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Benchmade 940 Pocket Knife Review Facts
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Reaching the top spot on many lists for best EDC pocket knife is the classic Benchmade 940 pocket knife. With a lightweight profile and strong S30V steel blade, this is the perfect addition to any knife collection that will conquer all challenges faced out in the ever-changing world. The Osborne was created with a highly ergonomic design to ensure ease of use and comfort. Dual thumb studs and AXIS mechanism on the knife enable you to open the blade instantly with one hand and without difficulty. Its standard Benchmade pocket clip is simple yet effective and reversible for right or left-handed storage. You’ll find the length, width, and weight perfectly balances allowing for easy carry in your pocket or attached to a pack without constantly feeling that something is there. Take it on a trip and while handling rugged wilderness tasks with ease, your friends will be impressed and want to know where you got it. This 18-year-old knife will also make a noticeable difference during day to day tasks. We touch on the features of this superior quality pocket knife below in our comprehensive review.
Brand
The Benchmade brand has always been a strong seller, this knife was designed by Warren Osborne and has been in production since 2000 -- now nearing the brink of adulthood the buzz around the 940 is still prominent. The company was founded in 1988 with the mission to “create something better” and has proven time and time again with superior products that they are the best knife makers in the industry. The fantastic quality control standards and builds of their knives from premium materials have turned many a curious first-time buyer into a life long and loyal customer. A reputation for quality knives and support behind their products is what makes Benchmade the one to beat.
Size & Weight
Weighing in at a feather-light 2.9 oz and an overall open length of 7.8” the 940 is a go- everywhere type of modified tanto blade with a thickness of 0.114”. The portability of this knife makes it an easy everyday companion or throwing it in your survival kit to live as a permanent staple. Many users online said they were surprised by the lightness of the high-quality steel and solid aluminum handle and some even afraid of it may lack proper longevity. The lighter the knife, the lighter you are and with a blade length of 3.4”, it's perfect for common chores like opening packages, cutting light material with efficiency or take it on the road to prepare food. It basically disappears in your pocket until it’s needed and with a sharpness right out of the box, you’ll be ready.
Comfort
With the practically invisible pocket size, a smooth hinge in place for easy one-handed operation, and an anodized finished handle giving extra grip, this is a very easy knife to hold onto. The full-size handle fits any size hand and leaves sleek edges for even the most challenging cutting tasks to press through with no hot spots. The pocket clip is applied to the knife in a way that allows the user to pull the knife from where it clipped and draw out the blade with a thumb flick, all without readjusting the knife in hand. It does not have an assisted opening mechanism in place. As an added feature, the pocket clip can be reversed for easier access in either left or right pocket.
Larger knives may be better for bigger than average tasks but it is not always necessary to go big just because of a larger sized hand. Fully tested by its wide customer base, the size of the 940 is just right for all people whether their hands are XL or petite. During cut tests by a variety of users, there were no complaints of discomfort and many found the knife fit was perfectly balanced.
Use
From industrial and professional use all the way to recreational and personal use, you will find this the 940 is designed to cater to almost every need. With its no-nonsense deployment, this is a favorite amongst those who regularly utilize an EDC pocket carry. The handle is ergonomically friendly, and the reverse tanto blade works very well camping in the mountains or applied in small office jobs. Cutting through thick plastic, puncturing reinforced metal, or dressing a fish you will have the same result: a job well is done. While on a weekend camping trip the 940 excels at bushcraft, breaking apart larger pieces of wood for kindling, and on chef’s duties chopping onions, easily slicing paper thin garlic, or ripping through a piece of marinated steak. With its slim profile and lightweight design, the 940 is the perfect addition to your survival kit, backpack, tackle box, or pocket.
Durability
Benchmade after all these years continues to offer unrivaled quality and design with a wide variety of knife blade and handle options that will satisfy all user tasks. The strength of the S30v reversed tanto knife is better than most other types of blades. The American made premium powdered steel is popular in the 940 because it resists corrosion and has superior edge qualities suitable for everyday use. A tanto knife is crafted with a high point and flat grind providing the tool with exceptional strength to pierce even the hardest surfaces without breaking. Professional users of this knife commented on the pleasing 2/3 blade length swedge along the spine taking away unnecessary weight. It runs straight to the tip increasing durability, and it won't wear out easily or bend with regular use. The blade and handle are held together with a recessed hex bolt and inside the handle around the pivot screw are steel plates in place for wear resistance. This handle shaped for safety has an indentation with jimping for your index finger so your hand is unlikely to slip towards the blade while in use.
