This is the one to get, IMO. Thay being said, I’d love to see one at half the price with FRN and 154CM. The pattern is so good that I think it would sit well in more frugal pockets too!
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors I'd pay for 154 in G10. I'd rather pay for G10 and save some money on the steel then save on both. 154 is fine in my book but I don't like the feel of frn at all.
Tarquinius Superbus no way? I went and bought a full titanium hardware set, including the stand-offs for my 940-2 but i wouldn't mind having blue stand-offs.
@@redwoodestates1 i asked them by email and they sent it to me (Europa) for free. but that was before thy started to charge for hardware and clips. so i don't know if they will still do that.
What I believe separates this knife from others is. Even though its a $200 + knife. Im not afraid to use it. I don't really want to use (ruin) other knives I buy at that price. The 940 just feels like a tool straight out of the box.
@@CharlyCD93 Theres no comparison. people working in the United States for minimum wage is a choice. Here everyone has the opportunity to advance themselves. Whether or not they choose to is something different. As for factory farming. Are you insane to compare that to human slavery. We eat animals!!!
@@CharlyCD93 your life must be shallow. That you feel the need to get the last word. In a discussion your loosing. You feel the need to grab on and drag down. Anything you can as your points are falling.
@@CharlyCD93 well I don't understand you. Someone that compares livestock to basic human rights. Or a society establishing a minimum wage vs forcing people to work in order to protect their lives.
As an inorganic chemist by profession, I can hopefully offer some advice regarding removing the zombie green anodization. I'm assuming they're titanium, so I would soak in NaOH (household lye. not drain-cleaner, just pure lye). If they are aluminum that would probably damage them. So, you could try OyxClean as a gentle alternative. Hope this helps anyone put off by the color!
Nick can I ask you a question about your observation of this particular 940 model? Did you notice any sort of rubbed out, or even slightly scratched up areas on the G-10 handles? I ordered and returned a few of them because each one has the dimpled area on the G-10 rubbed, or worn down in certain areas, and even had some hair line scratched here and there. They all came with that clear, circular seal on them, but I don;t know if Benchmade repackages returned knives and puts that seal back on. Have you noticed anything like that on yours?
Also you can send back the 940 to Benchmade and for $45 they will put a brand new sometimes upgraded blade in it. Spyderco not so much. I sharpened my Native 5 so much the blade is shortened height wise. Spyderco does not offer the same service. Their solution is to buy a new knife.... SMH
@@Knifestories yes I've dealt with BM customer service a couple times. They are amazing. But I just wish their QC was as good as Spyderco. But now I've moved on to CRK. Although more expensive they offer the highest quality with a customer service on par with Benchmade. I'll always like the 940 because how visually appealing it is, but the performance/materials don't really equate to the price imo.
@@tinderella2386 I think the 0562ti is amazing looking. I would definitely buy another one down the line, regret selling mine. And the beautiful slicer grind in satin😍
I have an old 940 I have a 9400 I’d beat the snot out of them both. Knives to me or just a tool. I appreciate a good knife but also a gun I am a country boy
I think you are paying for warranty. I don't mind paying a little extra when a company goes that far to take care of you beyond the date of purchase. And I have used the Benchmade warranty. At that price $12 saved isn't a whole lot between the original and the 940-2. I don't see price point being a factor between the two. I also can't stand the blade shapes on these.
How else would you grind the blade considering the width, and blade shape? You hollow grind...makes it too weak. Full grind...makes it too thin...again, weak. I think the grind is exactly as it needs to be for the size and shape.
i think it's mostly about blade width vs how tall the blade is. take the griptilian for example. same width on the blade, but because it's taller it definitely cuts a little better. I have EDC'd both for 2 year stretches. (like literally had a griptilian in my pocket for 2 years straight and then the 940 for 2 years straight) I'm not sure what they could do differently but i'm honestly about to retire my 940-2 because of this, i need something that cuts better and doesn't feel like a wedge the second it's not razor sharp. A bit thinner blade on the 940 definitely wouldn't hurt anything IMO. Might go back to a grip or maybe a bugout with titanium scales.
Did I hear correctly that there's a review on the 940 - the green aluminum one? Can't find that one, just the carbon fiber and this one with the g10, and the mini
I hate paying the butterfly tax, and when I lost my original 940 after nearly a decade, I decided I couldn't justify the cost twice. It's a year later now, and I got a 940-2 in my pocket and another 940-1 worth of pocket knives in a drawer that just didn't work for me and need dispensed to friends. Turns out, for me, no other knife I've yet found fits me as well. When this one eventually gets lost, I'm going to just immediately replace it with another. It's actually cheaper that way...😂
For an extra $30 bucks or $20 more than the aluminum you get 20CV steel and blue spacers and details on the G10 scales on the 940-1501, that's probably the best value for a Benchmade considering their prices. And it looks fantastic! Also, it would be comparable sizewise and less expensive than the ZT0609 which is another beautiful knife with 20CV
On 04/08/2022 the prices are as follows. Pm2 S45VN DLC blade digicamo: $185 Benchmade 940-2 S30V : $170 I know I just bought both. I do like the 940-2 better even though I carried my Manix 2 G10 Dlc S30V for the last 8 years, along with the Native 5 LW S35VN. This knife collecting is addictive I tell you!
I have a few benchmades and every ( was it omega ) spring has broken and my crooked river mini was delivered with a broken spring ! ask me about the crooked river large ? !
I bought a 940-1 last year and the back end of the right hand carbon fibre scale was kinked and I mean as a manufacturing fault, not damage. As a result when I moved the pocket clip to the left side the clip was bent outward. The scale screws protrude in to the handle space and the edge looked like it had been ground by a blind monkey with some kind of palsy on a ship in rough seas after 15 cans of Red Bull. So I returned it on the grounds that it was “not of merchantable quality” in line with U.K. consumer law and the retailer told me this was the general quality I could expect of Benchmade 940s so I opted for a refund rather than a replacement. Oh, and the flimsy pouch it came with was an insult with a £270 (at time of purchase) knife. Bottom line, I don’t buy Benchmade now.
I think that same monkey put mine together. Ya, Benchmades quality has gone down hill over they years. In the past, you didn’t see those sorts of things.
Brad Griffin I appreciate that was an option but when the quality is that bad on the (@ the time) £270 flagship 940 I don’t want one. I’d rather have the money back and spend it on a couple of good knives and I did just that.
