Benchmade 940: The Knife That Revolutionized EDC
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- How did the Benchmade 940 revolutionize EDC? We examine the origin of its design, the features that make it an enduring classic, and recent innovations in modding and customization.
The Blade HQ Exclusive 940 will be available on September 23, 2022 at 10:00am MDT! Sign up to be notified here: bit.ly/3eVvBTE
(NOTE: The exclusive is a Benchmade 940, not a 945.)
See all Benchmade 940 models here: bit.ly/3BkHWZb
@tdc_daily_carry wins the user-submitted picture contest! / tdc_daily_carry
Cast your vote in the latest poll: / bladehq
00:00 Intro
00:23 Origin of the Benchmade 940 Osborne
02:56 Benchmade 940 Green Handle - bit.ly/3DxU23Q
05:03 Benchmade 943 Gold Class
05:38 Benchmade 940-1 Carbon Fiber S90V - bit.ly/3dl0ikJ
06:02 Benchmade 940-2 G-10 Handle - bit.ly/3eXL3P2
06:37 Benchmade 9400 Automatic - bit.ly/3qQoSND
07:33 Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne - bit.ly/3f0g58V
08:08 Benchmade 940 Modding Platform
08:32 Blade HQ Exclusive 940 Jade G-10 M4 - bit.ly/3eVvBTE
09:17 Flytanium Aftermarket Parts - bit.ly/3BP1zde
10:05 User Submitted Pictures
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When I was 10 (I’m 18 now) I was first introduced to the 940, soon i turned 13 and decided I wanted a bench made. I saved for 6 or so months, sadly I couldn’t afford a 940. So I got something more my size. A mini griptillian. Fell In love with benchmade and carried that knife daily for 5 years. It got beat and abused and I dreamed of the of owning a 940 for almost a decade. Could never justify the 220 dollar price and tbh I still can’t. But I finally pulled the trigger as a little graduation gift to myself. It was a small dream but dreams do come true
The buck 110 is the knife of our grandfathers. The Benchmade 940 is the knife our grandchildren will associate with us.
That’s pretty bold.
I agree with that except the price difference. You could buy 2-3 110 for the price of one 940.
Not my grandkids.
I can see that but there are so many great EDC’s now and have been for the longest time. Back then the 110 and analogs(Schrade which my Grandpa had) was one of the only foldable options available forever.
Summed up perfectly. Not to say I don’t enjoy the 110
I’ve had a 941 for a decade or so, and it is still one of my favorites. The balance is amazing.
That's awesome you've had it for so long! It's one of our favorites too. -Jim
@@BladeHQ I crashed and it slid out my pocket and I am devastated that I cant find it. Thats the worst part, losing it
I have been a fan of the 940 line for awhile. Always love rotating it to the pocket. Hope they never stop making them. Thanks for the 940 love. Great video
943 was the first Benchmade knife I had ever purchased and it immediately became my favorite until I met the (super) Freek.
Colors! My fave photo is the first one from Steve McDermott - purely because of that blue blade. Benchmade has been so freaking resolute on releasing the 940 in that green color for like 20 years with only a few variations. It was Nutnfancy's red 940 that got me hooked, and only after years of not finding one anywhere, I finally settled on the same green one that everybody bought.
I hope in the future the 940 goes into the custom shop with a rainbow of colors. I'll order the red straight away! Thanks dudes, for the great content. 940 forever!
I'm the proud owner of a 154CM O.G. Osborne. Bought it new decades ago. One of the smartest purchases a younger dumber me made.
Keep it rolling for another few decades!
Not so young, still so dumb.
Really loving all these informational videos from you guys! I also love how you get the community involved with the photo submissions!
Great video of what is without doubt, one of the finest folders ever made.
My first 940 is a "First Production" I bought in 2000. I still have the knife, although I've removed what's left of the scarred up black finish on the blade and fit it with white Allen Putman scales.
I've owned 5 other 940s including a 943 and 940-1. Knives come and go, but my EDC since 2000 has been and always will be some form of Osborne 940.
The 940 is what got me back into collecting as an adult. Was watching a wranglerstar and he mentioned every man should carry a knife and he carried the 940. I was instantly amazed by the shape and colors. That was about 3.5 years ago and now I have over 25 knives all zts, benchmades, Spyderco, kizers etc but the 940 is still my all time favorite and the one I have today for work in fact! (Carpenter in Washington) thanks for keeping the channel going guys I appreciate the content, you guys are fun to watch. ( almost as good as Zach and Ben haha )
Glad to hear it, and thanks for the positive feedback- we appreciate it! -Jim
Zac and Ben..... Kurt Jamie and main man Trevor...... we must not forget... lol and kyle
I too spotted Wranglerstar with this 'horrid' looking knife years ago! For so long i couldn't figure out why he liked it, it looked ridiculous! . One day 3 or 4 years ago I spotted one in a shop, i asked the attendant to get it out of the knife case. Once I started playing with it i fell in love - that knife didn't go back in the case!