Style
Utilitarianism and function come first on this Osborne design but that doesn’t leave out the eye-catching details adding to the overall style of this EDC tool. It is a slim, well proportioned and attractive knife with the Benchmade butterfly and Osborne boomerang logos peeping out on opposite sides of the handle. The aluminum handle is an anodized green color with a purple titanium backspacer that adds a personal touch and is more commonly seen on a custom detail. The reverse tanto blade point aligns perfectly with its spine, reminiscent of time-honored craftsmanship. This Japanese inspired design gives the blade a classic appeal that is continued through other styles of popular knives today. The blade is available in a plain edge or coated black edge that looks sharp but some have had issues with the blade coat chipping after extreme use. A black painted pocket clip is attached on the outside of this knife bearing the Benchmade name and is made of stainless steel. Many users online seem to think this is the one flaw of the 940. The paint seems to chip off very easily; with some experiencing scratches after just a few weeks of carrying.
Price
When a knife is made of high-quality materials, holds an edge, and resists corrosion, and can essentially last you a lifetime, it basically pays for itself. With its versatile use, lightweight modern design that you can carry with you every day and lifetime blade warranty the Benchmade 940 is a good investment. It may not be the cheapest, depending on blade finish and style, but when compared to all of these features its a great value for the money. Some users found it difficult to shell out the extra dough for a tool of such small stature -- especially if they are adding to an already extensive collection of pocket knives. However, making the significant investment into any Benchmade knife has been proven to be returned time and time again with its durability and added perk of a lifetime sharpening service, LifeSharp, available directly through the company.
Warranty
Benchmade knives have a well-deserved reputation for having some of the highest grade products on the market. The companies diligent quality control is of legendary status and their designers make a commitment to their craft. Each knife that comes out of the Oregon based production facility with written documentation that is has been handcrafted and tested and is fully covered by a limited lifetime warranty and LifeSharp. The warranty covers replacement parts for genuine products due to defects made in production. They will repair or replace these faulty products without charge.
The LifeSharp service is a perk of Benchmade products that is rarely needed, according to users of this knife but it will keep your knife in top shape and is included in the price. Find your knife is getting dull after cutting up wood and plastic all summer on the job? If you send it into Benchmade their team will disassemble it, replace worn parts, clean out debris, re-lubricate all of the turning parts then put it back together for a factory edge sharpening before it's shipped back in 8-10 days. Benchmade also offers a personalized engraving service of the blade if you are in the giving mood and want to make someone’s special day even better.
Ease of Use
While in a survival setting, cutting fruit, or someone just needs a box opened in the office that’s where this EDC pocket knife comes in handy. The ergonomic shape of the handle aligning with the blade prevents anything from grabbing when you draw the knife. The edges of the handles are thin that your hand easily wraps around the base for a comfortable grip. With one hand motion, using the dual thumb studs or by depressing the AXIS- lock the blade flys open. Many online comments say how easy and fun it is opening and closing the pocket knife with just a flick of the thumb. It arrives extremely sharp so open with caution the first few times until you get the hang of it. Another quick press of the lock and the blade drops closed. The knife is meant to be carried tip down and the pocket clip is reversible to accommodate both left and right-handed users.
Version
There are two blade options for this knife, the fine edge, and the partially serrated edge. While some prefer the serrated edge for cutting with a little more teeth, the more popular choice is the fine edge because it is easier to sharpen down the road. If you end up really enjoying the 940 (and we think you will), it’s good to know there are two other versions under the same name made by Benchmade. The 940-1 comes with carbon fiber scales, a blue aluminum back spacer, and an extremely sharp S90V saw-like blade. The 940-2 grip is a little better with G-10 handle scales and an S30V blade. On this version, the black and steel coloring is magnified by the anodized green spacers.
