It is very retro. I kept looking at the date (before I bailed on this video), thinking, this is from 1987, right? ~yet it was posted last year. Maybe have one less model 940 but get a new camera. ..
Releasing one video per day is how you get views / subscribers. But nobody can make a ten year review every day. I appreciate reviews like this for the rare gems that they are!
I agree with you on the cost duration. At 10 years, your $200 knife is at $1.66 per month. Say you bought a $50 knife and it lasted 6 months before breaking. Then you spent $8.30 per month of use.
My old man has been carrying a cheap chinese Spyderco for 10 years and it's held up well. Get it from a good company and it doesn't have to be 200$. That being said I love my expensive knives.
The massive flaw in your argument is the assumption that the $50 knife wouldn't also last 10 years (or more). Assuming comparable steels, there's no reason it wouldn't. Even poorer quality steels can easily last decades if not abused. That aside, BM has always been, and will likely always be, over-priced _generally decent_ knives. You don't buy BM because they are great knives or great value, you buy them because people tell you that you should. BTW, I've got a $20 Gerber from 15+ years ago, used daily for farm related work.
thanks for the kind words!! its probably not all that common for the 10 year reviews I bet. I will probably do one here soon on the victorinox tinker as ive carried that one at least that long also.
I just broke the tip off my Benchmade 940 also, Benchmade only charges 25 bucks for a new blade? That's awesome, I'll have to call them on Monday and do that
Joe Calton I've been carrying a victorinox since the 80's unfortunately I've probably lost 10 of them in that time at least. Like you I carry it in addition to a larger knife, mostly for the tools...Soft steel but a decent knife for the money.
I know the videos over 6 years old but it caused me to go buy a Benchmade 940 today and I already owned over 200 folding knives but I can already tell this is going to be one of my top favorites thank you so much sir for taking the time and I love the way your shop looks in the video it's very cool 1:28
Fantastic review sir. I found an old beat up first generation 940 in the middle of the desert at Fort Bliss, then took it to Afghanistan. It is a flawless performer. The 940 has been, by far, the best knife I've ever used.
I've noticed people who need to buy another 940 have to because they lost it, not because it broke or were out. There's a lot of loose 940's out there!!!
I've always been worried that the button lock/axis lock knives would be a pain to use in messy environments with sand and grit etc. I guess I was wrong lol
Thanks for the review. I've carried a benchmade 722 for 16 years and run it across a stone probably every few months. In between sharpening I strop once a week or after a day of hard use. You don't need to remove any blade material to keep it sharp. Belt sanders are for an initial sharpening only! Lay off the belt sander and your blade will never wear out... stones and strops don't remove any noticeable material if used correctly.
Cutting stings or making a sammich would be leap years ahead of what the vast majority of "unboxing experts" have to offer. Yet some how by just looking at a knife they know what it can and can't do, how it will hold up over time, and whether or not it is a good value. Slays me every single time.
Just watched this again for like the 10th time in the last 6 years lol. Still a great video. Classic to me. I finally got a 940 a few weeks ago and love it.
I don’t know what happened but I will explain my story I had the bench by 940 with the carbon fiber handle I was digging around in my pocket pull hand out blood squirting every where and I cut a small artery in my pinkie, so when I carry a knife I dont carry anything else in my pocket and I dont dig around my pockets anymore.
Beautiful pair of 940s Joe! Good well-used knives should be full of dings, scratches, and nicks. Just like scratched up vintage Fender guitars, there is something special about a knife's wear marks that tell the story of its use in the hands of its owner. When my Grandpa passed, he left his small Case pocket knife to me. It was worn hard, sharpened on a course grinder wheel (yikes!), with worn bolsters, and a bit of rust. A cherished keepsake for sure. Good on you for using your knives, and keeping them serviced enough to continue performing.
thanks for the kind words! I have my grandfathers pocket knives also, his favorite was a very small shrade with 3 blades, and the main blade is about half the width that it was when new, and it is a beautiful knife :}
Same! Owned one way back in 2012 but sold it. Just got another last month and been carrying it daily. Along with other knives of course, but this one is with me every day. Last week it fell onto the floor along with my Benchmade freek. The freek’s blade smashed into the green scales on the 940 and put a large gash in the aluminum.....and also a nice scratch on the finish on my freek’s blade. I was pretty upset. But oh well, they’re both hardcore users now.
@@johnd9357 i have the multi knife and everything i can put in my pocket problem too. I usually carry 8 blades on me at all times. one on the neck, two pocket clipped, two in the boots and the other three are a small multitool inside the pocket and two larger ones in holster clips on the belt. None touch each other and I could add two more in my back pockets if I chose and if things got really bad I guess I could carry one in my butt. 🤔
I feel like near every Benchmade owner has a story with their knife. My first was a 530, which I spent money I shouldn't have on and lost when it fell out of my pocket on the freeway (motorcycle). I spent days going up and down the shoulder looking for it and it was lost. A year later I would get the 531. When I was around 18-19 I first saw one and I knew I would own it. It's a shame it's a dead design now, as I think it beats their Bugout line in spades, save being 531CM over S30V. I'm finally going to update to the 9400, which is the automatic version of the Osbourne. I can say that Benchmades hold up, retain their value and the axis lock is phenomenal. I don't baby my knives and it's held up to a lot for being such a light knife. I own one other Benchmade and it too has been living up to the task. Simpler still about this particular knife; I'd heard about Osbournes before I even knew Benchmade produced them. It's a hard knife, and I'm looking forward to mine. Cheers
Got a similar story. Got a benchmade infidel $500 or so. Loved it super fun to show off stupid expensive and kept getting pennies stuck in the tip where the blade pops out. Then one day I lost it…… The temptation to buy a replacement hasn’t left someday I’ll have $500 my wife doesn’t know about and it’ll pop up in my pocket again :). For now rocking the 940 carbon
Great video, thanks. I bougth my 940 with 154 CM steel about 12 years ago, did not carry it much because it is illegal to carry any knife in Italy and also I like to rotate my collection of 20+ knives. Still one of my favorite, if not the favorite.