I hear ya. If my 15080 had arrived with any flaws, I'd have been pretty pissed off too. The Crooked River is a style and size that I like, so I'm glad it isn't a factory lemon. I've got a Spyderco, a Cricket and a couple of great Moras that collectively didn't cost as much as the Benchmade and I'd be very reluctant to spend $355 Aussie dollars again on a knife. But then, I just spent a little over 200 on a Japanese made knife that has a kukri shape and is made of 15 layer 'Damascus' type steel and comes in a traditional wooden sheath. I'm going to make a handle for it. www.knifesupplies.com.au/kanetsune-asobi-fixed-blade-knife-kb212
I live on the other side on the world. Messaged Benchmade thru their "contact us" page. Got a swift response and they shipped me 3 deep carry pocket clips in different finishes. FREE!!!! I did pay for customs tax but the item and shipping were awesomely FREE!!!!!. And yes, Mr. Shabazz I heed your advise and bought my item from a store and handled and inspected it before making my purchase. Tha k you for the tip. 😉
I’ve had problems with the omega springs breaking on this knife. I’ve had to send it back three times to get one or the other replaced. I’ve owned several Benchmade knives and never had this problem. It’s a great knife for what it is, $170 is too pricey, in my opinion, but I got mine for $159, still a little high. I just got a ferrum forge crux, and I’m carrying that more and more (thanks to your review, I had to have the crux), and I’m hesitant to carry my 940-2 because I’m afraid of a spring breaking again. And it’s not like I flip it open and closed incessantly, like my griptillian 551-1. Now that knife has had a lot of pocket time and relentless flicking open and closed and no problems. It’s very strange that it’s this particular knife. I brought the issue to their attention, that this was the third time, and they said they’d give it a closer look. Honestly, if it happens again, I may just sell it so I don’t end up spending a small fortune in shipping fees, and the inconvenience of not having my knife for weeks at a time.
I HAD to buy an EDC Pocketknife. I have karambits, machetes, switchblades, stilletos, pocket cleavers, balisongs, Dessert Warrior donut knives, but I NEVER bought a knife like this TIL I WATCHED this video! Good stuff. Glad I found it for $199.00 on Amazon---it was $389.00 at Sportsman's Warehouse. And the BUGOUT was almost $330.00 Amazing how pricing works.... !!!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Its close to the K55K or Otter Messer. 1867 they started making those. I still carry one today. Hip to the knife market since I was a kid in the 80's. No matter what best this or what best that someone comes out with. I try it, sometimes like it and usually end up with my K55K being used the most. The reason people like the 940 so much. It does not demand a lot of attention in the pocket. Its a pocket knife. Damn kids I remember when the Buck 110 was the only knife to have. Rambo came out and the market went somewhere. Gerber showed up with stuff people had never seen. Then Benchmade came along as a premium knife company. Spyderco snapatip is a birthchild of Wal-Mart because, they could sell em cheap and fast. Win win for the craftsman. Now everyone has internet and the whole wide world of knives is opening up. People all want to be knife makers now because, they have ideas. Get ready for a giant swap meet market. Don't worry about making anything. Learn how to sharpen. Especially the hard stuff over 59rcm. Yes I cut on knives. I polish knives. I mess around. It is fun to do with a cheap blade. Everyone should try it. I have my start video on it. Someday I might finish it. Either chuck it in the mud. Or call it a good knife for the truck toolbox. Who cares if I learned something about steel in the end, on my own? I'm in my early 40's. I got my first K55K from my Godfather when I was around 14. Still have it to this day and still carry it. I am a Vet. Served 96-05 with 8 deployments. Guys I have had them all. I always fall back on the 55. Someday it will be seen as a win win knife. Especially for the outdoors folks. Preppers, non-serious knife people. Budget preps. Stainless is around $40 for the Otter Messer. Carbon runs down as cost effective as $25 if you search. Its a German made knife with German steel. For an average space age best of the best price knife lets say $175.00. You can buy 4 Otter Messers. I have carried the same Carbon since I was 14, over multiple continents, through many countries, all over the states, in the easy places along a river, to the day in and out of war. It has taken the modern knife makers over 90 years. To come close to such a design, of such a weight and so slim. I am an aircraft mechanic about to tune up and old fighter plane. A person who can go on and on. Video after video about one knife. In all types of uses. Is a lot more informative than a car salesman. Who can give you 10 minutes of facts and figures. But, nothing that says. Damn. This one and I have been around the block hard core. Up and down mountains together doing work. Those are the good videos. They give some real spirit to the tool. Save the sales pitch. Comfort in the hand matters none for something that's always in the pocket. K.I.S.S.
Quality is an issue, I literally just bought one a couple weeks ago. And right from the factory there were multiple small Knicks across both sides of the spine. For the $183(including tax) that is ridiculous that they would even let that out of the factory. I like the knife but their quality better start improving or they just might lose a customer.
Like this G10 version, but agree the 940 should be in the custom knife builder! Love all my 940’s and the customs. All my recent BM’s have had great QC!
I started buying my knives and narrowing my collection with lifetime use in mind. Omega springs dont make the cut. I also hate how close the thumb stud is to the scales on this one.. but it is a great knife overall if you are looking to try a benchmade. 👍
What are the differences between the real ones versus the fakes with this version, other than price and who you bought it from? I can find lots of info on the first two models but I can't find anything specific to this model to determine legitimacy.
This is (the) one I regret selling. Got it at discount and it was a perfect sample. Butter smooth, perfect centrering and all. Didn't really need all that blade length back then, so off it went.
Normally i dont carry an expensive pocket knife, but i got some money for my birthday from family and decided to splurge on something kinda fancy. I picked one of these up from cabela's and am very impressed with it. I am in love with the reverse tanto blade style. I am much more likely to spend good money on a gun than a knife, but i am very happy with the purchase. I hand sharpen all my pocket knives so i dont really consider the stock edge when i buy a knife. I can sharpen a crkt and make it cut like a dream, but i wanted the quality from a benchmade. The only way they could improve this is adding a flipper stud onto the blade even though it probably isnt possible with the locking mechanism. I cant get one of the automatic knives in my state due to our bs knife laws. I am very happy with the fit and finish, other than the grind on the edge being slightly off center towards the tip of the blade.