Key Features
-4 inch reverse Tanto blade
-Benchmade Axis Lock
-Anodized aluminum handle
-S30V stainless steel blade
-Reversible belt clip
-Ambidextrous thumb studs
Bottom Line
Long story short this pocket knife is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and the always prepared life jocks because of its many admirable qualities. Even after two decades the 940 family still takes the top spot on a lot of best EDC pocket knife lists. It has something for everyone with the strong easily deployed steel, custom detailing and cut-through-everything capabilities -- its a basic and invaluable tool with hundreds of potential uses. If you’ve heard of Benchmade and are curious what the buzz is about, the 940 is a solid way to test them out. While some might be dissuaded by the price tag, even causing one reviewer a very difficult internal struggle over whether or not to keep it, the lifetime warranty and support through the company with LifeSharp is reason enough. They stand by their product and so will you.
FAQs
Is Benchmade 940 worth it? ›
What the Benchmade 940-1 Does Best. At the end of the day, the 940-1 is an awesome all-around knife. It's tough and will hold an edge for a long time. And if you aren't into sharpening, send it into Benchmade when it finally dulls, and they will do it for you for free.
Why is the Benchmade 940 so good? ›Its slim handle and blade make the 940 a breeze to carry and allow it to offer a really solid amount of cutting power in a small package. I think this ease of carry combined with the convenience of the Axis lock and security of Benchmade's warranty are what have made the 940 such a star in the EDC knife world.
What knife is better than Benchmade? ›If you're looking for budget-friendly knives, Kershaw is the better option. It has a wide range of knives and many of the products are priced much lower than Benchmade knives. There are some special Kershaw knives that cost as much or even more than Benchmade products.
Why is the Benchmade 940 so expensive? ›They use premium materials on most of their models. And they do make some good designs. On the other hand, there are other american knife companies making better products for the same or less money. Benchmade does not do great on their sharpening and often send out over heated edges.
Why were people mad at Benchmade? ›Benchmade Destroying Firearms
Most of the ire directed at Benchmade was due to their destruction of firearms. Many (most) of the angry commenters drew a hard-line. To them, helping police destroy firearms is inexcusable and clear proof that Benchmade was anti-gun.
So, if you are a budget buyer and still looking for dependable quality, Spyderco is the better choice. Benchmade has knives that are more premium in nature and come with a higher price tag.
How long has the Benchmade 940 been around? ›Benchmade was founded way back in 1988, and has been producing the 940 for a little more than 14 years, and it has always been a strong seller. Benchmade has proven to be one of the best knife makers in the industry, and builds its knife to fantastic quality control standards from premium materials.
What knife do Navy Seals prefer? ›Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife
The U.S. Navy Seals commonly deploy this knife. It features a stainless steel blade which is approximately 6 inches in length. The knife blade is about 7 inches long and resembles its predecessor, Buck 184.
- Best Pocket Knife Overall: Benchmade 535 Bugout.
- Best Budget Pocket Knife: Kershaw Leek.
- Best Classic Pocket Knife: Opinel No. ...
- Best Lightweight Pocket Knife: The James Brand The Redstone.
- Best Pocket Knife For Camping: Spyderco Tenacious Lightweight.
- Best Pocket Knife For Hunting And Fishing: Civivi Elementum Flipper.
Carbon steel knives are known to keep their sharp edges longer than most and make chopping, slicing and shaving safer and easier.
What pocket knife does John Wick use? ›
The Marfione Custom Continental Set features custom versions of Microtech OTF automatic knives used in the John Wick movies.
What pocket knife Marines use? ›Ka-Bar. The Ka-Bar is in the number 1 spot because of its expansive issue, beloved reputation, and overall handiness. The Ka-Bar is both a highly effective fighting knife and utility tool. The Marine Corps originally issued the Ka-Bar to be fighting knives and utility knives.
Who makes the best pocket knife in the United States? ›- Benchmade Knives.
- Buck Knives.
- Case Knives.
- Gerber Knives and Gear.
- Hogue Knives.
- Kershaw Knives.
- Spyderco Knives.
- Zero Tolerance Knives.
