What's up with these Russlock handles?

[American Blade 92]

Perusing eBay, I came upon these. I don't know but the handles don't look right and the badges look scuffed and strange.

[Modern Slip Joints]

It is a 2025 Case. I think all any of us can write is that must be how Case is making Russlocks now.

[philco]

Looks like the dye didn’t penetrate the bonefully in a few spots. Also looks like the glue oozed out around the shield.

[knifeaholic]

Jigging and coloring look all wrong for Amber bone.

[American Blade 92]

Jigging and coloring look all wrong for Amber bone.

That's what I thought.
Looks like a Chinese bone handle.

[American Blade 92]

Looks like the dye didn’t penetrate the bonefully in a few spots. Also looks like the glue oozed out around the shield.

Yeah. Also just doesn't look like "Case" bone

[American Blade 92]

It is a 2024 Case. I think all any of us can write is that must be how Case is making Russlocks now.

[QTCut5]

I’m pretty sure the knife is legit; all the 2025 Amber Bone Russlocks on eBay look the same. And I agree, it looks like something you’d see on a cheap Chinese made knife.

Sadly, this appears to be just another example of the continuing decline of Case quality

Consider the difference in color and jigging between a 2022 & 2025 Amber Bone Russlock:

[American Blade 92]

I’m pretty sure the knife is legit; all the 2025 Amber Bone Russlocks on eBay look the same. And I agree, it looks like something you’d see on a cheap Chinese made knife.

Sadly, this appears to be just another example of the continuing decline of Case quality

Consider the difference in color and jigging between a 2022 & 2025 Amber Bone Russlock:

Wow!! Yes. Big difference!
I knew Case quality was getting worse, but this is really bad. Thanks for sharing

[Modern Slip Joints]

The Russlock pattern remains uniquely Case. Even Pakistan and the Chinese have not made knock offs. What knife could be used affordably as the basis for a counterfeit?

[knifeaddict1965]

Maybe it's a Russlock thing. I've seen a bunch of the 6.5 BoneStag Russlocks on the Bay recently with the most ridiculous looking BoneStag I've ever seen. I just got the 6.5 Cheetah Cub & Axe Handle knife, and they look pretty good and similar the BoneStag we've seen in the past.

After a second look, it appears that these have a 2017 stamp, but I don't remember seeing this type of 6.5 until just recently.

[American Blade 92]

Maybe it's a Russlock thing. I've seen a bunch of the 6.5 BoneStag Russlocks on the Bay recently with the most ridiculous looking BoneStag I've ever seen. I just got the 6.5 Cheetah Cub & Axe Handle knife, and they look pretty good and similar the BoneStag we've seen in the past.

After a second look, it appears that these have a 2017 stamp, but I don't remember seeing this type of 6.5 until just recently.


Screenshot 2026-04-25 195718.png

Screenshot 2026-04-25 195733.png

Screenshot 2026-04-25 195031.png

Screenshot 2026-04-25 194935.png

Screenshot 2026-04-25 194916.png

Yikes!
That's hideous bonestag. I remember when case made pretty bonestag. I wonder if they are buying cheaper bone slabs or pre-made Chinese bone?

[American Blade 92]

What I remember

[Steve Warden]

Maybe it's a Russlock thing. I've seen a bunch of the 6.5 BoneStag Russlocks on the Bay recently with the most ridiculous looking BoneStag I've ever seen. I just got the 6.5 Cheetah Cub & Axe Handle knife, and they look pretty good and similar the BoneStag we've seen in the past.

After a second look, it appears that these have a 2017 stamp, but I don't remember seeing this type of 6.5 until just recently.


Screenshot 2026-04-25 195718.png

Screenshot 2026-04-25 195733.png

Screenshot 2026-04-25 195031.png

Screenshot 2026-04-25 194935.png

Screenshot 2026-04-25 194916.png

Yikes!
That's hideous bonestag. I remember when case made pretty bonestag. I wonder if they are buying cheaper bone slabs or pre-made Chinese bone?

Case 6.5 bone stag never impressed me. I always thought it was poorly done, compared to other companies imitation stag.
But that's me.

[bighomer]

What Mumbleypeg said.

[edge213]

Ugly handles on a butt ugly pattern....makes sense to me

[Mumbleypeg]

What Mumbleypeg said.

Not sure what I said. But if it was about a Russlock it likely wasn’t good.

Ken

[tvic]

This is an informative thread, guys, thanks. My first Case was an Amber Bone Canoe, so that’s what I’ve always thought Amber Bone looks like. But, as you guys have pointed out, there are many variations of that handle - and it seems to be more than just “bone dye doesn’t look exactly the same every time.”

[Dinadan]

I agree that this thread has been informative. I am not a Case collector, so I do have any insights. But regarding the dye, maybe whoever makes it has changed the formula. I think that companies had to quit using some materials because of regulations. Or maybe Case has one color blind employee, and they put him in charge of colors. Something like that happened at a place where I worked.

[bighomer]

Ken I was quoting Sgt.Steve's tag line right above my post. I too have nothing good to say a out the looks or function of the Russlocks, but to each their own, as old Jerry Clower used to say I love everybody.

[1967redrider]

I’m pretty sure the knife is legit; all the 2025 Amber Bone Russlocks on eBay look the same. And I agree, it looks like something you’d see on a cheap Chinese made knife.

Sadly, this appears to be just another example of the continuing decline of Case quality

Consider the difference in color and jigging between a 2022 & 2025 Amber Bone Russlock:

Thanks, Q. More than likely a quality control issue at Case.



Bonestag has never been my thing, it reminds me of Frost's Mojave bone.

[Steve Warden]

Ken I was quoting Sgt.Steve's tag line right above my post. I too have nothing good to say a out the looks or function of the Russlocks, but to each their own, as old Jerry Clower used to say I love everybody.

Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000

But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)

[Steve Warden]

Ken I was quoting Sgt.Steve's tag line right above my post. I too have nothing good to say a out the looks or function of the Russlocks, but to each their own, as old Jerry Clower used to say I love everybody.

Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000

But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)

[bighomer]

Somebody at case found this on ai

When I think of amber this is what is in my minds eye.