My Benchmade knife (mini Barrage) has assisted opening. It has a lock so it can't open accidentally. The lock can also be engaged when the blade is open to prevent the Axis mechanism from moving during use. I've been carrying this knife every day for over 6 years. I often carry it unlocked and it has never accidentally opened in my pocket or in any other situation such as when it has been clipped to the front of my PFD. As far as opening it quietly as you discussed, I can open it one-handed without making a sound. Benchmade's assisted opening knives work very well, I don't know about other brands. If a person wants a knife that has assisted-opening, there is no need to shy away from it--at least with Benchmade's Axis design.
Great review! I'm a chef (and, it seems, late to the comment game) and I got my 940 for Christmas last year. It kicked the Mini-Grip and the Rat2 out of my pocket the first day. The 940 just disappears in my pocket until I need it. I'm with you on trading a bit of blade play for an easy open. 100% recommend, and 100% subscribed!
They won’t it’s there most popular blue class and has been for 20 years (Shouldn’t say that the bugout and griptilian line are huge as well popularity wise but those 3 are pretty neck and neck)
I own several 940’s some first production runs too as collectibles...and as an avid knife user I find this knife to be an amazing value and one of the best options available. The size and weight is perfect and amount of utility you get it ideal.
Congratulations on being the only guy who does not want a knife to open quickly or who thinks kids are scared of them. Different strokes I guess. Good info on the exceptional durability of the knife's function ability and the company's blade replacement policy. I also have had liner locks fail but not the AXIS lock. I like the Benchmade 810-1801 Contego, 3.9" M390 SS Satin Plain Blade. (
I can honestly say this review made me buy a Benchmade 940 and I now carry it everyday! I got mine used so the scales have some wear already but just got a brand new blade and I am in love! I will sometime buy a brand new one just to wear it on and all but until then this will be my user and all my other knives are going to be put up for a bit I do rotate this and my Benchmade Adamas but mainly it's this as if lately.
Just bought a 940-1, and your video definitely helps with the sticker shock I've been having. This review puts me at ease over the others I've watched. Thank you Sir!
I like the carbon fiber and s90v steel option...For some reason, i had to get it off the checklist! I also want to pick up the aluminum version once all this corona stuff dies down, but not till after I get a spydiechef in my pocket... I have a problem.
I've got two 941's from 2000-2003 one is teal blue and the other is red. Not the 940-1 but the 941. They both have 154cm and I haven't had to do anything but strop and maybe use a 4000 grit ceramic stone. Plus it's a different style blade. My favorite Benchmades!
The first pocket knife I owned was a Benchmade Griptillian, Carried it and abused it for about 6-7y up till loosing it on a camping trip with my scout troop. bought it on the army base my mother was stationed on, $40. After a while of treating it crap I was pretty sure something was going to break eventually. I didn’t realize just how awesome that knife was, until I had owned a few knives around $20-$40 from the academy/Walmart
Great review ! 2 thumbs up . Nice to watch a review from someone who has really given the 940 a chance to live up to it's reputation .Think I would stop just short of using the butt-end for a hammer - lol .
I've had my Benchmade Griptilian for 15 years. I replaced the original black handles with yellow handles which makes it look more civilian/safety and I've had to send it in to have the omega springs replaced once. Mine has the 440c steel. I love mine and it keeps working flawlessly.
I just got my first 940, I own approx 50 folders and somehow this 940 has been in my pocket for a couple weeks straight with no want to switch it for something else. I couldn’t understand the hype around this knife until I bought it and stuffed it in my pocket. Truly Amazing.
I own several Barrages in 154CM, and I'd agree in that 154 is not my favorite steel for holding an edge either. But, I like the knives and have used them for years. I did, however, recently buy a Super Freek in CPM-M4 and, wow, all I've done is to smooth out the grind and strop that steel using CBN emulsion. That steel is really amazing!
Im sold . Great video. thanks for helping justify the cost. 10 years is a long time for knife.. I wont be using mine like you use yours . its a lifetime knife for me..
Nice review and history on those 940’s. Fast forward several years from when you made this video and Benchmade introduces the 9400 automatic. There’s lots of negative feedback on the 9400 stating the knife can open in the pocket and cut the carrier. Who knew?
when i was a kid in highschool, a friend had me clean and sharpen a nice old switchblade. I had taken it to school to give back to him and had it in the front pocket of my jeans with the safety on. when I went to geometry class, I went to sit down in my chair and as I sat down, somehow that thing sprang open with the blade headed towards my crotch with the tip pointed up. i shot up out of that chair like a rocket, and then had to get my hand in my pocket to close that stupid thing without cutting myself while the whole class was looking. never carried a knife with a spring in it in my pocket again.
@@joecalton1449 Yes sir. Lesson learned. WranglerStar is a long-time fan of the 940 but switched to the 9400 and cut himself when it popped open in his pocket. Like they say- If it’s not broke…
Best 940 review ever. Also been using mine as a light hammer since I watched this and it hasn't even scratched the green coating yet, so tough for such a light weight slim knife. Love it.