Awesome content! Three Rivers Neutron or Benchmade 940-1501 with CPM-20CV? I know they're different but similarly priced. Trying to decide. What's your expert advice? Thanks!!
I'm actually going to call Benchmade for a deep carry clip tomorrow for the 940-2 I bought used on eBay today and I bought blue barrel spacers to replace the green ones
I have a hard choice to make fellas, should I get the spyderco manix 2, the benchmade 940-2 or spend a bit more and get a protech TR-5, or none of these at all?
Neon knife parts are like neon racing rims and a hood scoop on a pickup truck. The bad news is I just ordered one. Maybe they can send me some normal stand offs
Nick I lost my 940 do u recommend this g10 of the original green with purple ? Since I have to buy it anyway just curious your thoughts I watch you all the time . Thank u
Do the 940s have a generally weak blade retention when closed? When dialed in for smooth operation, it seems the 940s can all inertia or gravity open with ease. All the 940s I've seen (whether it be 940, -1 and -2) don't have enough tension in the omega spring to keep it closed with a strong detent. How does this one compare? Easy to open when closed without the axis lock?
I'm not sure I agree that the Shaman is a better value than the 940. Didn't Spyderco end up raising the price after they debuted it from about $130 to $170? That price jump seems to be about the same as the butterfly tax in my mind
For anybody that finds this info useful u can use benchmade bugout colored thumb studs if u wana switch from plain silver…. I got the gold one fits perf on my 940-2 or any 940
Love these. It takes abuse more than Spydercos, its just not for Nick. I mean PM2 is probably better for the price, but it looks more like a weapon than this one.
I’ve edc’d a 940-2 since they were released and I absolutely love the knife and the shit I’ve done with mine is a bit extreme and it has no blade play and it has never had a spring break my only problem with the 940 in general is because of how thick and narrow the blade is it seams like every blade you see on them is sharpened differently and the angles are way inconsistent it’s like they only let idiots sharpen them at the factory for some reason
I feel the same way. I have AFO II that sells for 250$ on BHQ, it's not worth 150. I did however buy a 940-2 just because I like the look, I wanted an axis lock knife, and they offer a good discount.
Michael Ric plus they will replace blades. I just had a blade replaced on a 940 of mine. Came back better than new. They even replaced one of the scales that got dinged badly. I’m a spyderco fan for sure but people are unfairly harsh with Benchmade IMO.
This is the perfect knife ! (for me) I have been wanting this for a while now. I own the original 940 Green osborne and multiple flavors of the Spyderco Para 3s. Overall they all are great knives. Why I gravitated towards this 940-1 are the following. - Doesnt jack up my pockets - Original spoon pocket clip has perfect retention and easily pulled in and out of the pockets - Love the carbon fiber slabs - perfect ratio of traction and grip, doesnt get cold like the aluminum scales - Aesthetically its a beautiful knife from the materials to blade grind and stone washed s90v steel - Lightweight, rides in the pocket really well, too damn good actually (very small foot print) - I work in the office and field so it transitions well in both environment, truly made for EDC purposes - With the smooth carbon fiber scale it is easy to clean along with the open back design, whereas on my G10 pm3 it will atract alot of dead skin, little more difficult to clean but not impossible, my original osborne does not have a flow through design so debris will start collecting inside - Very fidgety knife, i cant stop playing with it LOL Con: Only con would be the pricing, my fit and finish was ok especially for the price.. I had to tweak it a little bit to get good blade centering. The action is good after I applied some knife pivot lube, and loctite so keep that perfect tension. I rotate mostly between this and the Bugout with Rogue Bladework carbon fiber scales, my PM3's gets weekend pocket time. My original 940 Osborne is now a nightstand knife I bought it at amzn.to/3lOmLqt
I’m surprised that you didn’t mention the very excellent balance on the 940-2. I think it has the best balance of the 940 lineup and, in fact, probably the best balance of any folding knife I’ve handled... As always, well done, Nick.
Smoky Mountain knife works has a OSBORNE DESIGN 940 WITH RED RESIN INFUSED CARBON FIBER HANDLES AND BLACK DLC COATED M390 STAINLESS that I would love to have. Just having a hard time justifying the price- $ 323.00. Plus I have read of issues with Quality control of the blade.
Supposedly K390 is the best steel out there (edge retention wise) (according to Dutch Bushcraft Knives). Elmax vs M4 vs M390 is something that is confusing that would be fascinating to hear about, from your perspective.
I`m new to the pocketknife world and love the reviews that Nick does. The first knife that I bought last week is the Cutback 2 based on Nick`s reviews. I`m coming to the conclusion that Benchmade knives are not a good value. They may be a good knife, maybe even a great knife, but I am always looking for value. Of all the Benchmade small pocketknives, I think the mini griptillian would be the only one I would purchase. Any version of the 940 is not in my future. Thanks Nick!
Peter Q get the bugout, and then swear off benchmade. The bugout is one of the best edc knives I own and it’s in the same price range as the PM2. It’s super light, great blade, and the perfect size for reasonable use
The mini griptilian with the hole instead of a thumb stud was my first quality knife. I highly recommend it. However I have a 940 that I swapped scales out for G10 and now it's my favorite knife I own.
Look around on eBay you can usually find them cheaper there also consider that they have a great warranty. It is a fantastic knife though it pretty much disappears in your pocket I’d definitely go with the 940 over the mini grip with maybe the Doug Ritter version being an exception. If you’re looking for an excellent value check out his review of the steel will cut jack it’s a great knife for under $50
Hey Nick. So I've been watching for a while but never really commented. And just recently subscribed. Love your content. And I was wondering where I could buy a used slylz bowie because it it was obviously discontinued I don't want to be spending 500 dollars on the bowie
Nick Shabazz and actually while I'm at it I got another question because I had like 15 knives or so and house was broken into long story not the issue. I have about three hundred dollars or so to spend on a high quality edc knife and I was wondering what you would suggest
I've owned proubly around 8 940's and absolutely abused the shit out of them and passed them on to friends and there still going I've owned 3 spyderco knives and broke ever one of them among other knives the 940's are worth every penny I would pay more for a Benchmade. It has never left stranded or left wanting. I am open to criticism tell me I'm wrong or what is better for the money. Keep the videos coming 🍻
I have a 940-2. I like the original 940 way better. And in canada the butterfly tax seems non existent. Pm2 is $ 189.00 and I've chipped the blade quite easily. And the 940 has never chipped and is a beast and I only paid $209.00 for mine
Ive had my benchmade knives for years, never had a problem with the omega springs breaking. And i take mine apart about once a month. No idea what everyone is talking about
Vincent Grueter I've been using various Benchmades for over a decade. I've abused them and flipped them open and closed constantly, and I have never had a spring break. It seems like all the stories I hear about lock springs breaking are "my cousin's girlfriends uncle's friend knew a guy who had a broken spring." I don't think I've ever heard a firsthand account of a spring breaking.
