AG Russell Lockback has me stumped....any help?

[knifeaholic]

I just got this beautiful black pearl handled lockback as part of a collection purchase. AG RUSSELL tang stamp and MADE IN JAPAN but no pattern number.

It locks open but for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to unlock and close it. My first thought was maybe it is a bolster release, but the bolsters don't move, unless I'm doing it wrong.

Anyone know anything about this one?

[herbva]

Steve, that is a beautiful knife. I'm just guessing here, but from your pictures there appears to be what what looks something like a second liner next to the blade on the mark side. I'm guessing that just maybe, if you push outward on the inside edge of that bolster, or just push gently sideways on the blade, it will release. Again, just a wild guess here.

[hardman]

I believe that that is a unique one, Steve. The blade automatically locks when opened. To close it, grab the end bolster (or where the back bolster would be) between your thumb and forefinger. Then move your thumb down (or possibly up). One half of the frame will rotate down (or up) unlocking the blade. It just kind of twists down while the other side is rigid.

If that doesn't work, it is still a beautiful fixed blade.

[knifeaholic]

I believe that that is a unique one, Steve. The blade automatically locks when opened. To close it, grab the end bolster (or where the back bolster would be) between your thumb and forefinger. Then move your thumb down (or possibly up). One half of the frame will rotate down (or up) unlocking the blade. It just kind of twists down while the other side is rigid.

If that doesn't work, it is still a beautiful fixed blade.

WOW!! It worked!! Thanks a bunch Gary.

I have had several of the Frost-Cargill "bolster release" knives, this one is similar but works at the opposite end where there is no bolster.

[Madmarco]

Mark at SSk had a couple of these for sale at one time, Steve, and although I don't believe your knife is a BOLSTER release, I do believe it's a SCALE/COVER release. If I'm not mistaken, you simply shift the entire front SCALE in whichever direction it will move, and that will release the blade. I might be wrong, but that's how I recall Mark explaining it.
It's a beautiful knife, it would be a shame to not know how it works!

[Jeffinn]

I just got this beautiful black pearl handled lockback as part of a collection purchase. AG RUSSELL tang stamp and MADE IN JAPAN but no pattern number.
It locks open but for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to unlock and close it. My first thought was maybe it is a bolster release, but the bolsters don't move, unless I'm doing it wrong.
Anyone know anything about this one?

That is one beautiful knife!
Jeff

[Quick Steel]

What a beautiful acquisition!

[1967redrider]

Simple and gorgeous.