I bought a 940 back in about 2000. I have taken it on multiple combat deployments, been everywhere in the world. Only thing i don't like about it is the blade always feels a bit "wiggly."
No hate on benchmade. Just my experience. My first benchmade knife was the spring Assisted Volley. In order to adjust the pivot you have to remove the front scale. Shortly after getting the knife I had to adjust it. Shortly after that my axis lock spring broke. It was my first benchmade knife and it left a bad taste in my mouth for a long time. Recently I find my self purchasing benchmade knives again. And they have not let me down. Thanks to your video I will be picking up a 940 Osborne soon. Thanks for the video.
Most excellent review ... covered all the concerns and a few I had not considered .. always perplexed as to what knives are all about and their utility .. but as with any tool .. form, fit, function is so important .. recently lost a 940 that was always with my kit for the last 10 years (somebody is going to find a great knife that been gently used).. and replacing it with the same and upgraded steel .. this knife just feels and works right for me .. I'm certainly not a knife collector, but appreciate this little gem of a knife for what it is .. and what it is not .. thanks for taking the time to share this information .. sometimes I do make a right decision .. :)
I know this is an older video, but this is a great review. I own 2 of them. Loved what you said about the muscle memory. I was out with my kid a few years ago and a dog came running at him. I didn't have my pistol at the time, but let's just say the knife came in very handy. The dog was minimally harmed, but it certainly encouraged the owner to come out and deal with their dog before things got worse ;)
Love my ZT 0770, it’s really turned me onto flippers, it’s a do everything knife for me, self defense is important which is why I like how it’s assisted, it’s going to open properly EVERYTIME when split seconds count. It is also rock solid, not the slightest give or wobble in any direction and is very lightweight for a knife too. Love it :)
the spring in my osborne finally gave out and snapped after 15 years of use because i dropped the knife while it was open on concrete. it landed perfectly on its tip :/ didnt chip or damage the blade tho remarkably! mine is in the S30V
Thanks for taking the time and effort to do this long term review of the 940 - an all time favorite for many. A most useful and unique review. Thanks Joe.
I don't know what it is about my luck, but this guy has had this knife 10 years and has never broken an omega spring (unless I missed something). I owned a mini grip 556 for one year and had 3 break!
jojojaykay You should use memory wire to make your own omega springs. Not only will you have the ability to fix your own knife but the memory wire makes slightly stronger springs that I like a lot better.
sorry to hear about your luck with the omega springs. did benchmade say anything about why you are breaking so many? did they get a bad batch of them, or is there a burr inside the knife that is causing them to break? I have not had a spring break on either of mine in the time I have had them.
I personally only broke one of the factory springs after only a month or two. Benchmade was of course willing fix knife under warranty but I like doing things like this myself and like I said before the end result is better (in my opinion)
Nope! I had asked them to inspect it after spring 2 and 3, and they said there was no problem with the knife nor the springs and they just wear after time, with a little attitude I might add ;). Although 3 breaks in under a year with only moderate use seemed like really fast wear! I even stopped flipping and fidgeting with the knife to try to stop them from wearing prematurely! I loved the knife but I eventually ended up selling (to someone aware of the probem) just out of inconvenience and the postage costs (at the the BM asked to include return shipping). They definitely make good shit though and I wish I could have kept it!
Mine is 15 years old ..original blade . And I took the tip off by accident. Benchmade reground the blade once for me. Still original s30v. I do not know how you grind off the blade that much. Just ceramic touches up the edge. No need to regrind blades ever really. Nice knife though. Served me well. I retired mine last year ..still razor sharp hair shaving. Sits in my safe now ..
I bought my first 940 twenty years ago but some baggage handler stole it along with another knife and two multi-tools ten years later. I really missed that knife but did not get around to replacing it until a few weeks ago when I bought a 940-1 on eBay. Found out a few days later about the counterfeit market for Benchmade knifes. I think my 940-1 is a counterfeit because the fit and finish is just too good. i Never minded the fit and finish of Benchmade because I loved the knives so much otherwise. My first Benchmade was a 710 which a few years ago I made the mistake of taking it apart and couldn't get it back together. (I'm a horrible tinkerer) Sent it to Benchmade for sharpening and reassembly. They were in the middle of moving and ran way behind on reconditioning work and returned the 710 to me in perfect working order with the check I sent them because of the delay. I also have a Benchmade Rukus II Auto (9600SBK). I have a few non Benchmades, my favorite being the Spyderco Manix 2 in CPM S110V. I just ordered two more Benchmade knives; the 535-3 Bugout and the 9400 Osborne Auto.
I consider the Osborne 940 as one of the best EDC knives around. I currently have 3. I just love them. The G10 model is even better then the regular one. I have put deep carry clips on all of them. BM will send you free ones. And that changes it from a good knife to an awesome one.
Joe, after more than a decade I'd say you are speaking from real experience. Neat to see what kind of production knife meets the needs of a custom knife maker.
thanks for the kind words Chad! yes it is a really good knife, I suppose I would not have carried it for so long if it wasnt. but I think I may just make a new blade for it here soon instead of sending it back. then it will be a perfect knife :}
well only a couple years after making this video I started making my own liner lock knives, and carry one of those most of the time. so there isnt much to update.
