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Finally got a Benchmade 940 Osborne (my review)

BradWorld

Dances with Wolfs
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!

2023-01-31 08.07.22.jpg
 

BradWorld

Dances with Wolfs
Here is a size comparison. You can see the 940 sits pretty high up on the size chart. But it is a sleek and nimble knife for sure!

From top to bottom:
Benchmade Griptilian
Benchmade 940
Benchmade Bugout
Spyderco PM3
Spyderco Delica 4

You can really tell from the photo which knives get used for opening boxes, and which knives are carried for camping and cigar cutting tasks. The Spyderco's are super sharp and utilitarian. They get the chores. The BM's are beautiful and get to go camping and outings to the cigar lounge etc. But for an EDC, I grab a Spyderco 75% of the time. They just work better for everyday tasks. Will the 940 change that ratio? I think it might!

2023-01-31 09.06.48.jpg
 
Good review! I have all of the knives you posted above except the Osborne. I have always wanted one, but just never got around to buying one! Looks like a great knife. 👍
 

BradWorld

Dances with Wolfs
Good review! I have all of the knives you posted above except the Osborne. I have always wanted one, but just never got around to buying one! Looks like a great knife. 👍
Yep. I wanted one for a while. I have a Manix coming. I want to try out the Spydie Ball Lock. That should round out the collection nicely. Should be done after that. Yeah right!!! 😜
 
Yep. I wanted one for a while. I have a Manix coming. I want to try out the Spydie Ball Lock. That should round out the collection nicely. Should be done after that. Yeah right!!! 😜
Ha!

I got into knives heavy a few years back and now have over 80. I said I was done a few years ago and I haven’t bought anything since. I am proud of myself! except for the owning 80+ knives part. 🤪

I didn’t like the Manix lock but many do. I have small hands and the handle on the Manix 2 is big IMO.
 

BradWorld

Dances with Wolfs
After a couple days of EDC carry with the 940, I can easily say it is the sharpest Benchmade out of the box that I have gotten. I have found that the last couple of Benchmades have not been very sharp out of the box, and needed to go to the stones right away. Not this one. Very pleased thus far. Great knife!
 

BradWorld

Dances with Wolfs
Ha!

I got into knives heavy a few years back and now have over 80. I said I was done a few years ago and I haven’t bought anything since. I am proud of myself! except for the owning 80+ knives part. 🤪

I didn’t like the Manix lock but many do. I have small hands and the handle on the Manix 2 is big IMO.

Wow, got the Manix 2 last night. Wasn’t ready for the size. Not just the length either. That blade is super wide. I like it! Fits my hand great! Gonna give it a workout the next few days. I wanted a bigger Spyderco, and now I have one. The ball lock is neat. Different than an axis lock for sure. Great flickable knife! A flickable Spyderco. Yay!

I’m done buying knives for a while. At least for myself. Got a Spyderco Chicago G10 for my wife the other day. Horrible knife. Didn’t open or close smoothly. The liner lock was hard to depress. And there was something catching halfway in the closing path. Not sure if it was a detent or a defect. Wifey couldn’t even close the knife. Sent it right back. Looking at a Civivi baby banter for her next. I love the Elementum I have.
 
Very cool, nice pistola. Mine has a Tangent sight AKA artillery site. This is an early 1940’s high power built by the Germans when they invaded Belgium and took over the FN factory. Complete with German proof marks.
@desmoface , I liked your pic so much I just had to recreate it with my new SA-35 ... and a couple of the on-topic knives, too! :)

View attachment 1598976


Wish I had that rear sight, though!

@BradWorld notice I do the lanyard trick here - liking lanyards, I make a loop and put it through the clip. Works.

AA
D26B4734-1FA8-4035-A62B-DD0696FE827A.jpeg
 

Ad Astra

The Instigator
Very cool, nice pistola. Mine has a Tangent sight AKA artillery site. This is an early 1940’s high power built by the Germans when they invaded Belgium and took over the FN factory. Complete with German proof marks.

View attachment 1599029

You do indeed have the "dirty bird" (waffenamp markings) on that - nice! Valuable as well, very cool. Now that I finally have a BHP/clone, I'd like another ... knew a guy that only collected BHPs. I kinda get it.


AA
 
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!

View attachment 1597723
Great knives but can you shave with them
 
Ha!

I got into knives heavy a few years back and now have over 80. I said I was done a few years ago and I haven’t bought anything since. I am proud of myself! except for the owning 80+ knives part. 🤪

I didn’t like the Manix lock but many do. I have small hands and the handle on the Manix 2 is big IMO.
So shaving, guitars and knives 🔪 so many hobbies so little time

Doug
 

BradWorld

Dances with Wolfs
Re-reading your thoughtful review makes me pine for the 940 that I lost (groan!). Definitely gotta' get me another.

Absolutely get another one! If I were not so prone to serial collecting, the 940 would be the one that stops the knife buying for sure! But of course thats not going to happen. :)
 
Late to the thread!
I too wanted a 940 and ended buying the 940 and a 945 (mini). Both in black G10.
I sold both!
As beautiful as they are, I found the handle uncomfortable and too thin. I sold them both! I own a Zero Tolerance 0450 Sinkevich in titanium which is essentially a competitor to the 940 and find it very comfortable in comparison. But I've discovered that my favorites are thicker handles. In Benchmade, I have the Presidio II, Griptilian and mini Griptilian which I find ideal.
I tried though!
Glad you like your's!
 
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