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Russlock

Case Russlock: Liner Lock Pocket Knives

The Russlock is a single-blade Case folder built around a Liner Lock and a gimped thumb-stud lever, letting you open and close the blade with one hand. Case named the pattern after company founder J. Russel “Russ” Case, and every version carries a mirror-polished Clip blade in Tru-Sharp stainless steel.

The lineup covers Smooth Chestnut Bone and Pocket Worn Peach Seed Jig Mediterranean Blue Bone handles, a Smooth Blue Sycamore Wood handle, a licensed John Deere edition with a gold-engraved logo and nickel silver bolsters, three Harley-Davidson editions (including a Gift Set presented in a wooden puzzle box), and a 2023 Halloween Spider & Web seasonal release.

Prices run from $94.99 for the Mediterranean Blue Bone up through $244.99 for the Harley-Davidson Gift Set, so there's a Russlock here whether you want an everyday Liner Lock or a showcase piece for a collection.

Liner Lock vs. slipjointThe Russlock's Liner Lock and thumb-stud lever let you open and close the blade with one hand, unlike a traditional slipjoint pattern such as the Congress or Canoe, which relies on spring tension alone and is best opened and closed with two hands.

Call 888-225-9775 — our team can help you pick the right Russlock handle for your carry.

Authorized Case Knives DealerFull manufacturer warranty on every knife we carry.
Bone, Wood & Synthetic HandlesPlus licensed John Deere and Harley-Davidson editions.
Liner Lock, One-Hand OpeningThumb-stud lever for single-hand use.
Same or Next Business Day ShippingShips from Columbia, Louisiana. Questions? Call 888-225-9775.

The Case Russlock Buyer's Guide (2026)

How to choose a handle material and understand what sets the Russlock's Liner Lock apart from Case's other mechanisms.

What Makes the Russlock Different+

Case named the Russlock after company founder J. Russel “Russ” Case. Instead of the slipjoint mechanism found on patterns like the Congress or Canoe, the Russlock uses a Liner Lock: a spring-steel liner shifts behind the open blade's tang and holds it rigid until you push the liner aside with your thumb.

Paired with a gimped thumb-stud lever, that Liner Lock lets you open and close the Clip blade with one hand, making the Russlock one of the few Case traditional patterns built for single-hand use from the start.

Liner Lock vs. Lockback vs. Slipjoint Compared+
MechanismHow It Holds OpenFound On
Liner LockSpring-steel liner shifts behind the blade tang, pushed aside with a thumbRusslock
LockbackRigid mechanical lock, released by a spine leverMini Copperlock
SlipjointSpring tension only, can close under pressureCongress, Canoe, Baby Butterbean
TipBecause the Liner Lock releases with a simple thumb push, the Russlock opens and closes with one hand more easily than a lockback or a slipjoint, both of which are better handled with two.
Handle Materials Compared+
MaterialCharacterFound On
BoneClassic Case texture, develops patinaSmooth Chestnut Bone, Mediterranean Blue Bone
WoodNatural grain, lightweight gripSmooth Blue Sycamore Wood
SyntheticDurable, holds engraved and etched logos wellJohn Deere, Harley-Davidson editions
Licensed & Seasonal Editions+

Case licenses the Russlock for a John Deere edition with a gold-engraved logo and nickel silver bolsters, and for three Harley-Davidson editions, including a Gift Set presented in a wooden puzzle box. A 2023 Halloween Spider & Web release rounds out the seasonal side of the lineup.

Clip Blade and Bolster Details+

Every Russlock carries a mirror-polished Clip blade in Tru-Sharp stainless steel. The John Deere edition adds etched nickel silver bolsters, and several handles feature Case's lobed shield inlay, small details that reflect the pattern's traditional Case craftsmanship.

Blade Steel and Edge Care+

Every Russlock uses Case's Tru-Sharp stainless steel, chosen for corrosion resistance and easy touch-up sharpening. A quick strop or a few passes on a fine stone keeps the blade working well for everyday tasks like opening mail or breaking down boxes.

Russlock Quick Reference+
I need…Best ChoicePrice
Budget-friendly boneMediterranean Blue Bone$94.99
Classic wood handleSmooth Blue Sycamore Wood$99.99
Licensed farm-brand giftJohn Deere Smooth Black Synthetic$114.99
Traditional jig-textured boneSmooth Chestnut Bone$115.99
Licensed motorcycle-brand knifeHarley-Davidson Smooth Black Synthetic$117.99
Etched Harley-Davidson designHarley-Davidson Etched White Synthetic$124.99
Seasonal collector's piece2023 Halloween Spider & Web$129.99
Premium gift-boxed collectibleHarley-Davidson Orange/Black Gift Set$244.99

Case Russlock: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers from Knifeworks' team on choosing a Case Russlock handle.

What's the difference between the Russlock's Liner Lock and a slipjoint?+

The Russlock uses a Liner Lock: a spring-steel liner shifts behind the open blade's tang and holds it rigid until you push the liner aside with your thumb. A slipjoint, used on patterns like the Congress or Canoe, relies on spring tension alone and can close under enough pressure.

How do I open and close a Liner Lock safely?+

Use the gimped thumb-stud lever to swing the blade open with one hand. To close it, push the liner aside with your thumb to clear the blade's tang, then fold the blade back with your fingers away from the edge.

What blade steel does the Russlock use?+

Every Russlock uses Case's Tru-Sharp stainless steel, chosen for corrosion resistance and easy touch-up sharpening.

Why is the Harley-Davidson Gift Set more expensive than the other Russlock knives?+

It's presented in a wooden puzzle box in addition to the knife itself, and that added packaging and presentation pushes its price above the rest of the lineup.

Is the John Deere edition officially licensed?+

Yes. Case produces this as an officially licensed collaboration, with the John Deere logo engraved in gold on a smooth black synthetic handle.

Will a bone handle change color over time?+

Yes. Natural bone handles develop a richer patina with handling and age, which many collectors consider part of the appeal. Wood and synthetic handles keep their original color and texture indefinitely.

What is the 2023 Halloween Spider & Web edition?+

It's a seasonal Russlock release from 2023 with a spider and web design, similar in spirit to other limited seasonal and tribute editions across the Case lineup.

Are Case Russlock knives made in the USA?+

Yes. Case knives, including the Russlock line, are made at Case's factory in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

Authorized Case Knives Dealer · Liner Lock, One-Hand Opening

Find Your Case Russlock

Every knife here ships same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana, backed by full manufacturer warranty support. Call 888-225-9775 — our team can help you pick the right handle for your carry.

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