16:13 Why ever do people call this a reverse tanto? To me it's more like a speyblade, or a clippoint, or maybe a revised droppoint ... Isn't a tanto defined as a having to separate grinds to the lenght and the tip of the blade? In any case, thanks for the review. For highgrade knives is the longterm use reviews that really matter👍 Ordered my second Benchmade and my first 940 today🤗
@@craze77 🤔I beg to differ😕 I have a few 'tanto' blades and they look absolutely nothing like an upside-down 940 🙃 On the other hand, have a look at a traditional folder with a spey blade and tell me that doesn't remind you of something? But I guess that's a moot point😅 I suppose 'reverse tanto' is somewhat justified by the fact that it's intended to have a strong but stabby tip, much unlike a spey blade🤪
My 551 has held up flawlessly. I sent it off to BM for a blade replacement and some new scales because I wanted a color change. Benchmade replaced the blade and scales and no cost to me. Fantastic knife and does everything I need
Great perspective. I love all of my 940s almost as much as my Cadet! The 940 is my favorite modern folder. Thank you for sharing your experience and use. 😊
How often do you sharpen your knife? And do you sharpen them yourself? Ive had my 940 with the s30v steel for 18 years and carry it as a more casual edc. I do use it alot and end up needing to sharpen it probably every 6 months, it holds an edge for an impressive amount of time. I get it professionally sharpened by a knife maker with 45 years experience. Lyle Brunkhorst knives. And have never needed to replace my actual blade, and it doesn't look anywhere close to how worn yours is...
back when I shot that video I was doing lots of rehab and handyman type work. I would sharpen that knife anywhere between once a week, to several times a day depending on what I was doing. I did not abuse it, but was not easy on it either.
Outstanding video, Man! I just got my first Mini-Grip this past Christmas. It has been in my pocket nearly every day since. BM is sending me a deep carry clip, too. After seeing this video there is DEFINITELY a 940 that will be on my soon-to-purchase list. Thanks for the great review that was 10 years in the making!
does anyone else actually LIKE the camera quality and the camera aesthetic? it brings back memories 😭
I honestly do.... bout to dust off my old camera
It is very retro. I kept looking at the date (before I bailed on this video), thinking, this is from 1987, right? ~yet it was posted last year. Maybe have one less model 940 but get a new camera. ..
Yep, I don't need 4K or 1080p, lol. It's a great knife and he made a good point.
1:1
No. Not at all.
Releasing one video per day is how you get views / subscribers. But nobody can make a ten year review every day. I appreciate reviews like this for the rare gems that they are!
That's not at all how you get more views and subs. I know the intent was genuine but perhaps pause before speaking on things you know little about.
I agree with you on the cost duration. At 10 years, your $200 knife is at $1.66 per month. Say you bought a $50 knife and it lasted 6 months before breaking. Then you spent $8.30 per month of use.
And you actually enjoy using it
ive had mine for 15 years
My old man has been carrying a cheap chinese Spyderco for 10 years and it's held up well. Get it from a good company and it doesn't have to be 200$. That being said I love my expensive knives.
Exactly, I bought a $30 Gerber and the tip ended up breaking 2 months in at $15 month. Saves a lot to spend a lot
The massive flaw in your argument is the assumption that the $50 knife wouldn't also last 10 years (or more). Assuming comparable steels, there's no reason it wouldn't. Even poorer quality steels can easily last decades if not abused.
That aside, BM has always been, and will likely always be, over-priced _generally decent_ knives.
You don't buy BM because they are great knives or great value, you buy them because people tell you that you should.
BTW, I've got a $20 Gerber from 15+ years ago, used daily for farm related work.
I think you are the first one with a 10 year + review. :D Would give ten thumbs up if I could. ;)
thanks for the kind words!! its probably not all that common for the 10 year reviews I bet. I will probably do one here soon on the victorinox tinker as ive carried that one at least that long also.
I just broke the tip off my Benchmade 940 also, Benchmade only charges 25 bucks for a new blade? That's awesome, I'll have to call them on Monday and do that
Joe Calton I've been carrying a victorinox since the 80's unfortunately I've probably lost 10 of them in that time at least. Like you I carry it in addition to a larger knife, mostly for the tools...Soft steel but a decent knife for the money.
I know the videos over 6 years old but it caused me to go buy a Benchmade 940 today and I already owned over 200 folding knives but I can already tell this is going to be one of my top favorites thank you so much sir for taking the time and I love the way your shop looks in the video it's very cool 1:28
i hope yours gives you as much good service as I have gotten out of mine :}
@@joecalton1449 Thank you Sir.
Fantastic review sir. I found an old beat up first generation 940 in the middle of the desert at Fort Bliss, then took it to Afghanistan. It is a flawless performer. The 940 has been, by far, the best knife I've ever used.
915 native here. That's cool!
I've noticed people who need to buy another 940 have to because they lost it, not because it broke or were out. There's a lot of loose 940's out there!!!
I've always been worried that the button lock/axis lock knives would be a pain to use in messy environments with sand and grit etc. I guess I was wrong lol
Thank you for your service!
@@GreyRock100 the kid only used it to open mre lol . There's no use for a knife other than cutting 550 cord
Benchmade needs to pay you for this review! My favorite knife and the BEST review!
Thanks for the review. I've carried a benchmade 722 for 16 years and run it across a stone probably every few months. In between sharpening I strop once a week or after a day of hard use. You don't need to remove any blade material to keep it sharp. Belt sanders are for an initial sharpening only! Lay off the belt sander and your blade will never wear out... stones and strops don't remove any noticeable material if used correctly.
Cutting stings or making a sammich would be leap years ahead of what the vast majority of "unboxing experts" have to offer. Yet some how by just looking at a knife they know what it can and can't do, how it will hold up over time, and whether or not it is a good value. Slays me every single time.
i watch this video every few years and get amped up all over again about owning a 940. greeat review!
the 940 has treated me pretty good for a long time! thank you for the kind words!