I agree, it also seems like Nick has a pretty strong bias against BM and a strong bias towards Spyderco... Personally, I use both brands and like them equally but for different reasons.
I paid $120 for The grey benchmade 535, which has the best blade benchmade has out right now, still in s30v. Y’all can’t tell me g10 is $50 more than frn
The PM2 slices better, has better ergonomics, is much more reasonably priced, and you don't have to worry about getting a lemon. I love my 940 but my PM2 performs better and feels nicer doing it.
I've threatened myself to add one to my collection for a while, yet Spyderco comes out with a new steel variant PM2, Shaman etc every time. Spyderco PM 2 right now at KC offers a smooth g10 cruwear that is screaming sharp for 160!
Quit whining about Benchmade's price, ffs: part of what you're paying for is the excellent warranty and Lifesharp. Do you think it costs Benchmade nothing to be constantly sharpening, tuning up, and fixing customer knives?
100% truth. I’ve been lucky with all the Benchmade knives I’ve bought since I started collecting in the early 90s. Never needed to send one in for repair. But i consider their fantastic warranty as part of the price when I buy one. Most TH-cam reviewers never consider that, and moan and gripe about the price of the so called “Butterfly tax”.
the original aluminum is very chalky! i wanted this 940-2 but i got a great deal on the green aluminum handled one on the secondary market. i LOVE the axis lock. very left hand friendly. i have the zt0450 but ive had it for a while and i just got the 940 so thats what i want to carry. i generally prefer left hand cutting so the 940 is friendly in that aspect.both are great knives especially when accompanied by a larger blade. great users i havent sharpened my 940 yet but it seems fairly easy with the kme. i got a pretty good edge on my 0450 with the kme. i think the pm2 is more appropriatly priced than the 940 and 0450. the 940 is the coolest though
The 940 has never appealed to me because of the price. Benchmade is a very big company and I think they could lower the prices. Spyderco para 2 is a way better option.
This is the one to get, IMO.
Thay being said, I’d love to see one at half the price with FRN and 154CM. The pattern is so good that I think it would sit well in more frugal pockets too!
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors I'd pay for 154 in G10. I'd rather pay for G10 and save some money on the steel then save on both. 154 is fine in my book but I don't like the feel of frn at all.
The 940-1501 is in blue/black g10 and best of all has come-20cv steel. You both should really check that out.
Have it too. It's amazing!!!
Ryan Lohrenz yeah the m390 exclusives are the best
bp69 The 1501 is not exactly M390.
It’s CPM-20CV.
But close enough...😄
I actually like the chalky grip of the aluminum.
I did ask Benchmade for blue backspaces for my 940-2 and they did send it to me. For Free!!
Tarquinius Superbus no way? I went and bought a full titanium hardware set, including the stand-offs for my 940-2 but i wouldn't mind having blue stand-offs.
#jelly.
I gotta try that tho. If what youre saying is true, Benchmade has my eternal respect.
Did you just send an email?
How did you contact the company to do that??? By email or do u know people personally please let me know I just bought this knife and would love that
@@redwoodestates1 i asked them by email and they sent it to me (Europa) for free. but that was before thy started to charge for hardware and clips. so i don't know if they will still do that.
What I believe separates this knife from others is. Even though its a $200 + knife. Im not afraid to use it. I don't really want to use (ruin) other knives I buy at that price. The 940 just feels like a tool straight out of the box.
@@CharlyCD93 I don't support slave labor bro
@@CharlyCD93 I use a Samsung made in Korea. Your a disgusting human being for condoning slavery. It doesn't matter what form it's in.
@@CharlyCD93 Theres no comparison. people working in the United States for minimum wage is a choice. Here everyone has the opportunity to advance themselves. Whether or not they choose to is something different. As for factory farming. Are you insane to compare that to human slavery. We eat animals!!!
@@CharlyCD93 your life must be shallow. That you feel the need to get the last word. In a discussion your loosing. You feel the need to grab on and drag down. Anything you can as your points are falling.
@@CharlyCD93 well I don't understand you. Someone that compares livestock to basic human rights. Or a society establishing a minimum wage vs forcing people to work in order to protect their lives.
Nick, can you do something with the audio on your end? I get you alright, but Benchmade doesn't hear you.
“Butterfly tax” I love it!!!
Those damn "butterflies" lighten people's pockets! 🦋🦋
I LOVE the original!! It’s just for sentimental reasons. The only aluminum handle knife I own. It’s absolutely superb! Thanks for the review! 👊🏻
The most attractive thing to me about this version is the green spacers. I personally don't see them as zombie green but to each his own.
If you aren't fond of the color of the 940-2, the version of it sold by REI has green scales and purple standoffs (940-1702).
1337llama thanks for this... I might pick one of those up.
As an inorganic chemist by profession, I can hopefully offer some advice regarding removing the zombie green anodization. I'm assuming they're titanium, so I would soak in NaOH (household lye. not drain-cleaner, just pure lye). If they are aluminum that would probably damage them. So, you could try OyxClean as a gentle alternative. Hope this helps anyone put off by the color!
My favorite knife! Been carrying it for 3 years. Price sucks.. but love the knife.
Nick can I ask you a question about your observation of this particular 940 model? Did you notice any sort of rubbed out, or even slightly scratched up areas on the G-10 handles? I ordered and returned a few of them because each one has the dimpled area on the G-10 rubbed, or worn down in certain areas, and even had some hair line scratched here and there. They all came with that clear, circular seal on them, but I don;t know if Benchmade repackages returned knives and puts that seal back on. Have you noticed anything like that on yours?