Yes. A Benchmade knife is an American-made product that should last a lifetime. The workmanship, materials, service, and technology make the knives a good value in the price range of $100-200. Each Benchmade includes a full lifetime warranty for repairs.
Are Benchmades worth the money? ›They are good because they use high-quality materials that won't break. Benchmade uses premium quality steels like CPM-S30V, CPM-S90V, and CPM-154, these steels are among the best you can get for a reasonable price. Benchmade also has good heat treats, good handle materials, and good finishes.
What was the Benchmade controversy? ›Benchmade is the subject of the latest online protest, and they can thank the local police for for it. Oregon City Police tweeted a photo a couple of days ago attempting to promote Benchmade Knives as a good corporate citizen by helping the police destroy some firearms.
Why do Benchmade knives have a butterfly? ›Benchmade's primary focus when it first got started was the Bali-Song®, or butterfly knife. The butterfly logo is representative of their focus on and success in the world of butterfly knives.
What's so special about Benchmade knives? ›Benchmade offers a vast array of choices but is typically known for using high end materials such as 154CM and S30V stainless steel for their blades and G-10 for handles. You'll find the majority of their knives are tactical and are usually offered in huge variety of colors and patterns.
Did Benchmade destroy guns? ›Benchmade's services were used to cut up firearms so that the gun pieces could fit into a specific-sized box that the OCPD could then take to a third party for final destruction. The title has also been updated to reflect this information.
Should I use 15 or 20 degree knife edge? ›If you are using a given knife for heavier cutting or chopping if probably is best sharpened at 20 degrees. If you use a small or medium size knife only for light work such as paring, peeling, or light slicing you may prefer to sharpen it at 15 degrees in order to take advantage of its increased sharpness.
How often do you need to sharpen a Benchmade knife? ›
Depending on use, the average knife needs to be sharpened every 1-2 months. Sharpening, is the process of restoring a damaged or dulled edge and requires a fairly coarse abrasive such as a diamond plate, stone, or abrasive belt.
Do I need to register my Benchmade knife? ›The Benchmade Lifetime Warranty only applies to genuine Benchmade products. Proof of purchase or registration is not required. Knives which are determined by Benchmade to be counterfeit (see the Counterfeit Goods Acknowledgment) are not entitled to our warranty coverage and if sent in, will not be returned.
What happened to Benchmade? ›Benchmade Knife Company is under fire from multiple sides of its customer base after assisting the Oregon City Police in destroying confiscated firearms. Benchmade Knife Company is under fire from multiple sides of its customer base after assisting the Oregon City Police in destroying confiscated firearms.
Is Benchmade or Microtech better? ›If you're looking for an OTF knife with a customized blade shape and a high-quality grip, get one from the Microtech range. However, if you want to get a slightly more affordable product, made from durable stainless steel and with a standardized shape, opt for a Benchmade OTF knife.
What Benchmade does meat eater use? ›Designed in collaboration with MeatEater's Steven Rinella, the new 15500-1 Meatcrafter® is a hybrid hunting fixed blade featuring our SelectEdge® 14-degree edge angle that provides a fine, smooth edge to trim, debone, or slice your preferred cuts of meat.
What is the best steel for Benchmade 940? ›The blade steel material on Benchmade 940 Osborne is, I would say, “standard” CPM-S30V. This premium steel hardened to 58-60 HRC makes the knife an excellent all-round tool good for both urban and bushcraft tasks.
Is the Benchmade 940 a medium sized knife? ›If you need something large it's best to be discreet. The 940 series was designed by stalwart Benchmade knife designer Warren Osborne. It is a medium/large size knife in terms of blade length, clocking in at almost 3.5 inches.
What steel is the Benchmade 940? ›Highly regarded as one of the most quintessential EDCs of all time, the 940 Osborne is slim, stylish, and can perform in just about any situation imaginable. The 940 features a satin plain reverse tanto blade with a green anodized aluminum handle. The manual opening blade contains strong CPM-S30V blade steel.
What knife does the CIA use? ›Duane Dieter's Master of Defense CQD knife is supreme. This custom blade is manufactured with a strap cutter, glass-break prong, friction tape, and a custom seal containing a serial number on the blade. A small and large version of this knife are issued to unit operators. I also rave about Spyderco and Gerber knives.