I just got a 940. It is without a doubt the finest pocket knife I have ever owned
congrats! I hope yours gives you as good of service as mine have given me.
I‘d really like to see them now, used even more. Can‘t wait until mine looks like these.
I am glad to see someone that really uses there knife.
Just watched this again for like the 10th time in the last 6 years lol. Still a great video. Classic to me. I finally got a 940 a few weeks ago and love it.
Glad you enjoyed it! and good to hear that you got one and are enjoying it!
Almost 2024 and I'm still carrying mine! Countless years later. I do indulge in a Spyderco Delica 4 in k390 too.
Love a long term review, nothing more pure.
Have never considered a 940 till now, thanks for your review.
15 year review?
I wish I had the dedication to carry the same knife daily for 10 years.
I don’t know what happened but I will explain my story I had the bench by 940 with the carbon fiber handle I was digging around in my pocket pull hand out blood squirting every where and I cut a small artery in my pinkie, so when I carry a knife I dont carry anything else in my pocket and I dont dig around my pockets anymore.
that does not sound like a good time at all, and I hope it doesnt happen again.
Beautiful pair of 940s Joe!
Good well-used knives should be full of dings, scratches, and nicks. Just like scratched up vintage Fender guitars, there is something special about a knife's wear marks that tell the story of its use in the hands of its owner.
When my Grandpa passed, he left his small Case pocket knife to me. It was worn hard, sharpened on a course grinder wheel (yikes!), with worn bolsters, and a bit of rust. A cherished keepsake for sure.
Good on you for using your knives, and keeping them serviced enough to continue performing.
thanks for the kind words! I have my grandfathers pocket knives also, his favorite was a very small shrade with 3 blades, and the main blade is about half the width that it was when new, and it is a beautiful knife :}
Hi sir, nice listening to you talking relaxed and positively about an very well designed EDC
Impressive review- 10 years of use! Really enjoyable. Thanks
I just got mine this year 2020 .. I wanted the aluminum handle because I love the beat up look over the years.. thanks so much for this great video..
Yeah I love how these knives look after a few years.
Same. 2020 purchased from BHQ
Same! Owned one way back in 2012 but sold it. Just got another last month and been carrying it daily. Along with other knives of course, but this one is with me every day. Last week it fell onto the floor along with my Benchmade freek. The freek’s blade smashed into the green scales on the 940 and put a large gash in the aluminum.....and also a nice scratch on the finish on my freek’s blade. I was pretty upset. But oh well, they’re both hardcore users now.
@@johnd9357 i have the multi knife and everything i can put in my pocket problem too. I usually carry 8 blades on me at all times. one on the neck, two pocket clipped, two in the boots and the other three are a small multitool inside the pocket and two larger ones in holster clips on the belt. None touch each other and I could add two more in my back pockets if I chose and if things got really bad I guess I could carry one in my butt. 🤔
I feel like near every Benchmade owner has a story with their knife. My first was a 530, which I spent money I shouldn't have on and lost when it fell out of my pocket on the freeway (motorcycle). I spent days going up and down the shoulder looking for it and it was lost. A year later I would get the 531. When I was around 18-19 I first saw one and I knew I would own it. It's a shame it's a dead design now, as I think it beats their Bugout line in spades, save being 531CM over S30V.
I'm finally going to update to the 9400, which is the automatic version of the Osbourne. I can say that Benchmades hold up, retain their value and the axis lock is phenomenal. I don't baby my knives and it's held up to a lot for being such a light knife. I own one other Benchmade and it too has been living up to the task.
Simpler still about this particular knife; I'd heard about Osbournes before I even knew Benchmade produced them. It's a hard knife, and I'm looking forward to mine. Cheers
Got a similar story. Got a benchmade infidel $500 or so. Loved it super fun to show off stupid expensive and kept getting pennies stuck in the tip where the blade pops out. Then one day I lost it……
The temptation to buy a replacement hasn’t left someday I’ll have $500 my wife doesn’t know about and it’ll pop up in my pocket again :). For now rocking the 940 carbon
Great video, thanks. I bougth my 940 with 154 CM steel about 12 years ago, did not carry it much because it is illegal to carry any knife in Italy and also I like to rotate my collection of 20+ knives. Still one of my favorite, if not the favorite.
The 945 aka the mini Osborne is always with me. Great review!
Good choice!
My Benchmade knife (mini Barrage) has assisted opening. It has a lock so it can't open accidentally. The lock can also be engaged when the blade is open to prevent the Axis mechanism from moving during use. I've been carrying this knife every day for over 6 years. I often carry it unlocked and it has never accidentally opened in my pocket or in any other situation such as when it has been clipped to the front of my PFD.
As far as opening it quietly as you discussed, I can open it one-handed without making a sound. Benchmade's assisted opening knives work very well, I don't know about other brands. If a person wants a knife that has assisted-opening, there is no need to shy away from it--at least with Benchmade's Axis design.
Great review! I'm a chef (and, it seems, late to the comment game) and I got my 940 for Christmas last year. It kicked the Mini-Grip and the Rat2 out of my pocket the first day. The 940 just disappears in my pocket until I need it. I'm with you on trading a bit of blade play for an easy open. 100% recommend, and 100% subscribed!
This has got to be the best pocket knife review on TH-cam.
bro like seriously, i just bought this knife , and his review was a godsend
thank you for the kind words!
glad to help and I hope you enjoy your 940 :}
Hopefully benchmade never stops making this knife. Have had mine for about a year
They won’t it’s there most popular blue class and has been for 20 years
(Shouldn’t say that the bugout and griptilian line are huge as well popularity wise but those 3 are pretty neck and neck)
Bm940 is basically the AK of knives.