I’ve been watching tons of reviews on this knife and you absolutely nail it. I was hoping you would do a review on the -2! Great job as usual Nick
This blade is supposed to be robust and last a lifetime. When I buy a knife I want to be able to have it forever
Also you can send back the 940 to Benchmade and for $45 they will put a brand new sometimes upgraded blade in it. Spyderco not so much. I sharpened my Native 5 so much the blade is shortened height wise. Spyderco does not offer the same service. Their solution is to buy a new knife.... SMH
@@Knifestories yes I've dealt with BM customer service a couple times. They are amazing. But I just wish their QC was as good as Spyderco. But now I've moved on to CRK. Although more expensive they offer the highest quality with a customer service on par with Benchmade. I'll always like the 940 because how visually appealing it is, but the performance/materials don't really equate to the price imo.
I like Zero Tolerance better then any of them, the 0450 is absolutely gorgeous
@@tinderella2386 I think the 0562ti is amazing looking. I would definitely buy another one down the line, regret selling mine. And the beautiful slicer grind in satin😍
I have an old 940 I have a 9400 I’d beat the snot out of them both. Knives to me or just a tool. I appreciate a good knife but also a gun I am a country boy
I think you are paying for warranty. I don't mind paying a little extra when a company goes that far to take care of you beyond the date of purchase. And I have used the Benchmade warranty. At that price $12 saved isn't a whole lot between the original and the 940-2. I don't see price point being a factor between the two. I also can't stand the blade shapes on these.
Joe D what’s your favorite knife?
And they will also send a free deep carry clip if you ask. 940 is my favorite knife I've ever owned over syderco and microtech.
How else would you grind the blade considering the width, and blade shape? You hollow grind...makes it too weak. Full grind...makes it too thin...again, weak. I think the grind is exactly as it needs to be for the size and shape.
i think it's mostly about blade width vs how tall the blade is. take the griptilian for example. same width on the blade, but because it's taller it definitely cuts a little better. I have EDC'd both for 2 year stretches. (like literally had a griptilian in my pocket for 2 years straight and then the 940 for 2 years straight)
I'm not sure what they could do differently but i'm honestly about to retire my 940-2 because of this, i need something that cuts better and doesn't feel like a wedge the second it's not razor sharp. A bit thinner blade on the 940 definitely wouldn't hurt anything IMO. Might go back to a grip or maybe a bugout with titanium scales.
why would a hollow grind be too weak?...flat grind on a short blade leads to a thick edge.
Did I hear correctly that there's a review on the 940 - the green aluminum one? Can't find that one, just the carbon fiber and this one with the g10, and the mini
I hate paying the butterfly tax, and when I lost my original 940 after nearly a decade, I decided I couldn't justify the cost twice. It's a year later now, and I got a 940-2 in my pocket and another 940-1 worth of pocket knives in a drawer that just didn't work for me and need dispensed to friends. Turns out, for me, no other knife I've yet found fits me as well. When this one eventually gets lost, I'm going to just immediately replace it with another. It's actually cheaper that way...😂
For an extra $30 bucks or $20 more than the aluminum you get 20CV steel and blue spacers and details on the G10 scales on the 940-1501, that's probably the best value for a Benchmade considering their prices. And it looks fantastic!
Also, it would be comparable sizewise and less expensive than the ZT0609 which is another beautiful knife with 20CV
The 1501 is great.
On 04/08/2022 the prices are as follows.
Pm2 S45VN DLC blade digicamo: $185
Benchmade 940-2 S30V : $170
I know I just bought both. I do like the 940-2 better even though I carried my Manix 2 G10 Dlc S30V for the last 8 years, along with the Native 5 LW S35VN. This knife collecting is addictive I tell you!
Nick if you had to choose between the Para 3 and original 940 with the green aluminum scales which would you choose? i only have budget for one
I have a few benchmades and every ( was it omega ) spring has broken and my crooked river mini was delivered with a broken spring ! ask me about the crooked river large ? !
I bought a 940-1 last year and the back end of the right hand carbon fibre scale was kinked and I mean as a manufacturing fault, not damage. As a result when I moved the pocket clip to the left side the clip was bent outward. The scale screws protrude in to the handle space and the edge looked like it had been ground by a blind monkey with some kind of palsy on a ship in rough seas after 15 cans of Red Bull.
So I returned it on the grounds that it was “not of merchantable quality” in line with U.K. consumer law and the retailer told me this was the general quality I could expect of Benchmade 940s so I opted for a refund rather than a replacement.
Oh, and the flimsy pouch it came with was an insult with a £270 (at time of purchase) knife.
Bottom line, I don’t buy Benchmade now.
I think that same monkey put mine together. Ya, Benchmades quality has gone down hill over they years. In the past, you didn’t see those sorts of things.
michael meissner yah, it’s a shame.
Probably should have sent it back to Benchmade. Lifetime repair and replacement warranty.
Brad Griffin I appreciate that was an option but when the quality is that bad on the (@ the time) £270 flagship 940 I don’t want one. I’d rather have the money back and spend it on a couple of good knives and I did just that.
I hear ya. If my 15080 had arrived with any flaws, I'd have been pretty pissed off too. The Crooked River is a style and size that I like, so I'm glad it isn't a factory lemon. I've got a Spyderco, a Cricket and a couple of great Moras that collectively didn't cost as much as the Benchmade and I'd be very reluctant to spend $355 Aussie dollars again on a knife. But then, I just spent a little over 200 on a Japanese made knife that has a kukri shape and is made of 15 layer 'Damascus' type steel and comes in a traditional wooden sheath. I'm going to make a handle for it. www.knifesupplies.com.au/kanetsune-asobi-fixed-blade-knife-kb212
I'm wondering why they didn't match the thumb studs to the barrel spacers? Would've made it even better!
I live on the other side on the world. Messaged Benchmade thru their "contact us" page. Got a swift response and they shipped me 3 deep carry pocket clips in different finishes. FREE!!!! I did pay for customs tax but the item and shipping were awesomely FREE!!!!!. And yes, Mr. Shabazz I heed your advise and bought my item from a store and handled and inspected it before making my purchase. Tha k you for the tip. 😉
Balisong for the uncoordinated! Hehe that stuck with me years later
I’ve had problems with the omega springs breaking on this knife. I’ve had to send it back three times to get one or the other replaced. I’ve owned several Benchmade knives and never had this problem. It’s a great knife for what it is, $170 is too pricey, in my opinion, but I got mine for $159, still a little high. I just got a ferrum forge crux, and I’m carrying that more and more (thanks to your review, I had to have the crux), and I’m hesitant to carry my 940-2 because I’m afraid of a spring breaking again. And it’s not like I flip it open and closed incessantly, like my griptillian 551-1. Now that knife has had a lot of pocket time and relentless flicking open and closed and no problems. It’s very strange that it’s this particular knife. I brought the issue to their attention, that this was the third time, and they said they’d give it a closer look. Honestly, if it happens again, I may just sell it so I don’t end up spending a small fortune in shipping fees, and the inconvenience of not having my knife for weeks at a time.