What knife do green berets carry? ›This knife is known to the U.S. Army Special Forces as "The Yarborough" and to everyone else as "The Green Beret Knife". It is a no-nonsense, hardworking tool, designed by renowned knife maker and designer Bill Harsey, with function and manufacturing input from Chris Reeve.
What do Marines call their knives? ›
By 1944, Marines began referring to the knife as the "KA-BAR", regardless of manufacturer. The popular designation of the knife may also have resulted from contact with Marine Corps close combat instructors in San Diego, who used the name when training recruits.
What is the best pocket knife blade length? ›Blades between 2.75 and 4 inches have the benefit of being small enough to be mobile but large enough to handle a wider range of tasks. The blades at this length also have various locking mechanisms that allow you to push it during strenuous tasks.
What knife holds the best edge? ›In general, carbon steel knives are sharper, harder, hold an edge for longer and are easier to re-sharpen.
What is the sharpest knife known to man? ›Knives with an Obsidian blade are considered the sharpest in the world, but this material is not fit for making kitchen knives as they're extremely coarse and brittle.
What knife did Doc Holliday carry? ›The Doc's Other Weapon: The Bowie Knife
It has also been reported that Doc Holliday had very good knife skills, and that he carried a Bowie knife as part of his weaponry.
A Liston knife was the weapon of choice of the infamous Jack the Ripper, a London serial killer, in 1888. It is thought Jack the Ripper may have had some surgical and anatomical knowledge due to the way he mutilated his female victims.
What knife did Davy Crockett carry? ›A copy of the knife used and carried by Davy Crockett. The original is now in the Tennessee War Memorial Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a classic 19th century all purpose, heavy, double edged utility knife.
What is the number 1 knife brand? ›| Rank | Brand Name | % Able to Recall |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | CRKT | 62.9% |
| 3 | Kershaw | 94.9% |
| 2 | Benchmade | 94.3% |
| 1 | Spyderco | 98.3% |
Reports on the effectiveness of the new knife in jungle combat justified the Marine Corps' decision to designate the KA-BAR as the USMC's fighting knife for individual Marines. The U.S. Army adopted the M3 Trench Knife in 1943 as its standard combat knife.
Why is the Osborne 940 so popular? ›Why is the Benchmade 940 Osborne so popular? It's popular because it's a nice knife. It's got a great lock, the Axis lock is one of my favourites, very strong, but buttery smooth to use, and completely ambidextrous. The scales are nice and grippy, and fit well in the hand.
Is Benchmade better than Microtech? ›
If you're looking for an OTF knife with a customized blade shape and a high-quality grip, get one from the Microtech range. However, if you want to get a slightly more affordable product, made from durable stainless steel and with a standardized shape, opt for a Benchmade OTF knife.
Is Benchmade better than spyderco? ›So, if you are a budget buyer and still looking for dependable quality, Spyderco is the better choice. Benchmade has knives that are more premium in nature and come with a higher price tag.
What is the difference between a Benchmade 940 and 940 2? ›Benchmade 940-2
It's just 0.2 ounces heavier than the 940-1, and again, the main reason it's lighter than the original 940 is because the G-10 handle is lighter than the aluminum handle… All that being said, the 940-1 is the lightest knife in the whole 940 series, but the 940-2 is only a little bit heavier.
The 940 was first introduced at Blade Show in the year 2000.
What knife was John Wick using? ›The John Wick movies have made OTF knives more popular recently after showcasing a few different Microtech OTF knives in the series. The Tekto Skar is an OTF knife that closely resembles the Microtech Combat Troodon used in John Wick 2, albeit at less than half the price.
Are Benchmade knives made in China? ›Are Benchmade Knives Made in China? ALL authentic Benchmade knives are made in the USA. Are Benchmade Knives Made in the U.S.A.? Yes, all Benchmade knives are manufactured in Oregon City, Oregon, U.S.A.
Are Benchmade knives high quality? ›Benchmade makes great knives, they use high-quality materials, have a great blade-making process, and, for the most part, outdo their competition. So if you are looking for a high-quality knife, consider checking out Benchmade.