Question about Case Russlock

[Baykeeper]

Hello, new to the forum, not new to casual knife collecting. I recently purchased a new Case #18224 Rough Black Russlock from an online source, and would like some of you more familiar with this frame to answer a couple of questions if possible. According to the date code this is a 2014 knife.

First, I noticed the jigging of the "Gum Fuddy" handles differs from that shown on WR Case's website by not extending any further across the handle(s) than the shield, whereas the one on their website extends further across the handle. Is this a manufacturing "defect", or is it just normal variability in production?
Secondly, I was a little disappointed that the blade was not centered well in the frame, (IMHO); it doesn't touch the scales, and it does open perfectly, but it is definitely not centered, (see my low-quality photos). Does that constitute a manufacturing "defect" as far as Case would be concerned should I elect to send it back to them? I'm not as anal as some when it comes to centering, but this one isn't even close.

I really do like the knife, (rubbed a callous on my thumb from playing with it), the opening system definitely scores high in "cool factor", and I love the slim feel of the knife in my hand and in my pocket. I do wish that it were about a 1/2" longer though, I think it would fit the hand much better, and be even easier to open if it were just a little bit longer. I ordered the "Gum Fuddy" handles purposely, as I intend to use this knife for EDC, and I tend to be rough on EDC's, (what can I say, I'm clumsy). According to Case those handles are supposed to be "nearly indestructible"; we'll see, haven't dropped it off a ladder yet, but I'm sure I eventually will.

This won't be my only Russlock, I like the frame so much I think I want another one or two eventually, (how about one of each?), but I just wondered if any of you think this particular one is up to snuff as an "average" production-line offering from Case. Thanks ahead of time.

[big monk]

""UP To Snuff"" is my opinion***__ use it and enjoy -- you will always find some minor issues,with production knives,but nothing that will make em' "non-useable"" ---- that pattern is my son's favorite -- we even had this one customized ,with ""Mammouth Ivory"" scales !!!! Welcome to AAPK !!

[Old Hunter]

Welcome to AAPK! I have the opportunity of buying my Case knives in person at a large, local dealer. I see a fair amount of variation in Case handles "in the hand" vs. what I see in their catalog pictures (check out the stag pictures and then go look for stag handled knives if you really want to see variation). Your handles are normal. Blade "Walk & Talk" on modern Case knives is frequently too soft for my tastes (but rarely too hard) - for that reason I like to pick them myself - rejecting those with no snap (I like them right in the middle of the scale 5 - 6 pull on opening and some solid snap on closing). Blade centering varies too - I don't often see them rubbing the side, but I do see them anywhere from centered to looking like yours. Nearly all the Case Stockman pattern knives I have seen have some rub somewhere on a blade - it's to be expected. When you order it is luck of the draw (not just with Case - I experience the same "issues" with Buck and even with GEC (often W&T too hard to use safely with that brand). OH

[jerryd6818]

Welcome to AAPK. Glad to have you aboard.

I think the Colonel (Old Hunter) just about covered everything. Just my two cents on the handles. The smooth part at each end comes from the "hafting" process (Hafting is a process by which an artifact, often bone, metal, or stone, is attached to a haft <handle or strap>) when the knife was manufactured. When the handles are too thick for a smooth transition from handle to bolster, American manufacturers sand down the handle to match the bolster. Many times Europeans (especially the Germans) don't bother with this step or do what I think is a sloppy job. It's one of the ways to recognize a knife probably isn't US built from just a glance.

The hafting on this GEC Conductor is how US manufacturers do it.

Note the more abrupt hafting on this German Weidmannsheil

[royal0014]

Knife looks good to me, the jigging is normal. So long as the blade location
does not affect the operation, let it ride .. .. ...

And Welcome to AAPK

[Baykeeper]

Thanks to all of you for your welcome and your replies. I thought it was "normal", I just wanted a few experienced opinions. I wish I had a local dealer that carried all of the Case knives, but all the locals have around here are trappers and stockmans, large and small, but the nearest dealer with Russlocks in stock is a couple of hours drive away, so online is my go-to source for these knives. That leaves me with "luck of the draw" on the knives I order. Like I said, I love my Russlock, and more patterns will follow I'm sure.
Thanks so much for your help, I look forward to the education I'm sure I'll gain from this forum.