@@nickmartino2839 such good content and editing
@@badmatt4162Looks like he just cut himself with it.
I daily a green aluminum 945 and it's PERFECT. I always thought the 940 was alittle much and then benchmade created a solution and I'm still happy about it years later 😅
I have the original 940 in 154CM. still going strong after 20 years. purchased the 945 when it was released. 940 was/is a great, easy pocket carry, the 945 takes that to another level. Not too small at all. Love it. Really only other knife I'd carry besides a CRK, which is my main.
Same here. Just amazing quality by BM in 2002. Was my only edc until 2016.
I literally just got my 940 today in the classic green! I love it!
I’ve been dreaming of owning a Benchmade 940 Osborne for years, well I finally ordered one today. I feel like a kid in anticipation of Christmas…!!
Congratulations! I just got mine after months of considering it and it honestly is such a humble yet amazing knife! I got my first use out of it today by cutting multiple strands of paracord at a time and it sliced through them so effortlessly!
You won’t be disappointed. I sold mine and regretted it so I just clicked buy again on a new one. It’s a nice tough blade with excellent ergonomics.
The 940 is my favorite knife model! Owned one for 22 years and haven’t stopped collecting them! Gotta love the upgrades now too!
Stop lying Zach! You don’t own any Benchmades 😂.
@@BrandonGavin_EDC 😂😂😂
Oh my goodness- I just went to Zach's channel, he's not kidding! He has fifteen 940's on his channel banner. -Jim
@@BladeHQ some great 940’s! Nice collection yourself!
@@BladeHQ yes he does, one of the best Benchmade collections I’ve ever seen. That’s just his 940’s.
My favorite is the plain jane. But I love all the variations!
Really hope Benchmade will bring back the original with blue anodized aluminum scales.
Had one.
Sold it.
Regret it.
The 940 is an awesome knife. I kinda like the standard green the best but love the variety that it is getting these days
I bought my 940 off a friend almost three years ago and I haven’t bought another knife since then. My 940 has seen the most pocket time out of all my knives since I’ve got it. I carry a spyderco para 3 lightweight and my 535 some but I always seem to come back to the 940 it’s just such a great knife.
It's hard to beat the 940, exceptional knives that'll handle everything you know at them! -Branson
Bought one in 2016 and carried it exclusively for over 4 years. It’s a great knife
I have a few dozen knives in my collection. Two years ago, I got a 940, and now that's all I carry.
Great knives. I have a 940-1, 940-2, and 945 in black with blue liners. You can't go wrong with an Osborne. I love the one with those blue after market scales.
Pricey perfect. I wish I knew. I've never carried a 940 but would appreciate the one you're giving away. I'm ready to work on the ranch. Thanks for the review.
My wife surprised me one Father's Day with the REI exclusive 940-1702. I freaking love that knife. It's my EDC (outside of work). It's my hiking and backpacking blade. It's fun to fondle. The Osborne has been a bucket list blade for me for a long time. I think my favorite aspect of it is the blade shape.
Rei exclusive is so under rated! I love that version too!!!!
I bought a 940 and it was a knife that made me stop buying knives. It felt like the perfect one. I love it! Slim profile but still gives you a long blade and when it's in your pocket I could still get my relatively wide hand in the pocket without having to fight for space with a knife.
I agree. To many, it is THE knife to own. To me personally, the Spyderco Sage is on that list too. -Jim
Same. Between the 940 and the 535. They made me sell 80% of my collection because they're all I carry now.
I bought my 940 off a friend almost three years ago and I haven’t bought another knife since then. My 940 has seen the most pocket time out of all my knives since I’ve got it. I carry a spyderco para 3 lightweight and my 535 some but I always seem to come back to the 940.
Def love the mini 940 I.e. the 945. That one with the micarta is just so elegant yet rugged yet sleek yet robust. Omg I’m in love I need this one
A few hours ago I found a 940 with the "jade" g10 in the dry mud while doing spring cleanup in my front yard. It rusted everywhere the coating was compromised. I washed out as much of the dry mud as I could without taking it apart. Haven't lubed it yet. It works, it just works hard . I'm going to try to find It's owner. Even in perfect working condition I'm just not into it. I'm a dyed in the wool Victorinox Swiss Champ man, EDCed mine for 37 years, and more recently I'v also carried a 154CM Gerber Gator, switch that for a Milwaukee Fastback at work .
