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Freeman Model 451?

The Freeman 451 aluminum and 3.75" S35VN blade at $275 is very close to my Spartan Pallas with aluminum and 3.75" S35VN blade at $285. Both are button lock manual flippers.

Freeman should offer stonewashed blades.

Another competitor is Hogue X5 which is also a button lock flipper with aluminum handle and G-10 insert and comes in blade lengths of 3.5" ($204) and 4" ($221) of CPM-154 in Wharnie or Spear Point.

Freeman, Spartan and Hogue are all made in the U.S.

I subscribed to Freeman's newsletter and also emailed him on future availability of a Model 451 with a just under 3" blade length.

I think button locks and flippers are a natural combination. I've had my custom Olson Quick Flick M9 since Summer 2013 and use it often. It has titanium handles with CF insert and a 3" blade of RWL-34 steel. Super smooth.
 
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abbazaba said:
I bought one recently and it's awesome. Super solid knife that just screams for hard use, but swings freely like a precision machine part, mirrored edge out of the box. The closest thing to it in my collection is the 0561, but it actually fits my hand better than the ZT.

Here's a pic I took recently for another thread:
20170117_200613-01_zpsjtfjh7bn.jpeg


It is insanely fun to play with... The button lock on a flipper is just the perfect marriage IMO. It rides pretty high in the pocket, which helps make this knife the only folder I can operate easily and completely with very thick leather gloves on. I do wish there was a deep carry clip option so I could feel comfortable bringing it more places... I emailed them about that and received an email directly from Jeff saying thank you and they would look into it.
Click to expand...





How does the new style of handle feel in hand especially after cutting with it for awhile?
 
RamZar said:
I subscribed to Freeman's newsletter and also emailed him on future availability of a Model 451 with a just under 3" blade length.
Click to expand...

I heard back from Jeff Freeman yesterday:

"The first plan is for a ~3" folder, not specifically in the 451 family. It is designed and I am working on parts now. This one is a framelock-style construction with a slight twist. I'm trying to see how light I can get it and if I can make it work with g-10 scales on both sides. Plus another feature that will be revealed when I get legal protection.

I hope to get going on a 3" 451 BLF soon but I probably have too many irons in the fire to make it happen by Blade show.

Thanks for asking,
Jeff

ps. I don't keep up on the newsletter but I have an active instagram account. Check it out and follow freemanoutdoorgear for updates and news."​
 
I need a favor. Whoever has a 451 flipper can you tell if there is a rattle when you shake the knife? And also when the knife is closed can you grab the handle in one hand and the blade with your pointer finger and thumb and slightly pull back and forth without opening it and tell me if there is play in it?
 
jeepin said:
I need a favor. Whoever has a 451 flipper can you tell if there is a rattle when you shake the knife? And also when the knife is closed can you grab the handle in one hand and the blade with your pointer finger and thumb and slightly pull back and forth without opening it and tell me if there is play in it?
Click to expand...

"No" on my 451 to both of your questions. You might want to get in touch with Freeman; the button lock may need to be adjusted.
 
jeepin said:
How does the new style of handle feel in hand especially after cutting with it for awhile?
Click to expand...

I have not given it a ton of use yet, but I find the handle extremely comfortable.

jeepin said:
I need a favor. Whoever has a 451 flipper can you tell if there is a rattle when you shake the knife? And also when the knife is closed can you grab the handle in one hand and the blade with your pointer finger and thumb and slightly pull back and forth without opening it and tell me if there is play in it?
Click to expand...

Mine actually did develop a very small amount "detent" play, but it doesn't rattle unless I shake it hard. Please let me know what you hear back from Jeff, I might send him an email as well. I haven't taken mine apart yet, but I might have to check it out.
 
abbazaba said:
I bought one recently and it's awesome. Super solid knife that just screams for hard use, but swings freely like a precision machine part, mirrored edge out of the box. The closest thing to it in my collection is the 0561, but it actually fits my hand better than the ZT.

Here's a pic I took recently for another thread:
20170117_200613-01_zpsjtfjh7bn.jpeg


It is insanely fun to play with... The button lock on a flipper is just the perfect marriage IMO. It rides pretty high in the pocket, which helps make this knife the only folder I can operate easily and completely with very thick leather gloves on. I do wish there was a deep carry clip option so I could feel comfortable bringing it more places... I emailed them about that and received an email directly from Jeff saying thank you and they would look into it.
Click to expand...

I have read on the older models the detent is very loose and easy to shake out the blade. Have the improved that? I am very interested in the Ti version otherwise if this issue has been resolved.
 
TRUE LIBERTY said:
I have read on the older models the detent is very loose and easy to shake out the blade. Have the improved that? I am very interested in the Ti version otherwise if this issue has been resolved.
Click to expand...
Mine is older and does not do that.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
 
Yo Mama said:
Mine is older and does not do that.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

All the video reviews show this can be done to open the knife. But they are from 2015, don't see any more lat 2016 and 2017 reviews. I sent a email to Freeman asking about it in case I didn't get a answer here.
 
TRUE LIBERTY said:
All the video reviews show this can be done to open the knife. But they are from 2015, don't see any more lat 2016 and 2017 reviews. I sent a email to Freeman asking about it in case I didn't get a answer here.
Click to expand...

I have a fairly old one from 2015, I think it might actually be from some of the earliest batches. If I shake the knife, the blade doesn't come out. If I make a very sharp, hard twisting flick I can make the blade come out. In two years of carry, it's never presented a problem in use.
 
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