From the time I started getting into higher quality knives, I have wanted a Benchmade 940 Osborne. I just love the shape of the handle and the blade. The design just works well for me visually. But I was never able to handle one. I dont really know anyone that has one. So when I saw one pop up on the Bay priced more than 10% lower than the going rate, I decided to grab it. The seller was a knife dealer with a ton of positive reviews. So the deal was pretty safe. And the price was not so cheap that it was suspect. It was just a good price on a new Benchmade 940.
When I received the knife, the first thing that surprised me was the compact size. Even though I was very familiar with the spec, my brain sort of expected a larger knife to pop out of that box. It has a visual that makes it look like a large knife. Even the many videos I have watched on the 940 made my brain perceive it as a larger knife. Now, this is not an issue, as the knife in-hand is actually quite the perfect size. So this is just an observation on my part. The 940 is just a bit longer than the standard size Bugout. It feels great in the hand! I am absolutely pleased with the size and shape of this knife.
The second surprising thing was the soft feel of the aluminum scales. I dont care for knives with a metal handle. Never have. So buying this 940 was a huge gamble for me. I had contemplated buying the G10 version of the 940 for months before pulling the trigger on this one. However, to achieve the true 940 experience, I had to have the original version in Green aluminum. I knew there was potential that I would not like the feel of the aluminum handles. However, this handle feels soft. Very soft. I dont know what BM did to it, but it has a really nice comfortable coating. It is super hard and firm like metal. Even feels cold like metal. But it has a soft tactile feel, that seems to offer a lot of slip resistance. The down side to this is that the Green aluminum finish seems to scuff and smudge very easily. But for me, knives are tools, not show pieces. Tools can, and should, show wear where applicable. So I have no issue with this.
I got the classic version. This one has the Green aluminum scales, the purple back spacer, and the plain reverse tanto blade made with S30v steel. The action is sweet! So smooth. There is a very satisfying snap when you flick it open. Blade centering is great. The grind looks really good to me. I am no expert. I dont take out the calipers and microscope and measure bevels and blade angles like some people. I just give it a decent inspection and shove it in my pocket. I am quite pleased with my purchase so far. I have been flicking this thing since I received it yesterday afternoon, and I am just loving it. It Is it the perfect knife? Maybe!
When I received the knife, the first thing that surprised me was the compact size. Even though I was very familiar with the spec, my brain sort of expected a larger knife to pop out of that box. It has a visual that makes it look like a large knife. Even the many videos I have watched on the 940 made my brain perceive it as a larger knife. Now, this is not an issue, as the knife in-hand is actually quite the perfect size. So this is just an observation on my part. The 940 is just a bit longer than the standard size Bugout. It feels great in the hand! I am absolutely pleased with the size and shape of this knife.
The second surprising thing was the soft feel of the aluminum scales. I dont care for knives with a metal handle. Never have. So buying this 940 was a huge gamble for me. I had contemplated buying the G10 version of the 940 for months before pulling the trigger on this one. However, to achieve the true 940 experience, I had to have the original version in Green aluminum. I knew there was potential that I would not like the feel of the aluminum handles. However, this handle feels soft. Very soft. I dont know what BM did to it, but it has a really nice comfortable coating. It is super hard and firm like metal. Even feels cold like metal. But it has a soft tactile feel, that seems to offer a lot of slip resistance. The down side to this is that the Green aluminum finish seems to scuff and smudge very easily. But for me, knives are tools, not show pieces. Tools can, and should, show wear where applicable. So I have no issue with this.
I got the classic version. This one has the Green aluminum scales, the purple back spacer, and the plain reverse tanto blade made with S30v steel. The action is sweet! So smooth. There is a very satisfying snap when you flick it open. Blade centering is great. The grind looks really good to me. I am no expert. I dont take out the calipers and microscope and measure bevels and blade angles like some people. I just give it a decent inspection and shove it in my pocket. I am quite pleased with my purchase so far. I have been flicking this thing since I received it yesterday afternoon, and I am just loving it. It Is it the perfect knife? Maybe!