I have had a 940 for years, it still gets pocket time an the star wars pic you shown is awesome!
I love that one too! -Jim
I absolutely loved the death grip photo! I still have my 940, carried it for years and then moved on to other knives but I think I want to get back into carrying a 940 daily and maybe keep my Chris Reeve as a back up. I’ve actually gotten a lot of my coworkers into knives. I’d love to show them that BladeHQ exclusive if I win it.
I bought a 942 as a 12 year old in like 2001 (first production 937/1000) black blade, black aluminum handle, no serrations. EDC'd for 20 years.
Wish theyd bring back the 943 clip point version of this
loving the idea of brass scales on a hardworking knife, i'd pay to see the patina on this beauty in 10 years time.
I love my Osborne’s! I have the REI green G-10 version, the 945, and the 9400! They all are amazing to use but I seem to carry the 945 the most bc it’s a real (little) beast! I was able to get the edge down a few degrees, and boy did it make a world of difference with slicing! The 9400 whips out like nothing I’ve seen before. I own four side firing Autos, and they all are snappy, but the 9400 is stronger than even my ProTech Whiskers. I want to try to find the 943 next of possible bc he makes such good designs! Thanks for the videos guys. And the blue 940 in the pile of storm troopered out knives was my favorite.
Much love guys! Those 945s look minty with our scales! We may be a little biased though... 😉😉
The regular 940 was my first big boy knife. I just snagged a 943 off ebay.
I'm currently waiting for my first Benchmade knife. I purchased a 940-1, i hope it holds up to its reputation!
How are you liking it?! I love mine! Congrats on your first Benchmade knife! What an awesome first Benchmade to boot!!!!
@@johnagen3688 I absolutely love it. Sharp as heck, retains the edge extremely well, light and looks so good.
Planning in getting me a940 for the first time. My first benchmade was a Bugout mini.
My favorite pic was from Steve. That serrated clip point is sick!! Love that blade style
Don't carry the 940 enough, because there's a 710 in my pocket most days.
Two thoughts on the 940. First, I wish they would still offer it in 154cm. It’s a fabulous steel (I don’t personally consider s30v an upgrade) but also because of the second point. For edc purposes, this is a knife you wanna keep SHARP. The cutting geometry isn’t particularly great, so a fine edge at 17-20 dps really does it some good. The 940 is a really stout, slim profile work knife. It just has its quirks, like everything else in life.
I dig the 940 with the micarta inlays and covet the Blade HQ version with M4. In spite of being mostly a Spyderco guy, I love my standard 940.
tdc's knife was so beautiful!!! I'm glad he won. All of them were beautiful!!
Great call of BHQ to involve the community and makers they don't carry on their site!👍🏻
We appreciate a good knife, no matter where it came from! -George
I own a bugout, tengu, mini adamas and an anthem... The 940 isn't my jam personally, but it's history is cool. That clip point is much more up my alley. Cool video guys! Keep it up :)
Thanks for the positive feedback! Sounds like you have some great choices for EDC. -Jim
I bought my Benchmade 940 D2CF Prototype in 2003 and still carry and use it every day.
Love the green/purple look, but that blue/black mini is quite the attention grabber for me. I really dig that drop point on the gold class 941-81, and supposedly they only made 38 of them… that would be awesome if they brought that back or created a completely new drop point for the 940. I love the way the bugout’s blade looks. And it’s almost sacrilegious to change the 940… but how cool would a 940 variant with a bugout-esque blade be!?!
Just bought one , the standard 940 and I have to admit it is good. It is more expensive here in europe though but yeah it is worth it. Just hope they don't make these illegal to carry soon. (The Netherlands) We already can't have auto knives.
I love that star wars beskar version. So many cool versions of the knife.
I really like this episode, I hope it becomes a series. Need to do the Paramilitary 2 next!!
I love the 940 so much , I ended up purchasing 2 of them , I use mine for every thing , from camping to prepping food to work, there is nothing I don't use it for lol , I wanted one flor the exclusive ones for awhile I have never owned an exclusive knife , buth that 940 exclusive is beautiful, I never seen a reason for auto as that axis lock allows me to open and shut it fast, y'all rock I love all the videos y'all share with use , so knowledgeable and so cool keep it up @BladeHq
Thanks for the kind words, you rock! 🙂 -Branson
The 940 is on my list of anniversary gifts from the wife and that 940 Jade just jumped to the top of the list.
