Benchmade 940-1 - Overview and Review

[@metal_complex]

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[@brad4690]

I have a 940-2 arriving today after discovering your channel last week and doing research for an edc blade. I have to replace my military issued benchmade 9050 that I cant legally carry in my state. That knife has taken alot of abuse over the years like a champ so I went benchmade for a personal carry. Here's to hoping I get a well made one. Thanks for the quality content and info. Update: Just got home and have gone over it thoroughly and am very happy with the build. No play in lockup, perfect centering, smooth axis lock with a great detent and great fit and finish. 12/26/19 date of build.

[@frankiejdwm_edc1037]

940 is a super slim, light, easiest carry, all while being a total work horse. Benchmade why is this still not in the custom shop??

[@SeemsLogical]

Probably to allow for more sprint runs.

[@ashmerch2558]

I was surprised to see that it wasn't. Maybe benchmade's most iconic knife

[@NoFailureAllowed]

Probably marketing. By keeping it out of the custom shop, they force people to but whatever new version the decide to push out.

[@dextermorgan4093]

I’m 51. Never really felt the need to carry a knife. But 3 years ago I got the Mini Griptilian. Lost it a few days ago and I don’t know how. But I’m going through withdrawals. Once you carry a knife for awhile it’s hard to live without. I don’t know how I did it before buying it. I find myself reaching down for it and going “oh shit I don’t have it.” I’m going today to probably get this one. I was looking at a Spyderco PM2 Tanto but they are all sold out. And BTW the aesthetics of a knife are just as big a deal to me as how well it works. It’s the same with my guns. Thanks for the review.

[@PatrickSmeaton]

I bought my 940 D2CF back in 2003 and have used the hell out of it. One thing to bear in mind is that if I hadn't oiled it in a while, if I add just one drop of oil, the smoothness improves immensely.

[@wasnt_it]

I've been sending Lifesharp my knives for over ten years and I've never been disappointed or been told "no", (when I ask for 4 extra deep carry clips/ a few extra sets of hardware and pivot screws in both satin and black, etc.) Almost every other company will either charge for one clip, or not even have replacements available. The secondary pocket clip market thrives off of the fact that so many great knives come with terrible clips that immediately need to be replaced to suit the users need.

[@RealLockheedMartin]

I've never quite understood the Bugout. For the price of a Bugout with aftermarket scales that don't blow, you can just find a 940-1. Even if you don't find a deal, the price gets close enough that it doesn't make sense to not just get the Osborne.

[@michellehansen1563]

That knife has been modified. The blue thumb stud has been added to replace the original silver one and the pocket clip has been replaced with a deep-carry clip. It is still very nice. The mods are similar to ones I made to mine.

[@davidb9323]

Does BM make their own deep pocket clips or do is it aftermarket ?

[@zacharynadeau6324]

BM does make there own and you can request a deep carry clip for free for your knive.

[@Aranon78]

Great video, thanks... I have the same 940-1 and I'm very happy with this EDC.

[@brauckwaldo]

I just got one, and I am one of the lucky ones, it came with perfect drop shut action and perfect centering with no blade play! Love it!

[@JesseAdams]

My 940-1 has no play and drops like it's on bearings but I think it's a rare one from what I hear. I also have a lot of steel left luckily because some I see several mm ground away shorter from the edge than mine.

[@rossgeiger4575]

Your thumbstud is aftermarket. Im purchasing the same one. Factory stud is silver

[@mrwendell4564]

I was wondering about that. Mine is silver and I thought he had a different stock version

[@tyl3raz7]

Wrong

[@rossgeiger4575]

@@tyl3raz7 what's wrong. U think the stock thumb stids are blue ano?

[@GBall_Vision]

The stock 940-3s that I've seen all have silver studs. The new CF S90V bugout has blue like this. I have the new bugout and the 940-3 on the way it has silver studs

[@apass2803]

Just got mine 2 weeks ago drops perfect centerd blade and no blade play it’s perfect there qc is amazing now

[@klaassiersma4892]

Man its a benchmade!,i own the 940/2001 and its lovely. I prever American gear over Chinese stuff.

[@dtpfeiffer]

The 940 is an iconic knife at this point, even though the 943 blade shape looks better to me. S90V is an awesome edc steel in my experience and toughness has never been an issue. I agree about BM prices across the board. All of the ones I've bought have either been secondhand or found locally under MAP pricing, which makes it not so bad.

[@povdad]

Where’d you get the blue thumbstuds? Looks great

[@aprilnichols2806]

Blue stud isn’t factory. Did they change it ?

[@metal_complex]

No its factory. He probably just adjusted it or added some custom ones then changed them back. I didnt clarify properly.