Omega Springs are the Achilles heel of the Axis lock.
I HAD to buy an EDC Pocketknife.
I have karambits, machetes, switchblades, stilletos, pocket cleavers, balisongs, Dessert Warrior donut knives, but I NEVER bought a knife like this TIL I WATCHED this video!
Good stuff.
Glad I found it for $199.00 on Amazon---it was $389.00 at Sportsman's Warehouse.
And the BUGOUT was almost $330.00
Amazing how pricing works....
!!!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Its close to the K55K or Otter Messer. 1867 they started making those. I still carry one today. Hip to the knife market since I was a kid in the 80's. No matter what best this or what best that someone comes out with. I try it, sometimes like it and usually end up with my K55K being used the most.
The reason people like the 940 so much. It does not demand a lot of attention in the pocket. Its a pocket knife. Damn kids I remember when the Buck 110 was the only knife to have. Rambo came out and the market went somewhere. Gerber showed up with stuff people had never seen. Then Benchmade came along as a premium knife company. Spyderco snapatip is a birthchild of Wal-Mart because, they could sell em cheap and fast. Win win for the craftsman.
Now everyone has internet and the whole wide world of knives is opening up. People all want to be knife makers now because, they have ideas. Get ready for a giant swap meet market. Don't worry about making anything. Learn how to sharpen. Especially the hard stuff over 59rcm.
Yes I cut on knives. I polish knives. I mess around. It is fun to do with a cheap blade. Everyone should try it. I have my start video on it. Someday I might finish it. Either chuck it in the mud. Or call it a good knife for the truck toolbox. Who cares if I learned something about steel in the end, on my own?
I'm in my early 40's. I got my first K55K from my Godfather when I was around 14. Still have it to this day and still carry it. I am a Vet. Served 96-05 with 8 deployments. Guys I have had them all. I always fall back on the 55. Someday it will be seen as a win win knife. Especially for the outdoors folks. Preppers, non-serious knife people. Budget preps.
Stainless is around $40 for the Otter Messer. Carbon runs down as cost effective as $25 if you search.
Its a German made knife with German steel. For an average space age best of the best price knife lets say $175.00. You can buy 4 Otter Messers. I have carried the same Carbon since I was 14, over multiple continents, through many countries, all over the states, in the easy places along a river, to the day in and out of war.
It has taken the modern knife makers over 90 years. To come close to such a design, of such a weight and so slim.
I am an aircraft mechanic about to tune up and old fighter plane.
A person who can go on and on. Video after video about one knife. In all types of uses. Is a lot more informative than a car salesman. Who can give you 10 minutes of facts and figures.
But, nothing that says. Damn. This one and I have been around the block hard core. Up and down mountains together doing work. Those are the good videos. They give some real spirit to the tool. Save the sales pitch.
Comfort in the hand matters none for something that's always in the pocket. K.I.S.S.
Is the handle the same as the original Osborne? And aluminum? Just black
Quality is an issue, I literally just bought one a couple weeks ago. And right from the factory there were multiple small Knicks across both sides of the spine. For the $183(including tax) that is ridiculous that they would even let that out of the factory. I like the knife but their quality better start improving or they just might lose a customer.
Like this G10 version, but agree the 940 should be in the custom knife builder! Love all my 940’s and the customs. All my recent BM’s have had great QC!
I started buying my knives and narrowing my collection with lifetime use in mind. Omega springs dont make the cut. I also hate how close the thumb stud is to the scales on this one.. but it is a great knife overall if you are looking to try a benchmade. 👍
Hey nick, do you notice a small "click" when opening the blad slightly? just as the axis lock reachest it's lowest point? Is that normal?
Should I get this or the mini griptilin-1
What are the differences between the real ones versus the fakes with this version, other than price and who you bought it from? I can find lots of info on the first two models but I can't find anything specific to this model to determine legitimacy.
I think I just bought the last one of these at Blade HQ.
I love the green back spacers. Great review Nick
This is (the) one I regret selling. Got it at discount and it was a perfect sample. Butter smooth, perfect centrering and all. Didn't really need all that blade length back then, so off it went.
I need this model!!!!!!!! Love the 940's!
Can someone offer some input on Benchmade D2 steel?
I’m glad you threw the rat 1 on there, that’s what I’ve carried for a few years and needed the size comparison
Normally i dont carry an expensive pocket knife, but i got some money for my birthday from family and decided to splurge on something kinda fancy. I picked one of these up from cabela's and am very impressed with it. I am in love with the reverse tanto blade style. I am much more likely to spend good money on a gun than a knife, but i am very happy with the purchase. I hand sharpen all my pocket knives so i dont really consider the stock edge when i buy a knife. I can sharpen a crkt and make it cut like a dream, but i wanted the quality from a benchmade. The only way they could improve this is adding a flipper stud onto the blade even though it probably isnt possible with the locking mechanism. I cant get one of the automatic knives in my state due to our bs knife laws. I am very happy with the fit and finish, other than the grind on the edge being slightly off center towards the tip of the blade.
iv been carrying this for 3 years now, and its a wonderful knife. Its shape and balance makes me feel like im carrying a straight razor.
Can someone tell me how much the benchmade 940 cost in the year 2000, when they first came out. Cant find any information on this...
I just paid $150 from my local gun shop for a standard 940
Awesome content! Three Rivers Neutron or Benchmade 940-1501 with CPM-20CV? I know they're different but similarly priced. Trying to decide. What's your expert advice? Thanks!!
I'm actually going to call Benchmade for a deep carry clip tomorrow for the 940-2 I bought used on eBay today and I bought blue barrel spacers to replace the green ones
It’s good to be in something from the ground floor. It's a very difficult situ-aaa-tion Christopher.