I thought the Böker Kalashnikov was "The AK of blades."
@@AtafalWonder Lol, that knife sucks. I would only carry that knife in my pocket if I wanted a free vasectomy.
@@carlosmatos9848 if it cuts its good enough for me.
Carlos Matos depends on your definition of sucks, it’s not a fantastic knife but for $50, it’s great
What about the Cold Steel AK-47? Seems like that would be the AK of knives.
Just picked up a 945 Osbourne mini and I love it! Around 3 inches, it takes the classic and makes it more compact ☺️
Very nice!
you're camera seems to be 10+ years old
jed pad your
mxpackard *MaxPackard
jed pad Your typing skills make you look 10 years old.
Burn
Your comment seems to be 1 year old
I own several 940’s some first production runs too as collectibles...and as an avid knife user I find this knife to be an amazing value and one of the best options available. The size and weight is perfect and amount of utility you get it ideal.
have you ever snapped an omega spring?
👍 Good review. Nice to watch a review of a product that has seen real use over a long period of time.
Thanks for watching!
Congratulations on being the only guy who does not want a knife to open quickly or who thinks kids are scared of them. Different strokes I guess. Good info on the exceptional durability of the knife's function ability and the company's blade replacement policy. I also have had liner locks fail but not the AXIS lock. I like the Benchmade 810-1801 Contego, 3.9" M390 SS Satin Plain Blade. (
I can honestly say this review made me buy a Benchmade 940 and I now carry it everyday! I got mine used so the scales have some wear already but just got a brand new blade and I am in love! I will sometime buy a brand new one just to wear it on and all but until then this will be my user and all my other knives are going to be put up for a bit I do rotate this and my Benchmade Adamas but mainly it's this as if lately.
Just bought a 940-1, and your video definitely helps with the sticker shock I've been having. This review puts me at ease over the others I've watched. Thank you Sir!
congrats on the new knife! I hope you get as much good service out of yours as I have from mine.
Any specific reason you chose the 940 over the 940-2 ? Just curious.
I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a 940-2. Thanks
@@johncover9757 I don't remember there being a 940-2 when I bought my first 940 to choose from.
I like the carbon fiber and s90v steel option...For some reason, i had to get it off the checklist! I also want to pick up the aluminum version once all this corona stuff dies down, but not till after I get a spydiechef in my pocket... I have a problem.
Would love a long term review of the 940-1 version!
I've got two 941's from 2000-2003 one is teal blue and the other is red. Not the 940-1 but the 941. They both have 154cm and I haven't had to do anything but strop and maybe use a 4000 grit ceramic stone. Plus it's a different style blade. My favorite Benchmades!
That red one is a rare one
absolutely excellent and honest video! i'll be buying one after many years of putting it off.
i hope yours works as hard for you as mine have for me :}
The first pocket knife I owned was a Benchmade Griptillian, Carried it and abused it for about 6-7y up till loosing it on a camping trip with my scout troop. bought it on the army base my mother was stationed on, $40. After a while of treating it crap I was pretty sure something was going to break eventually. I didn’t realize just how awesome that knife was, until I had owned a few knives around $20-$40 from the academy/Walmart
I bought a 940 with the green handles because of this video and the action and cutting with it has been amazing
I hope you get as much good service out of yours as I have from mine :}
@@joecalton1449 i do want to do what you did and use the blade for 6 years or more
great video just got my second one also. it is the perfect EDC knife indeed
bought my first benchmade this week. had to go with the 940. looking forward to the next 10 years with this knife.
congrats! I hope you get as much good service out of yours as I have gotten from mine :}
Great review ! 2 thumbs up . Nice to watch a review from someone who has really given the 940 a chance to live up to it's reputation .Think I would stop just short of using the butt-end for a hammer - lol .
I've had my Benchmade Griptilian for 15 years. I replaced the original black handles with yellow handles which makes it look more civilian/safety and I've had to send it in to have the omega springs replaced once. Mine has the 440c steel. I love mine and it keeps working flawlessly.
I just got my first 940, I own approx 50 folders and somehow this 940 has been in my pocket for a couple weeks straight with no want to switch it for something else. I couldn’t understand the hype around this knife until I bought it and stuffed it in my pocket. Truly Amazing.
I like to see a well used carry knife. The wear just adds character. Good video.
These knives, especially the green really wear nicely. I love the way they look with some of the aluminum showing through.
Just a solid EDC, I have mine in a leather bels sheath hardly notice it’s there until I have to use it.
I own several Barrages in 154CM, and I'd agree in that 154 is not my favorite steel for holding an edge either. But, I like the knives and have used them for years. I did, however, recently buy a Super Freek in CPM-M4 and, wow, all I've done is to smooth out the grind and strop that steel using CBN emulsion. That steel is really amazing!
Thanks for the upload and keep the great videos coming.
i was tossed between the bug out, but it just felt cheap, and this review sealed the deal for me, thank you sir,
Glad I could help, and I hope your 940 treats you as well as mine have treated me :}
I'll be excited when my 940 gets this level of patina on it.
Excellent review. You might also want to see the Hickock45 review of the Spyderco Delica. Same sentiments - different knife.
Im sold . Great video. thanks for helping justify the cost. 10 years is a long time for knife.. I wont be using mine like you use yours . its a lifetime knife for me..