[@aprilnichols2806]

Metal Complex 940’s are great. I think I’m on #13. I got that one and the blue stuck out first thing to me

[@Hallucinosis]

@@metal_complex No, it's not factory--look at the 940-1 on Benchmade's site if you're in doubt. The 940-1 comes with satin steel thumbstuds. These are thumbstuds from a Benchmade Bugout.

[@congenio]

@@metal_complex The clip is not factory either.

[@JesseAdams]

@@metal_complex my 940-1 didn't come with blue studs either.

[@jlogue751]

Agreed on the blade play. Was hoping it would break in Finally found a sweet spot with good action and no blade play. Hopefully the loctite will hold

[@littleehasfun2022]

So true! The bugout feels like a 20 dollar knife

[@GBall_Vision]

The new CF S90V version is light but doesn't feel like 20$ more like 200$ I can't speak on the frn versions

[@ashmerch2558]

How'd you get the blue thumb studs ?

[@bob77953]

From the Benchmade Bugout. Order them from benchmade warranty

[@BareSphereMass]

Is that an after market thumb stud?

[@joshr805]

i just bought one of these and the thumb stud is no longer anodised im kinda bummed.

[@nohero178]

To hear anyone complain about the Bugout's scales when you can replace those scales with CF and STILL come in 90 bucks cheaper than the 940-1 is a little ridiculous. Diminish the appeal of the Bugout all you want, but it's setup to stand the test of time just as the 940 has and is incredibly popular. Not to mention, you can get it with aluminum scales, CF scales or G-10 straight from Benchmade.

[@metal_complex]

Thanks. I hate it.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

It's funny how much the knife blends into the background

[@MG-pc8ds]

I would love to see you compare this 940-1 to the 565-1

[@jojojeep1]

What’s up metal ? Do you know everything you say about this knife is true right down to toothy edge, you got one of the best personalities and honest to the core. I especially love when you say things that you think the comment section is going to say before they say it. It’s like you get a kick out of beating them to the punch. And I Love it

[@primoed77]

The extra $20 $30 is spent because of the axis lock. Benchmade has had the paten on it and now that's up and everyone is coming up with there own version. Yeah, it's completely worth it. They have it prefected it and there is no experience like it, at least not up to like 2 years ago so, take for what it is I guess, but once I had a knife with the axis lock, when I use everything else now I'm looking for that pin to slide back man, I do. It's so satisfying!

[@914Rocky]

I’ve shockingly never handled a Benchmade but am curious how much pressure the axis locks take to press down. I have a Manix 2 and think the pressure is too strong. How does the Benchmade compare to the Manix 2?

[@metal_complex]

The axis lock on a benchmade are much easier to manipulate. I love the Manix 2, but the axis lock is way easier to use 👍

[@914Rocky]

Thanks.

[@JohannSwart_JWS]

I also have both. The Manix 2 spring is about 5 times too stiff for what its supposed to do. One of its many design flaws. The Benchmades I have, can be pushed with one finger on the side no problem.

[@patrickz2565]

Jam a bit into the gap between the plastic to keep the manix lock fully open, and leave it for a few days. Check every 8-12 hours, and you will make it perfect. Or just buy an aftermarket spring for a couple bucks.

[@thomasschilleci3470]

Once you use a axis lock u won't want another type lock

[@larrymarsico4059]

Man oh man... I miss my 940-1 So, soooo damn much!🥺😟😫 I keep saying I've GOTTA get another 940-1 ASAP, but I just can NOT afford to drop like $250-$300 on one right now🥺😟😫😭 I REALLY can NOT even wait until I can FINALLY pick myself one up again!!! Mine was as close to a perfect one you could get! Centering was dead nuts! Zero bladebplay! Very smooth, drop shutty action🤤

[@SeemsLogical]

I said the same thing when I got mine. The 940-1 isn't that rare of a knife and its common to find a used one on one of the knife forums. I got mine through BladeForums: www.bladeforums.com/forums/for-sale-folding-knives-individual.892/ You may have to be patient but I would imagine that someone will have offered one up within a couple weeks.

[@brandonconley2705]

You hit 20,000 subs hell yeah congrats!!

[@mosab643]

Do you still have the same opinion on their pricing compared to the quality of their knives?

[@mosab643]

@@just9911 I don't think even their 940s are safe from qc issues.

[@daddygc871]

I have a 940 and 940 -2. Both have no blade play and are drop smutty. Ordered online

[@thomasschilleci3470]

Oh yeah I do love the 940..I have 5 of them..I bought a bugout when it first came out. I like the color blue and it cost me about 120. I didn't like the feel and it was too light..I was always feeling it too make sure it was still there. I ended up selling it for 50. Bucks.