I have a hard choice to make fellas, should I get the spyderco manix 2, the benchmade 940-2 or spend a bit more and get a protech TR-5, or none of these at all?
Neon knife parts are like neon racing rims and a hood scoop on a pickup truck. The bad news is I just ordered one. Maybe they can send me some normal stand offs
Hard to lower prices on something made in the same county as portland oregon, they pay great and are hiring right now all over the board.
Nick I lost my 940 do u recommend this g10 of the original green with purple ? Since I have to buy it anyway just curious your thoughts I watch you all the time . Thank u
Do the 940s have a generally weak blade retention when closed? When dialed in for smooth operation, it seems the 940s can all inertia or gravity open with ease. All the 940s I've seen (whether it be 940, -1 and -2) don't have enough tension in the omega spring to keep it closed with a strong detent. How does this one compare? Easy to open when closed without the axis lock?
I like the 940-1501 a little better. 20CV is baller. Also, blue > green imo.
Would the original green handle black blade s30v be a good deal for a new knife at $148?
Yes
@@xabalba555 already purchased the knife at that price and im glad i did! Great tool!
I'm not sure I agree that the Shaman is a better value than the 940. Didn't Spyderco end up raising the price after they debuted it from about $130 to $170? That price jump seems to be about the same as the butterfly tax in my mind
I'm not thrilled with that either, but even at the new price, it feels like a better deal.
For anybody that finds this info useful u can use benchmade bugout colored thumb studs if u wana switch from plain silver…. I got the gold one fits perf on my 940-2 or any 940
Love these. It takes abuse more than Spydercos, its just not for Nick. I mean PM2 is probably better for the price, but it looks more like a weapon than this one.
I actually love the zombie green. I love the how the little colors pops with the black.
I’ve edc’d a 940-2 since they were released and I absolutely love the knife and the shit I’ve done with mine is a bit extreme and it has no blade play and it has never had a spring break my only problem with the 940 in general is because of how thick and narrow the blade is it seams like every blade you see on them is sharpened differently and the angles are way inconsistent it’s like they only let idiots sharpen them at the factory for some reason
IMHO Benchmade ask way to much for what you get. . i just dont see the prices matching the knife.
I feel the same way. I have AFO II that sells for 250$ on BHQ, it's not worth 150. I did however buy a 940-2 just because I like the look, I wanted an axis lock knife, and they offer a good discount.
mqa1963 What benchmade’s do you have?
You can get 940’s brand new for 150 at many retailers. It’s totally worth that, given the recent price increases at spyderco.
Lifetime warranty. Same reason I buy snap on ratchets and torque wrenches.
Buy once cry once.
Michael Ric plus they will replace blades. I just had a blade replaced on a 940 of mine. Came back better than new. They even replaced one of the scales that got dinged badly. I’m a spyderco fan for sure but people are unfairly harsh with Benchmade IMO.
I have a brand new one, poor grind poor centering and gravely axis lock.
Not the hat trick I wanted.
But nick inspires me to sort it myself
Great honest review. I see where you are coming from. Keep it up. Thanks for your review.
What is a good lubricant for folding knives ?
Anything slick enough to lubricate and thick enough to stay put. I've used molybdenum disulfide (thicker) and I've used a mix of it with a gun oil.
KPL
God i love your channel for using the ontario rat models for comparison (i've had the rat 2 for years) 👌
What is the "QC"?
Quality control
I've had the 940-1502 for over a year now and find it an excellent knife with now problems.
This is the perfect knife ! (for me)
I have been wanting this for a while now. I own the original 940 Green osborne and multiple flavors of the Spyderco Para 3s. Overall they all are great knives. Why I gravitated towards this 940-1 are the following.
- Doesnt jack up my pockets
- Original spoon pocket clip has perfect retention and easily pulled in and out of the pockets
- Love the carbon fiber slabs - perfect ratio of traction and grip, doesnt get cold like the aluminum scales
- Aesthetically its a beautiful knife from the materials to blade grind and stone washed s90v steel
- Lightweight, rides in the pocket really well, too damn good actually (very small foot print)
- I work in the office and field so it transitions well in both environment, truly made for EDC purposes
- With the smooth carbon fiber scale it is easy to clean along with the open back design, whereas on my G10 pm3 it will atract alot of dead skin, little more difficult to clean but not impossible, my original osborne does not have
a flow through design so debris will start collecting inside
- Very fidgety knife, i cant stop playing with it LOL
Con: Only con would be the pricing, my fit and finish was ok especially for the price.. I had to tweak it a little bit to get good blade centering. The action is good after I applied some knife pivot lube, and loctite so keep that perfect tension. I rotate mostly between this and the Bugout with Rogue Bladework carbon fiber scales, my PM3's gets weekend pocket time. My original 940 Osborne is now a nightstand knife
I bought it at amzn.to/3lOmLqt
I’m surprised that you didn’t mention the very excellent balance on the 940-2. I think it has the best balance of the 940 lineup and, in fact, probably the best balance of any folding knife I’ve handled... As always, well done, Nick.
I bought one & don't carry ir because the G-10 is too slippery!
Smoky Mountain knife works has a OSBORNE DESIGN 940 WITH RED RESIN INFUSED CARBON FIBER HANDLES AND BLACK DLC COATED M390 STAINLESS that I would love to have. Just having a hard time justifying the price-
$ 323.00. Plus I have read of issues with Quality control of the blade.
New knife steels review??
Supposedly K390 is the best steel out there (edge retention wise) (according to Dutch Bushcraft Knives). Elmax vs M4 vs M390 is something that is confusing that would be fascinating to hear about, from your perspective.
Anonymous2012 no
I ended up filling down the fours screws that stick out on the inside.
I like the green anno standoffs. A 940-1 with the green would be cool. I think you got Z-Hunter on the brain lol
I`m new to the pocketknife world and love the reviews that Nick does. The first knife that I bought last week is the Cutback 2 based on Nick`s reviews. I`m coming to the conclusion that Benchmade knives are not a good value. They may be a good knife, maybe even a great knife, but I am always looking for value. Of all the Benchmade small pocketknives, I think the mini griptillian would be the only one I would purchase. Any version of the 940 is not in my future. Thanks Nick!
