

I take a look at one of my favorite knives from W. R. Case & Sons and point out the one critical flaw in the knife (in my opinion) that stops me from buying more of them! It's one of the coolest knives they make, style-wise.

[@MJFallout]

How interesting. For me it's the opposite happening: It's a knife that looks really odd, with the duck-like, woodpecker-like blade, and it being offset from the handle's horrizontal plane, and the linerlock having the bump sticking out. Also it's a smaller knife which is not normally my jam. But then, I pick it up again, and all that evaporates instantly; and I don't feel it too small, and the blade shape stops being goofy, and the bottom bump also 'somehow' works out okay for me (but still, that could certainly be a bit smaller). But I could def. see how the tightness of the spring would be a deal breaker here. If one could not do the one-hand opening smoothly, easily and safely it would stay a weird pumpkin and not transform into a carriage to ride to the ball in. Lastly, It's nice that case also offers this in a drop point version nowadays because that needle-like tip on the (original) clip blade is certainly not right for everyone. Might give that one a try one day.

[@Mr_Santo5]

The Russlock is one I really like for a number of reasons. It's a newer pattern, it's different from anything else, and it looks really cool. It also makes a good conversation starter for people who've never handled one. Watching someone try and figure out how to properly deploy a Russlock is always fun. But even still I find it is uncomfortable to pocket carry. My solution is a leather pocket sheath (which I wish Case would include with these knives).

[@garygmeiner6361]

😊😊

[@MrLbsrdi]

I love this knife, it was strange at first but I gave it a chance because it was a gift. Now it is my everyday carry and a few weeks using it and you master it, which is very satisfying. Love the video and I wish you would have drones on twice as long becomes like the topic and love this knife. Most of the people who have negative thoughts and comments about it tend to be people who have never carried one for a day, the people who have tend to get attached to the unique material of these beauties.

[@TheMartialist]

No idea why this knife isn't a back lock. I don't trust small liner locks, especially on knives not meant for hard use. Thanks for covering this knife. I've been thinking about getting one, but now I think I'll pass.

[@tedm2922]

I own a case Russlock with a drop point blade. It opens and closes one handed very easily with a little practice. This is my work knife and I use it for everything.

[@davidkurle5418]

A trick I use to open the russlock left handed is placing the backspring against the middle knuckles on my fingers, then squeeze the fingers together so it's not gripped against my palm. Works for me every time, unless I've got too much whiskey in me.

[@peterpuleo2904]

Something a bit eccentric and different, anyway.

[@BigRedEDC]

I have thought Russlocks looked very interesting but have not added one to my collection! Thanks for sharing Tobias!

[@lordoftheflyes3080]

Nuts !

[@paulyoder865]

Oil it up good and work it in a lot and it gets easier to use. It needs a good break in. A version without the lock, or a back lock instead, would be good, also more spear point blades. I like mine a lot but improvements could be made. If removing the lock lowered the price they could sell more of them. I found a deal on a black synthetic one but they’re normally more expensive than an average Case.

[@OldSchoolEDC]

Glad i found Tobias channel i like slipjoints. My 9 month old finds his voice soothing.

[@peterpuleo2904]

I have always believed that the world was made for the right handed and the early risers. (I hate getting up early in the morning).

[@JC-su3jw]

I got one one back in 2000. Always found it a little awkward. Prefer the trapperlock.

[@jesterskull38]

Pretty cool idea, thanks for the chat

[@illmade2]

Good video. I have never liked this style, something about it just looks ugly and ungainly. To each his own though.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I know where you’re coming from. The blade is sort of funky and the extended tang looks like it’s going to get snagged on things and/or break.

[@majorpain1251]

I'm a righty and have similar issues with the Russlock. I think it is beautiful. I own one. I never carry it. Mine is so stiff that it is hard to open and close one-handed. I'm almost guaranteed to nick myself.

[@erikramaekers63]

I'm a lefty and hate liner locks.I love my Ohta friction folder(Higonokami but Ohta uses wood and D2 steel)

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'll need to check that out. Thanks for the lead!

[@jelkel25]

Had a similar journey with my Victorinox Delemont Hunter (can never remember the number). Coveted it, got it, it's very nice. Slightly too chunky to open without a struggle one handed (for me) and the odd other misgiving. Still a fantastic knife though. It's not difficult to see why you would want that particular knife, it's very, very nice and fairly unique. I'm sold! It's a shame there wasn't a similar RR pattern to try out first in this instance.

[@ataleph1]

Thanks for the video! I don’t like the looks of the knife at all. But regarding the liner lock+slip joint it’s exactly how victorinox sentinel feels for right handed person. No problem to close one handed though - what you do is turn the knife upside down with regards to how you usually try to close it, and then use your pointing finger to press on the liner while pushing the blade down with your thumb. The only issue l could think of is the extended tang that might get in your way. But go ahead and try that, l have zero issues using this method on my sentinel

[@dwaynehenson5578]

Because of you I had to get one, thanks Tobias. I like it.