[@scott.j1]

how has the quality been of your 5 940s? I've seen other reviews that their QC has not been too good.. seen some other reviews of their omega springs breaking down. I really want the 940-1, even at today's $315 price point, but not if it's gonna break down on me

[@thomasschilleci3470]

@scott.j.808 I rotate several of my benchmades about once a week cutting the usual things and I haven't broken any springs yet. I got my first Benchmade about 2007..the barrage..and I haven't used any of my other knives since

[@scott.j1]

@@thomasschilleci3470 awesome, thanks for the reply! definitely getting one of the 940s or 945s! my first benchmade

[@jacobstout9769]

Agreed, bugout scales are disgusting, 940 all the way. I finally handled a bugout a week or so ago and hated it. It feels so cheap. The 940 is already lightweight and is a far superior knife compared to the bugout.

[@brockstewart2147]

Love my 940s

[@libbya2]

I personally love the grivory handles on the bugout.

[@trex8693]

940-2 & Minireflex II, Best EDC from BM.

[@christianhaykus452]

Me who has the 940 and the bugout *GOD*

[@JOMO_EDC]

I like both the 940 and Bugout. My Bugout is in Ti I’ve never handed a Bugout with factory scales.

[@James_Edward59]

I bought a 940-1 a while back and I couldn’t stand the fact that it had blade play and then on top of that it was super smooth so it had no grip and then I had adjust the screw to make it open and close smoother which gave it even more blade play and then it also wasn’t centered and for $250 it just wasn’t worth it so I sent it back but I’ve always wanted to give it a chance again so I might just get one soon and find a happy medium between blade play and smoothness. I prefer no blade play over having a smooth action though.

[@davidcox331]

Wow. Really nice, in depth review. Well done.

[@Cry42]

Personally, I'd go for a Bugout with aftermarket scales over the 940. Hoping they release a bugout with upgraded blade steel, and not as a sprint run.

[@Zellar100]

Is this spring open assisted ?

[@killough71010]

No.

[@Cameron_OKG]

My 940-2001 had screws that were flush on the inside of the titanium . But not my bugout .

[@justonemoreknaf]

MC: Honey I found another knife like that custom OTF I reviewed the other week that has the same colors as my wedding ring. I didn’t get that custom but I can’t pass up a second knife that would always remind me of you and our love......honey.......honey. Damn she didn’t fall for it again. Better luck next time MC.

[@dlee8237]

I have the same blade play issue on the bugout 535-3! I do like my 945's action the best. It's super smooth with no play! Why can't they all be like that!

[@lovethemetals5164]

Those thumb studs are Not original to that knife

[@ireneswasey3688]

I have one... and I love it!

[@Goosemooose]

Yay new vid thanks made my day

[@soltvr4215]

How about the NEW 535-3 (it's a bugout with the same benchmade carbon fiber scales. 🤷

[@BenCase88]

I would love to have one but not $315 enough. If it were $215 I'd have already bought one. I do have the carbon fiber Bugout Mini and it is nice but I still feel I paid too much. I don't feel that way when I buy Spyderco knives. I will probably cave and get one of these eventually.

[@Nkdc333]

If you want a Benchmade with CF and s90v steel that slices better, then the new 565-1 mini freek probably suits you. Not as long as a blade and currently selling about $30 above the $230 Amazon price for the 940-1. But I have the Super Freek and that blade geometry slices really nicely. Granted the M4 may have something to do with that (not sure how it compares to s90v exactly, other than I understand it retains an edge similarly and is [possibly= tougher]. Personally, I like my 940-2 but agree with most everything said in this video. The action on mine is AMAZING. But it's not like a super slicer, even though it tears through mundane EDC tasks like cardboard super well. I think too much is made of razor sharpness generally. The sliciness of my bugout is clear, but it has less weight behind it so it paradoxically requires more work.

[@ZoneCrasher]

Nothing beats a 535-3 for that purpose. Freek series are not aesthetically appeasing compared to the 535 Bugouts.

[@lamborghiniempanada7586]

Got this knife brand new for 170 best knife deal I have ever encountered

[@thomaslanders6244]

I have 3-940’s left that are set perfect. I don’t like the blade sloppy loose. Perfect is when it drops shut slow and the blade gets sucked into handle. The biggest problem is the damn finicky pivot screw and that they back out easily.

[@brokcen2748]

Have you used loctite? That fixed it for me

[@whalehands]

Benchmade is doing a different grind on their blades. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@ZoneCrasher]

This 940-1 is modified. Wrong thumb-studs and wrong pocket clip. My guess why it has blade play is because it has not been broken in as the washers look new and shiny. The pivot was probably loosened for it to drop freely.

[@paulb322]

I agree the 940 overall may be the superior to the Bugout (especially in toughness ) but now that you can get one in 20cv with G10 ......

[@drameday]

There are people that don’t like or eat the skin on their apples. I have a cousin who used to skin his apples when we were kids. I’d have mine finished while he was still peeling.