I've had my 940-1 for a few months, tuned it a bit and the action's perfect. The one with the brass scales and thumb-studs looks pretty cool. I would be concerned about tarnish though.
Awesome - favorite was the brass handled modded variant.
Beautiful and rugged.
Have you seen the forced patina on brass scales? Those look super sleek! - Branson
I bought a Benchmade from you guys Friday and was super excited because I only live one state over and USPS said they’d be delivering today.
And then USPS sent the knife to Florida and now I probably won’t get it until Wednesday! That’s my luck. You guys ship super fast and then the government screws that up!
Well shoot, sorry to hear that! Here's hoping it comes tomorrow. -Jim
True story, my first knife that I bought that was more than just a $20 Gerber, was a 940sbk. I knew when i was going to buy a quality knife that i wanted a 940. I bought it from BHQ and it was also the last 940sbk you guys had in stock, ever! It has never been in stock since. I wanted a black Serrated blade and I looked all over the internet and could not find one. Nor any satin blades either. BM had just discontinued the Serrated 940s which I did not know. There was one for stock on BHQ, and one left in stock on Amazon. This was before I knew anything about knife retailers and who is the best to buy from. I was going to buy it from Amazon until I realized that the seller of the knife on Amazon was BladeHQ. So I bought it from the BHQ site and that was that. Still have the serratedblack blade, which endured lots of love. I have since swapped the OG green aluminum scales onto a 940bk-2004 blade and chassis, and it's been my main user still to this day. It will never leave my side and will be passed down. So my 940 collection is a 940sbk with copper flytanium scale, 940bk-2004 w/green aluminum scales/purple backspacer and flytanium copper thumbstuds, 9400bk, another 940bk-2004 sitting in wait, and a chassis i bought, with green micarta flytanium scales, but it's secret power is the 940 grind blade in magnacut.
One of my all time faves. A legend.
Overpriced and overhyped
I have been debating on a few knives to get and I am taking this video as a sign. I am getting me a 940.
The gold class mini is one of the best looking Osbornes out there
Love my 940. Wish I could find again in the brighter green.
I've had a 940 for 3 years and it's been the best knife! It's cleaned deer, been run over, cut so much wire and just keeps going!
Spencer thanks for recommending the Boos Blade 2.0 on that sale ! It’s super sweet . I ordered the artisan valor too and like that just as much . I hate to say but I got a green thorn stellar and it’s so good . Impressed the heck out of me. My father wore out a BM 940 blade and they replaced it for $25 which is super cool 👍👍 of benchmade . That was a few years back so I don’t know if the price is the same . So this 940 is k press ice for its size and weight and dependable , lose the clip or lose the knife fellas 👍👍
Sweet! I'm happy to hear you like it! That was a crazy good deal. -Spencer
Loved seeing the 941. I've wanted one since I found out it was a thing. Bladehq would make a killing doing an exclusive of it. I liked my 940-2, but my biggest gripe is they just aren't very slicey.
That's a great idea! Consider it noted. -Jim
I wanted one for a long time, I really should buy one someday. Great video! ^w^
My blade hq exclusive 940 in m4 has been killing it at work! The edge retention is amazing and the steel is also so tough! I like m4 better than 20cv for working. I tend to micro chip 20cv pretty quickly.
The M4 940 is a tank! Glad you're loving the knife. 🙂 -Branson
The Storm Trooper picture was my favorite.
But the 940 is an elegant work horse no matter how you frame it.
Love the 940 always wanted one but just can’t justify the price. My vote goes to the titanium scales with micarta bolster.
I don’t own a premium knife yet, but I’d really like to make it a 940. I’ve always been user-oriented, so I’m glad to hear it wasn’t just made to look good.
It's a good choice. I avoided it for years then bought one. I understand it. Not my favorite but I definitely understand it's status as a legend.
I have 3 940’s , i just hope they continue making and upgrading them. I would love to see a lc200n 940. Shoot have them bring back the 710 with gripper scales and top notch steel
I have the 940s also and I can't find anything about it anywhere and they do not sell it anymore
I didn't get my first 940 in 2020. I won a 945 a year ago, then after the 9400 came out I got one. They all are green Aluminum with the purple. Thank you for stating that the blade is a spay, I've carried trappers for years and insisted that the so called reverse tanto was a modern spay blade.
The best picture, imo, is Napster Ninja...