[@chrisosh9574]

The extended tang always puts me off, I have a Voltron friction folder liner lock with that extended tang and though it's a good little knife I never use it because the tang gets hooked up in my pocket. Don't stop pushing for us lefties, so many modern knives could easily be made ambidextrous but are not so they are losing out on a potential 10% of the population.

[@traditionallarry5378]

Great video Tobias quick question what is the blue knife in the video thanks

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

That is the Boy Scouts of America Officially licensed Scout Jr. (note "officially licensed but NOT an "Official Boy Scout Knife") See also: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKHZg2aNosiketE kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJbdpZ96pKaWpqM

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Hey Tobias I shoot a video on my traditionals you inspire me!!!

[@jimclonan]

Man, you just repeated yourself over and over again. I had a challenge learning to open my Russlock but new it’s better. Sir, I don’t subscribe to you channel because you “drone” to much.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Yep, I sure do. Thanks for dropping by

[@ramblers69]

Nice review of the Russlock, it never really appealed to me, :}

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

It is undoubtedly and "Odd Duck." I'm guess that is why it appealed to me. But the locking mechanism is a fatal flaw in my opinion.

[@JBBRAD9267]

I have that same russlock. My best bud got it for me for xmas. You have several knives that I own

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks. I know some day, I will end up with another Russlock but that lock makes it a hard choice for me to carry. But I really do like its lines!

[@TheMartialist]

PS having it be a simple slipjoint would make it much cooler, in my opinion.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

100% I've contact Case but to no avail!

[@lelandphill4408]

I handled one at blade show 21 , I found it very awkward from my normal edc knives .( spydercos ,benchmade an civivis) well I bought one an after practicing with it, it’s now a breeze to open an close . ( left hand open is a go , but I have to switch hands to close it .) I think the trappers, kickstarts and russlock are my favorite looking of cases offerings .

[@WhiteSandsMbuna]

I quit carrying case for not locking. I would not go anywhere i could not have a locking knife

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Case does make some locking knives and also now makes a couple modern style folders.

[@rhino5419]

Hello. Just when i thought i had seen all styles of traditionals you bring out a different one. You never cease to amaze me with your collection. all the best.

[@jjcahill8934]

I've always liked the look of the "Rosslock" though it appeared to be a bit cumbersome, in practice. You did a great job at showing that downside to the design! Thanks for another excellent video!

[@timzusa]

They could just make a Russlock for lefties.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

And I would assume that should be easy enough to do. Thank you for dropping by and commenting.

[@knownbarkert6153]

Just take a small flathead screwdriver and wedge it between the backspring and the knife and DO NOT PRY IT. just open it a little more than what it normally opens and it should loosen up great. I can easily open it with one hand now, and it's brand new!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks for the tip. I still wish there was a non-locking version of the knife. But you can't deny the looks!

[@knownbarkert6153]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias Yes! I'm bias with the liner lock. Sometimes I like it and sometimes I don't. It'd be neat if they made a Russlock and a Russunlock 🤣

[@lewisward4359]

Thanks for the presentation. Thought the Russlock was a little older and used on several models. The extended tang always worried me about using it for a pocket knife.

[@grahamparr3933]

Belt and braces🤔

[@slick_slicers]

I’ve often though, "if only it didn’t lock"!

[@jelkel25]

The current administration is making noises about rolling back the nanny state, but noise and action are very different things.

[@janetowens7288]

I'm a lefty as well but have always opened knives with my right hand. I have a couple of russlocks and agree they are way nicer to look at than actually use.

[@lostcat9lives322]

The Russlock has always intrigued me and if I could have one of everything (knife wise) I'd probably have one in my collection. My question would be how to carry it? Isn't that tang extension gonna tend poke a hole in the pants pocket and/or tend to dig into my leg? It could be carried in a sheath but if that's what's called for, then I'd likely step up to my Buck 112 or whatever. There are better one-handed opening designs if that's whats most important. From my perspective, the Russlock seems neither fish nor fowl.

[@redsvette]

I love Russlock. Have several. My favorite is My Stag. I use a pancake sheath to carry mine in.

[@miniadventures788]

They need the Russel friction folder

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

That would also be a good version. That and a mid-lockback!

[@CalebStephens1911]

I was 7 years old when i was out with one grandfather and his hunting buddy when i saw his friend take out a case russlock and open a bag of corn. I asked to see it and that's when i fell in love. I finally got that knife 3 months ago and have loved and carried it everyday sense however you do have some points, but at the end of the day, i love it. Great video❤

[@Tilbily]

Never bought one but as it turns out my impressions were right. Good review !

[@40belowful]

I have a few older ones:) I like them:)

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I also like them and actually love the way they look! I just wished it was a little friendlier to use.

[@garyhouston113]

pssst....rough rider french tickler

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Got one.

[@garyhouston113]

mine came 2 days ago....i like it

[@peterpuleo2904]

I have one on order now. Do you like yours?

[@SevereTstormFan]

I want one! Very nice review