[@jojojeep1]

I have the same exact knife with the same pocket clip you can pick them up for $232 very rarely though

[@lexspeelman8464]

I have a feeling that the dumb stuts come from a blau bugout

[@willtrax71]

I have an old 940 and it’s incredibly smooth and I agree I can’t stand any blade play whatsoever. I primarily buy Benchmade but I think the Knives without liners are way overpriced like the 535 and especially the 940. I’ve heard of Butterfly Tax but not the Claw Rape of Microtech lol. I own a Mini Infidel so I accept the Butterfly Tax lol but hate Grivory.. WTF is that anyway??!!

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

The 940 has liners

[@itsdylanfool9490]

Is s30 tougher than s90 ?

[@metal_complex]

Yes. Substantially. S90v has better edge retention though

[@brokcen2748]

Also easier to sharpen. By a long shot

[@riverrunner23]

I got one of the REI editions earlier this year, usng their 20% off coupon and my REI end of year dividend to ease the $ pain a little. Glad I finallly did it.

[@JW-pj1zd]

Nice. Easing the sticker price on a lot of the knives we like is a great thing!!

[@Doublebit-pk1el]

I also have the REI model and love it

[@johnagen3688]

Love the rei edition! !!!

[@jlogue751]

So agreed about bench made and there T6 if they put too much locked a which they sometimes do they will stretch very easily poor quality hardware

[@JW-pj1zd]

Very nice working knife. I can say that for sure!!

[@jojojeep1]

Hey metal, I guess I’m one of the lucky ones mine just loose as a goose with no blade playing it’s borderline it’s definitely borderline if I loosen the pivot a hair I would probably have play

[@lexspeelman8464]

Still a interesting video thank you very much for all the info you give in jour videos

[@eheritage21]

I’ve been wanting to get this for awhile but can’t buy a benchmade right now. The quality is horrible for what they charge. Bought a bugout recently and same ol benchmade, cruising off their rep. If ganzo can grind even with no play blade why can’t benchmade?

[@jamespragerjr.9814]

The 535-3 bugout is the same scales!

[@metal_complex]

That's correct

[@tonyochoa7097]

I prefer the 943-pointier and slicier

[@Darth_Flip]

5 Spydercos, 4 Benchmades, 3 ZTs my wallet said no more knives lol

[@joshr805]

if anyone is wondering i just bought this and its currently $310 USD

[@johngordon2929]

Handle is to thin doesn't really fit comfortable in my hand I just avoid it. Contego 810 big brother for me.

[@1993wethebest]

I’d compare this to the zt 0707

[@jojojeep1]

That’s funny when people compare Chinese knives to American I worked for myself for many years, as I settle down into semi retirement I went to work for a friend of mine because I can call my own hours. He pays me $35 an hour, you’re not gonna get that in China so people do know what you’re talking about they’re just being thickheaded

[@wretchpin]

My 940-1 has very slight blade play...I'm almost ashamed of it.

[@tallica4life81]

I have the -2 and am about to sell it because it’s not slicey enough for me. Maybe a 943 would be better for me but I’m just not into the thumb studs. My 940-2 is super slick smooth. It’s 2 years old. It’s insane how smooth it is. I just don’t use it ever. I even had ApostleP put an edge on it two months ago and the only cutting I did was on paper checking out the edge and that was it. Placed it in my car and never touched it again. Time to move on.

[@jolIyjoeker]

Just received my 940-1 and I am not fond of the carbon fiber scales at all. I do not like the feel of it and most important the knife is obnoxiously and unnecessarily light. I almost dropped it because the knife is so blade heavy. The s90v blade seems legit but I will be returning it immediately for the original 940 because I know I will prefer weight and feel of the aluminum scales.

[@theknifeguy9513]

I hated the 940 until I handled this version

[@randyf.9188]

I'm in the minority that prefers the 943.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

That is a damn nice knife but even the most basic 940 is way too expensive

[@Foxrock321]

Dual Sport Survival yeah right ? This is going for $272 on BHQ..

[@arrowheads46]

@@Foxrock321 exactly and compared to what?

[@joshuagallardo3326]

$350 in November ‘22 😢

[@Foxrock321]

Don’t own ANY Benchmade currently and I own 100’s of knives..but if I were to buy a Benchmade I’d add this one to my hurd...that’s why I don’t have BM..too inconsistent.

[@Steviewayright]

I don't care about "drop smooth" or even the axis lock in general. I really admire the 940's, but what prevents me from getting one is their reputation for having blade play and those darn unpredictable omega springs.

[@1993wethebest]

They’re being greedy because you can get any ZT which is made in the same state as BM with better materials for less lolol

[@thomaswhite4615]

If the action is shit and it has blade play, why is this knife still considered so great....maybe in its day it was acceptable but I do not get it.

[@ireneswasey3688]

Very important to buy American Made...........

[@johnagen3688]

AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@commandlion8667]

Too much role-.playing bologna .