Nice review and history on those 940’s. Fast forward several years from when you made this video and Benchmade introduces the 9400 automatic. There’s lots of negative feedback on the 9400 stating the knife can open in the pocket and cut the carrier. Who knew?
when i was a kid in highschool, a friend had me clean and sharpen a nice old switchblade. I had taken it to school to give back to him and had it in the front pocket of my jeans with the safety on. when I went to geometry class, I went to sit down in my chair and as I sat down, somehow that thing sprang open with the blade headed towards my crotch with the tip pointed up. i shot up out of that chair like a rocket, and then had to get my hand in my pocket to close that stupid thing without cutting myself while the whole class was looking. never carried a knife with a spring in it in my pocket again.
@@joecalton1449 Yes sir. Lesson learned. WranglerStar is a long-time fan of the 940 but switched to the 9400 and cut himself when it popped open in his pocket. Like they say- If it’s not broke…
Best 940 review ever. Also been using mine as a light hammer since I watched this and it hasn't even scratched the green coating yet, so tough for such a light weight slim knife. Love it.
Nice!!! I just got me a 940. I’m a little late to the party. I’ve been carrying a 710 for just over 20 years. Figured it was time for a new knife. Lol
congrats on the new knife! and I would love to see your 20 year review of your 710 if you ever get around to making a video of it
I bought a 940 back in about 2000. I have taken it on multiple combat deployments, been everywhere in the world. Only thing i don't like about it is the blade always feels a bit "wiggly."
You should be able to fix that by tightening up the axis lock scew some. I would try that and if it doesn't work have benchmade fix it for you.
Great review, benchmade should sponsor your channel. Never wanted a 940 more.
thank you for the kind words! if you get one I hope you get as much good service out of it as I have out of mine!
No hate on benchmade. Just my experience. My first benchmade knife was the spring Assisted Volley. In order to adjust the pivot you have to remove the front scale. Shortly after getting the knife I had to adjust it. Shortly after that my axis lock spring broke. It was my first benchmade knife and it left a bad taste in my mouth for a long time. Recently I find my self purchasing benchmade knives again. And they have not let me down. Thanks to your video I will be picking up a 940 Osborne soon. Thanks for the video.
Most excellent review ... covered all the concerns and a few I had not considered .. always perplexed as to what knives are all about and their utility .. but as with any tool .. form, fit, function is so important .. recently lost a 940 that was always with my kit for the last 10 years (somebody is going to find a great knife that been gently used).. and replacing it with the same and upgraded steel .. this knife just feels and works right for me .. I'm certainly not a knife collector, but appreciate this little gem of a knife for what it is .. and what it is not .. thanks for taking the time to share this information .. sometimes I do make a right decision .. :)
see you in another 10 years for 1 review. LMAO
Jay Tea here we have a 30 year benchmade review you can see i have a sv180 steel
A nice in-depth, real world review. Especially liked the examples of how you use it.
I know this is an older video, but this is a great review. I own 2 of them. Loved what you said about the muscle memory. I was out with my kid a few years ago and a dog came running at him. I didn't have my pistol at the time, but let's just say the knife came in very handy. The dog was minimally harmed, but it certainly encouraged the owner to come out and deal with their dog before things got worse ;)
Be careful buying these off of eBay, there are a lot of fakes out there.
glad things sound like they turned out ok for everyone. muscle memory is huge for me
Just bought my first real knife glad I went with the Benchmade mini griptilian
Love my ZT 0770, it’s really turned me onto flippers, it’s a do everything knife for me, self defense is important which is why I like how it’s assisted, it’s going to open properly EVERYTIME when split seconds count. It is also rock solid, not the slightest give or wobble in any direction and is very lightweight for a knife too. Love it :)
the spring in my osborne finally gave out and snapped after 15 years of use because i dropped the knife while it was open on concrete. it landed perfectly on its tip :/ didnt chip or damage the blade tho remarkably! mine is in the S30V
Great through review of the 940 .... one of the best I've seen on TH-cam. Appreciate seeing how the 940 has held up
Thanks for taking the time and effort to do this long term review of the 940 - an all time favorite for many. A most useful and unique review. Thanks Joe.
Now this is an honest insight.
I don't know what it is about my luck, but this guy has had this knife 10 years and has never broken an omega spring (unless I missed something). I owned a mini grip 556 for one year and had 3 break!
jojojaykay
You should use memory wire to make your own omega springs. Not only will you have the ability to fix your own knife but the memory wire makes slightly stronger springs that I like a lot better.
sorry to hear about your luck with the omega springs. did benchmade say anything about why you are breaking so many? did they get a bad batch of them, or is there a burr inside the knife that is causing them to break? I have not had a spring break on either of mine in the time I have had them.
I personally only broke one of the factory springs after only a month or two. Benchmade was of course willing fix knife under warranty but I like doing things like this myself and like I said before the end result is better (in my opinion)
I think I would do the same if I broke one.
Nope! I had asked them to inspect it after spring 2 and 3, and they said there was no problem with the knife nor the springs and they just wear after time, with a little attitude I might add ;). Although 3 breaks in under a year with only moderate use seemed like really fast wear! I even stopped flipping and fidgeting with the knife to try to stop them from wearing prematurely! I loved the knife but I eventually ended up selling (to someone aware of the probem) just out of inconvenience and the postage costs (at the the BM asked to include return shipping). They definitely make good shit though and I wish I could have kept it!
About time for an update.
First video I've ever seen of yours- Nice job!!
Mine is 15 years old ..original blade . And I took the tip off by accident. Benchmade reground the blade once for me. Still original s30v. I do not know how you grind off the blade that much. Just ceramic touches up the edge. No need to regrind blades ever really. Nice knife though. Served me well. I retired mine last year ..still razor sharp hair shaving. Sits in my safe now ..