Peter Q get the bugout, and then swear off benchmade. The bugout is one of the best edc knives I own and it’s in the same price range as the PM2. It’s super light, great blade, and the perfect size for reasonable use
The mini griptilian with the hole instead of a thumb stud was my first quality knife. I highly recommend it. However I have a 940 that I swapped scales out for G10 and now it's my favorite knife I own.
Mike, yes the one with the hole would be my choice.
Look around on eBay you can usually find them cheaper there also consider that they have a great warranty. It is a fantastic knife though it pretty much disappears in your pocket I’d definitely go with the 940 over the mini grip with maybe the Doug Ritter version being an exception. If you’re looking for an excellent value check out his review of the steel will cut jack it’s a great knife for under $50
Hey Nick. So I've been watching for a while but never really commented. And just recently subscribed. Love your content. And I was wondering where I could buy a used slylz bowie because it it was obviously discontinued I don't want to be spending 500 dollars on the bowie
I wish I knew!
Nick Shabazz ok thanks anyway for replying. Keep uploading your killing it
Nick Shabazz and actually while I'm at it I got another question because I had like 15 knives or so and house was broken into long story not the issue. I have about three hundred dollars or so to spend on a high quality edc knife and I was wondering what you would suggest
Check nickshabazz.com/reviews and sort by 'Gem' :)
I've owned proubly around 8 940's and absolutely abused the shit out of them and passed them on to friends and there still going I've owned 3 spyderco knives and broke ever one of them among other knives the 940's are worth every penny I would pay more for a Benchmade. It has never left stranded or left wanting. I am open to criticism tell me I'm wrong or what is better for the money. Keep the videos coming 🍻
In 2024, Spyderco does do custom 940s!
Good review very good points raised!
Had one.Felt to wimpy.Makes a great blade for a lady.PM2 is my edc and probably always will be.Nice review Nick.
"Makes a great blade for a lady"
That's blatant sexism.
Benchmade is really high quality, but the Butterfly Tax is crazy. Wish Benchmade would make a budget lineup. Probably won't happen, but I can dream
Yeah, but they'll have a lifetime warranty and will replace your blade for 30 dollars no questions asked.
Bingo. Buy once, cry once.
I have a 940-2. I like the original 940 way better. And in canada the butterfly tax seems non existent. Pm2 is $ 189.00 and I've chipped the blade quite easily. And the 940 has never chipped and is a beast and I only paid $209.00 for mine
for 170 dollar i would buy two ! in belgium you pay 225 euro's for that knife (250€ if you want the aluminium)
When are we gonna get the iq flipper review Nick?
Once they're available again.
Ive had my benchmade knives for years, never had a problem with the omega springs breaking. And i take mine apart about once a month. No idea what everyone is talking about
Vincent Grueter I've been using various Benchmades for over a decade. I've abused them and flipped them open and closed constantly, and I have never had a spring break. It seems like all the stories I hear about lock springs breaking are "my cousin's girlfriends uncle's friend knew a guy who had a broken spring." I don't think I've ever heard a firsthand account of a spring breaking.
Only thing that ever broke on any on my BM's. The back spacer on my Earnest Emerson CQC7 broke. Junk plastic. Otherwise. Nothing.
I agree, it also seems like Nick has a pretty strong bias against BM and a strong bias towards Spyderco... Personally, I use both brands and like them equally but for different reasons.
I paid $120 for The grey benchmade 535, which has the best blade benchmade has out right now, still in s30v. Y’all can’t tell me g10 is $50 more than frn
The 940-2 is a better knife overall than the PM2: Change My Mind
DarklightY2K I would agree with you but the pm2 is a tank and syderco quality control is actually decent.
As an EDC, I would agree, 940 or zt0450. But for hard use, I may pick a PM2 or a ZT.
The PM2 slices better, has better ergonomics, is much more reasonably priced, and you don't have to worry about getting a lemon. I love my 940 but my PM2 performs better and feels nicer doing it.
I've threatened myself to add one to my collection for a while, yet Spyderco comes out with a new steel variant PM2, Shaman etc every time.
Spyderco PM 2 right now at KC offers a smooth g10 cruwear that is screaming sharp for 160!
can't change the mind of a stranger.
Quit whining about Benchmade's price, ffs: part of what you're paying for is the excellent warranty and Lifesharp. Do you think it costs Benchmade nothing to be constantly sharpening, tuning up, and fixing customer knives?
100% truth. I’ve been lucky with all the Benchmade knives I’ve bought since I started collecting in the early 90s. Never needed to send one in for repair. But i consider their fantastic warranty as part of the price when I buy one. Most TH-cam reviewers never consider that, and moan and gripe about the price of the so called “Butterfly tax”.
@Tim $125 to replace an Osborne blade? You can buy a whole new knife for not much more than that. WTF
Right…when spyderco still asking almost 100 for vg10 😂 with basically no warranty
@@gregs7519 no it’s $25.
the original aluminum is very chalky!
i wanted this 940-2 but i got a great deal on the green aluminum handled one on the secondary market.
i LOVE the axis lock. very left hand friendly.
i have the zt0450 but ive had it for a while and i just got the 940 so thats what i want to carry. i generally prefer left hand cutting so the 940 is friendly in that aspect.both are great knives especially when accompanied by a larger blade. great users
i havent sharpened my 940 yet but it seems fairly easy with the kme. i got a pretty good edge on my 0450 with the kme.
i think the pm2 is more appropriatly priced than the 940 and 0450. the 940 is the coolest though
I hated the aluminum scales on mine and ordered some custom made G10 to replace them. Made it a much more pleasant experience in the hand.
For some reason I'm connecting the Osbourne green to "Norman Osbourne" the Green Goblin
What's the deal with the horrible gaudy looking green things anyway? Is that supposed to be punishment for picking the cheaper materials or something?
its probably more of them paying homage to the original 940
Futher injure my surface here... as I use more wrist to open and close the knife than a first time knife user would use.
Hey if I send you pictures can you help me authenticate my benchmade? I bought it used on a local classified website.
This reminds me of the ZT0450CF. Black handle, green backspacers...
Its now $200. Still a great knife despite benchmades lack of effort
Barrage or mini grip?
I just bought one yesterday
The 940 has never appealed to me because of the price. Benchmade is a very big company and I think they could lower the prices. Spyderco para 2 is a way better option.
the spooderco para 2 is a yuge knife though
Just got one and love it