Button Lock Folder - Spartan Blades vs. Hogue

[marrenmiller]

Hey all. I'm looking for a new folder, and I'd like to get one with a heavy duty button lock this time around. My search has led me to three potential options: the Spartan Blades Pallas, the Hogue X5 4", and the Freeman 451. I've searched the forum and haven't found much on these knives. Does anyone have any insight into which of these folders is the better choice for long term, heavy duty use (assuming price blind)?

I like that the Hogue X5 has an innovative detent system, and I like the general design of the button lock; it's nice to see the button fully encapsulated within heat treated steel collars within the aluminum handle scales, and it's reassuring seeing that the lock contact surface is cut all the way across the blade tang to (presumably) allow for more wear between the button and the tang as the mechanism wears over the long term. I also love the choice to use raised surfaces in the scales rather than use bearings. What I'm less of a fan of is that Hogue evidently heat treats their CPM154 from 57 to 59 HRC, which is lower than I'd like, but I understand the reasoning behind it. The ergonomics also don't look stellar. I trust the company to stand behind their products, so that's a plus.

The Spartan Blades Pallas looks to be a good aesthetic and ergonomic choice. It also looks like they took care to ensure it would cut and hold an edge well, judging by their decently tall grind and double cryo heat treated S35VN. The only thing that gives me pause is that the lock cutout on the Pallas only goes about halfway through the thickness of the blade, which appears to leave little room for wear as time goes on.

As for the Freeman 451, I like the design quite a bit, and I like the choices of steel/handle materials and the unique blade machining. I've heard there's some sort of ball detent system in there too, but I can't confirm with what I've found written on the knife. Of the three knives, I think I'm leaning towards this one the most.

 

[palonej]

Hey all. I'm looking for a new folder, and I'd like to get one with a heavy duty button lock this time around. My search has led me to three potential options: the Spartan Blades Pallas, the Hogue X5 4", and the Freeman 451. I've searched the forum and haven't found much on these knives. Does anyone have any insight into which of these folders is the better choice for long term, heavy duty use (assuming price blind)?

I like that the Hogue X5 has an innovative detent system, and I like the general design of the button lock; it's nice to see the button fully encapsulated within heat treated steel collars within the aluminum handle scales, and it's reassuring seeing that the lock contact surface is cut all the way across the blade tang to (presumably) allow for more wear between the button and the tang as the mechanism wears over the long term. I also love the choice to use raised surfaces in the scales rather than use bearings. What I'm less of a fan of is that Hogue evidently heat treats their CPM154 from 57 to 59 HRC, which is lower than I'd like, but I understand the reasoning behind it. The ergonomics also don't look stellar. I trust the company to stand behind their products, so that's a plus.

The Spartan Blades Pallas looks to be a good aesthetic and ergonomic choice. It also looks like they took care to ensure it would cut and hold an edge well, judging by their decently tall grind and double cryo heat treated S35VN. The only thing that gives me pause is that the lock cutout on the Pallas only goes about halfway through the thickness of the blade, which appears to leave little room for wear as time goes on.

As for the Freeman 451, I like the design quite a bit, and I like the choices of steel/handle materials and the unique blade machining. I've heard there's some sort of ball detent system in there too, but I can't confirm with what I've found written on the knife. Of the three knives, I think I'm leaning towards this one the most.

Hey MM!
The only one of those knives I have is an X5.
It is an amazing flipper with excellent action, but you’re right about the ergos.......they are not stellar. Too many sharp points and edges, especially for your index finger.
I couldn’t imagine what my hand would look like after a day of constant use.
Joe

 

[BilboBaggins]

I only have the Freeman. Absolutely love it. It may have some sort of detent, but it is very weak. I can sorta fling the blade out if I do it just right. That being said, I haven't felt like it was dangerous to carry in terms of accidentally opening. The action is superb. Fits the hand well. It's a bit thick behind the edge, but does have that sorta heavily overbuilt thing going for it. Check out the all titanium version. One of my favorite knives.

 

[ATJ999]

I have heard great things about the Spartan Pallas and the Freeman. Really want to try them both, but have not yet. Hogue knives are good knives too. Can't go wrong with any of those choices, they all seem solid with good reviews. IMO

 

[pyreaux]

Pallas over the x5 for sure. I have no experience with the freeman. Pallas grip is way more useful and comfortable.

 

[craytab]

I own the pallas. It is a great knife. I understand your worry about the lock. If you are really going to abuse the knife it my not be the one for you. Used as only a cutting tool, I don't worry about the lock. Detent is a bit weak on mine. Everything else about the knife is great. Spartan has their s35vn dialed in. Excellent company as well.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I would go for the Freeman 451, though I think the Pallas is an excellent choice as well.

 

[spyderg]

Of the ones mentioned I only have an X5. Nice knife, good detent, haven’t actually used it a lot but so far so good with the steel. Ergos are good but only in saber or hammer grip. Great with Mechanics gloves. The sharp edges on the handle seem to disappear after a couple days use but I don’t think it would be a good choice if in constant use throughout the day. Main reason I don’t carry it much is the clip, seems to be designed for cargo pants? Or khakis? But doesn’t sit right in jeans.
Here’s one you may not know about but might want to consider. Smock Knives SK23, its a button release compression lock. It’s a bit smaller but a great knife.

 

[marrenmiller]

Thanks for all the replies. I had forgotten about the smock sk23, but I think I'd prefer to stick with true button locks rather than button-compression hybrids this time around.

 

[G. Scott H.]

The 4" X5 is the only one I have. I love mine, but it's a knife I'd advise holding before you buy, or buying from a site with a generous return policy. It's not going to be for everybody. I had the 3.5" also and the end of the handle poked into my pinky horribly. I have no such problem with the 4" and my medium hand size, but if you wear a large size or above glove, you might have the same issue with it that I had with the smaller one.

 

[dkb45]

I say go with the X5, they don't treat lefties as second class citizens with that model!

 

[AmosPaul]

Have you considered the other Hogue button lock folders? I have two EX-01s (purchased one, loved it so much I purchased a backup). The EX-04 gets good reviews as well.

 

[Petunia D. Feeble]

Of the knives you listed, I'd go with the Freeman 451. It's a great knife.

If I were just going after a manual action button lock folder though, I'd get a Klotzli Swiss Border Guard.

I wouldn't have any lack of confidence in the lock.

 

[goldie]

Ive had all three only have the freeman now. I think the pallas is a close second; great knife,just got bored with it, and the flipping action wasn't that good. the freeman seems the smoothest. had an x5 4" blade, cool knife but like said before the ergos aree not that good. the 3.5 Hogue is even worse, looks great but very hard on the hands, I returned mine the same day. id say freeman 1st pallas second. nice thing about the freeman is you have a choice of scale colors, ano colors and blade steels,and unless you find a pallas on the secondary market, the freeman is about 75.00 less than the pallas.