Fantastic monster review!!! Thank you!
I bought my first 940 twenty years ago but some baggage handler stole it along with another knife and two multi-tools ten years later. I really missed that knife but did not get around to replacing it until a few weeks ago when I bought a 940-1 on eBay. Found out a few days later about the counterfeit market for Benchmade knifes. I think my 940-1 is a counterfeit because the fit and finish is just too good. i Never minded the fit and finish of Benchmade because I loved the knives so much otherwise. My first Benchmade was a 710 which a few years ago I made the mistake of taking it apart and couldn't get it back together. (I'm a horrible tinkerer) Sent it to Benchmade for sharpening and reassembly. They were in the middle of moving and ran way behind on reconditioning work and returned the 710 to me in perfect working order with the check I sent them because of the delay. I also have a Benchmade Rukus II Auto (9600SBK). I have a few non Benchmades, my favorite being the Spyderco Manix 2 in CPM S110V. I just ordered two more Benchmade knives; the 535-3 Bugout and the 9400 Osborne Auto.
that stinks about your stolen knives. but I hope you enjoy the new ones!
My Osborne 940-2 is usually what's in my pocket.
I consider the Osborne 940 as one of the best EDC knives around. I currently have 3. I just love them. The G10 model is even better then the regular one. I have put deep carry clips on all of them. BM will send you free ones. And that changes it from a good knife to an awesome one.
I have carried my 940 for 4 years. Thanks for the review, and for giving me confidence to use my 940 harder.
Joe, after more than a decade I'd say you are speaking from real experience. Neat to see what kind of production knife meets the needs of a custom knife maker.
thanks for the kind words Chad! yes it is a really good knife, I suppose I would not have carried it for so long if it wasnt. but I think I may just make a new blade for it here soon instead of sending it back. then it will be a perfect knife :}
Can we get a update video these are beautiful knives
well only a couple years after making this video I started making my own liner lock knives, and carry one of those most of the time. so there isnt much to update.
@@joecalton1449 my omega springs broke after 3 weeks of ownership shit knife idk how yours lasted 10 years
I don't know why but I feel like this guy would make a good drinking buddy
😂 I also use my knife to modify my coffee lid vents! 🙂
It's been 3 weeks and my 945 omega spring is already broken time to see how much of a hassle that lifetime warranty is
that stinks... the time or two that I sent knives in for new blades they were pretty quick. I hope you get your spring replaced with a good one
16:13 Why ever do people call this a reverse tanto? To me it's more like a speyblade, or a clippoint, or maybe a revised droppoint ... Isn't a tanto defined as a having to separate grinds to the lenght and the tip of the blade?
In any case, thanks for the review. For highgrade knives is the longterm use reviews that really matter👍 Ordered my second Benchmade and my first 940 today🤗
Bcoz it looks like an upside down tanto - the way the spine drops down to the tip to form the 2 different edges 👍🏻
@@craze77 🤔I beg to differ😕 I have a few 'tanto' blades and they look absolutely nothing like an upside-down 940 🙃 On the other hand, have a look at a traditional folder with a spey blade and tell me that doesn't remind you of something? But I guess that's a moot point😅 I suppose 'reverse tanto' is somewhat justified by the fact that it's intended to have a strong but stabby tip, much unlike a spey blade🤪
It’s literally called a reverse tanto blade from benchmade themselves so yes it’s a reverse tanto
Good video! Looking to buy my first 940.
Great review! I just got my first benchmade on ebay. Griptillian 551
Ryan Mozisek It’s been 4 months since you got that 551 Grip. How do you like it? I have a BM 320 Precinct and just bought a BM 551 Grip in S30V
It's been a year, hows it holding up
My 551 has held up flawlessly. I sent it off to BM for a blade replacement and some new scales because I wanted a color change. Benchmade replaced the blade and scales and no cost to me. Fantastic knife and does everything I need
I appreciate your excellent long time review. I bought a 940S-1 and a 940-1501 last year and expect the same long time service as you have gotten.
Great perspective. I love all of my 940s almost as much as my Cadet! The 940 is my favorite modern folder. Thank you for sharing your experience and use. 😊
Best review Ive seen . thankyou for reality.
he said open some mail, cut some strings , make a pbj ... LOL i spit my coffee LOL LOL LOL
This is a damn good review! Thank you!
How often do you sharpen your knife? And do you sharpen them yourself? Ive had my 940 with the s30v steel for 18 years and carry it as a more casual edc. I do use it alot and end up needing to sharpen it probably every 6 months, it holds an edge for an impressive amount of time. I get it professionally sharpened by a knife maker with 45 years experience. Lyle Brunkhorst knives. And have never needed to replace my actual blade, and it doesn't look anywhere close to how worn yours is...
back when I shot that video I was doing lots of rehab and handyman type work. I would sharpen that knife anywhere between once a week, to several times a day depending on what I was doing. I did not abuse it, but was not easy on it either.
Did you buy it at the Moreno Valley Mall at Grommets Cutlery
Just a little tip, if your camera won't focus, just hold your hand behind the object you're trying to focus on.
Outstanding video, Man!
I just got my first Mini-Grip this past Christmas. It has been in my pocket nearly every day since.
BM is sending me a deep carry clip, too.
After seeing this video there is DEFINITELY a 940 that will be on my soon-to-purchase list. Thanks for the great review that was 10 years in the making!
Great review!
I carry a buck 110 and a case medium stockman. it's all I've ever needed except my leatherman tools
thats a nice combination