If I could only own one knife I would have to go with my 940-1 Osborne. Fortunately I don't have to, but this knife is my favorite knife even edging out my Chris Reeves Sebenza and I love that knife too.
Love my 940❤
We love our 940's too! -Jim
Great vid thanks! As you can tell by my profile pic, I’m a fan of the 940 lol
I drove 3 hrs to Toronto to get my first one second hand and have acquired 4 more since, including the BHQ and exclusive! I can see a 940 otf coming in the Next 20 yrs!
Now that would be cool- a 940 OTF! -Jim
You Guys really like that Jade G 10 for some reason, all of your exclusives are in that Configuration
That last picture of the star wars knives wins its amazing!
Love the original 940. So good.
I bought the Blade HQ 940 with the Jade scales and M4 blade when they first came out maybe 3 years ago? I've dyed the scales brown and that is the knife that finds it's way into my pocket almost everyday. It punches way over its weight.
I liked the TDC daily carry knife. Seems like a classic!
My favorite is the HQ exclusive, I'm a sucker for natural G10. That's if I can't get green markita ...
I really like the exclusive and would be a great edition to my collection
I miss the 943. . . . I have like three 943’s and a 941, but I still miss being able to get that blade shape new. It would’ve been nice to see that blade shape in S90 or some other steel aside from S30
Great review 👍
Great channel guys! Why do you not deliver to the Netherlands?
I have the 945 and I love it, though I did just switch it out for the 535
I want the green one... with the purple spine is my fav..... waiting for Christmas to get that one. :)
Great video. I expected nothing less 🎉
That titanium with the micarta is definitely my favorite
My first 940 is the first 940.
It's marked 'Pre-production 508/1000'.
I wish Benchmade would bring back the 707 I had one for years then I lost it went to buy a new 1 and realized it was discontinued
I love my 940-2. Just customized a 945 to match the 940-2.
I have a 940 from 2003 and it is 165 of 500. I think it was the first time they used titanium in the handles. It has the free flow as well.
What's the future? MagnaCut steel for the blade and nano-carbon-tube handles.
That exclusive jade G10 handled 940 should have come with a deep carry pocket clip in the first place. That would’ve made it a near perfect EDC option. Still an absolutely excellent option though m. The fact that it is still available on the website, as of today, is pretty surprising as well.
I have the standard 940 )green scales) I've handled the 940-2 didn't care for it? But the Jade scales and black blade! I'd love one of them! I've carried mine for 8 years.
Can't go wrong with this one! The Jade handles and black M4 make for the ultimate edition of this knife, in my opinion. -Jim
I've never owned a 940 till about a year ago; had always thought of it as another overrated & overhyped knife. Bought myself a 940 right before covid and immediately returned it, simply because the handle coating they did feels like holding a dirty chalkboard.
I now own a 940-2, and it's slowly growing on me. Only gripe I got about it is how smooth the G-10 is. I kind of wish BM would make a slightly larger one, such as the 810 but with less jimping.
Please get the jade/M4 back in stock!
Hands down the green micartda scales that thing is dope!
I used to bad mouth Benchmade...I said, "it's a 150 dollar plastic knife with a stone washed blade that looks dull, and uninteresting. Most variations are not attractive " Then i broke down, and bought the 551 with S30V metal, at a pawnshop, barely used for 60 bucks. I FELL IN LOVE. Light a feather, durable, strong plastic like a Glock pistol handle, and strong, sharp blade (i still do hate stone washed or satin finish). That lock is great for a left hander like me. I think I'll get the Bugout soon
Bugouts rock! I doubt you will have any regrets. It's a fantastic knife.
Thats bescar 940 is gorgeous 😍
I really like the brass handles.
I didn't have this knife for years. I had other Benchmade knives and then I broke down and bought a 940 and I have to say I enjoy it. Not my absolute favorite but now that I own it I get it. I find it to be a hair too small. They made a mini for those small knife people make a 3.75 inch for us bigger knife guys.
A 948 jumbo would be really cool! -Jim
An XXL 940 would be sweet like 4 or 4.5 inches!
Wish I could remember at this moment which one I have. It is either a prototype, pre production or first production. Whichever one it is it is still in the box having never been used.
UNLEASH THE BEAST! -George
I've been enjoying my 9400 for months now, I just prefer GRN or FRN scales alot better than aluminum. Like my 555 way better, at least the scales are but I really like the purple backspacer, all my BM have full/mini deep carry pocket clips. To bad they aren't engraving the 🦋 on them anymore 🤷🏼♂️