Benchmade 940: The Knife That Revolutionized EDC

[@SekeNoLike]

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

[@NPonlamuangsri]

The buck 110 is the knife of our grandfathers. The Benchmade 940 is the knife our grandchildren will associate with us.

[@jaysgood10]

That’s pretty bold.

[@frwd87]

I agree with that except the price difference. You could buy 2-3 110 for the price of one 940.

[@jimdobbs1861]

Not my grandkids.

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

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.

[@AlU-yp1mj]

Summed up perfectly. Not to say I don’t enjoy the 110

[@gregmerner3632]

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!

[@andrewp318]

943 was the first Benchmade knife I had ever purchased and it immediately became my favorite until I met the (super) Freek.

[@b4idie2]

I literally just got my 940 today in the classic green! I love it!

[@DylanLey]

Really loving all these informational videos from you guys! I also love how you get the community involved with the photo submissions!

[@MichaelTV44]

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.

[@BladeHQ]

I agree. To many, it is THE knife to own. To me personally, the Spyderco Sage is on that list too. -Jim

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Same. Between the 940 and the 535. They made me sell 80% of my collection because they're all I carry now.

[@justinlabar1733]

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.

[@MichaelBassVideos]

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.

[@levelonup0314]

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!?!

[@w_stew8912]

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!

[@BladeHQ]

Well shoot, sorry to hear that! Here's hoping it comes tomorrow. -Jim

[@michaeldinsmore8873]

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.

[@robcarr8505]

tdc's knife was so beautiful!!! I'm glad he won. All of them were beautiful!!

[@vetgunto1816]

Awesome - favorite was the brass handled modded variant. Beautiful and rugged.

[@BladeHQ]

Have you seen the forced patina on brass scales? Those look super sleek! - Branson

[@MrJeffb51]

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.

[@tombowling8890]

Don't carry the 940 enough, because there's a 710 in my pocket most days.

[@markhickman3372]

Thats bescar 940 is gorgeous 😍

[@thunderlyte3221]

That last picture of the star wars knives wins its amazing!

[@Ryan_the_tinz]

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.

[@BladeHQ]

That's a great idea! Consider it noted. -Jim

[@diezelvh4133]

940 with spyderco k390 coated blade would make it a perfect knife.

[@flytaniumofficial]

Much love guys! Those 945s look minty with our scales! We may be a little biased though... 😉😉

[@caesarskiba9008]

One year too late... Darn it!... How I wish could have won one by voting! My dream EDC! 😮‍💨

[@mr.painfultruth2771]

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

[@johnagen3688]

Bugouts rock! I doubt you will have any regrets. It's a fantastic knife.

[@isaiah_b_3798]

My favorite is the 940 PM2.

[@diverson63]

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...

[@stevemastbaum]

Lol. My friend sharpened my 940 on a work sharp and turned the tip into a Spey Blade!

[@schreiber6220]

943 is 🔥🔥🔥

[@BladeHQ]

I know! I wish they still made it! -George

[@jasonedens3778]

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.

[@alexanderbender3082]

I like the ragular 940 with the aluminum in green. What can I say, I'm traditional.

[@sacareapyro6326]

benchmade needs to start making big knives again like yhe onslaught or the auto bedlam

[@The4cp]

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.

[@BladeHQ]

A 948 jumbo would be really cool! -Jim

[@johnagen3688]

An XXL 940 would be sweet like 4 or 4.5 inches!

[@nickmartino2839]

I love my 940

[@flamingballzonice]

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.

[@TheLaser373]

I have most of 940/941, in any colors or limited editions....have to make a video.

[@knifedaddy5791]

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!

[@BladeHQ]

Now that would be cool- a 940 OTF! -Jim

[@timrodriguez1]

🤘🤠

[@Hungrybird474]

😂😂😂😝 some people think it’s too big ? I guess laws are laws . It’s so slim and light and so safe to use . I high,y reccomend a bm 940 not for the looks but for what it is and how it has performed for me personally is no disappointment .

[@1Hannigan1]

Mines green.

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

It's a knife I don't even have but they're cool.

[@airtadeo8570]

bring back the 943!!!

[@DavidBajayo]

These guys have a great selection. However their shipping is not as fast as they say.

[@tangoyankee7521]

NOTHING BEATS THE SYPDERCO PARA 3...

[@dash8465]

Great edc, but I wouldn’t say it revolutionized edc… that’s the confluence of the AFCK, Spyderco, and Emerson, followed quickly by the Sebenza… then finally the Axis and 940.

[@BladeHQ]

Good point- there were a lot of innovations leading up to it. -Jim

[@CrashCarson14]

I wanna see the red one

[@blablablablabittybla561]

Someone explain why I can’t get one tip down.

[@johndodson4511]

Thought it was too big? Shame on everyone that feels that way. To make the 940 perfect add 1 inch to the blade. To anyone that says contego. It was discontinued before I discovered it. Also from the specs I've seen it's double the weight for only 1/2 inch more blade. So it's not the same at all.

[@BladeHQ]

I would love to see a jumbo version of this knife, the yet-to-be-developed Benchmade 947. -Jim

[@ryanthorne5432]

I’ve had a 941 for a decade or so, and it is still one of my favorites. The balance is amazing.

[@BladeHQ]

That's awesome you've had it for so long! It's one of our favorites too. -Jim

[@choochtech]

@@BladeHQ I crashed and it slid out my pocket and I am devastated that I cant find it. Thats the worst part, losing it

[@nickymamolaable]

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.

[@Lonespark]

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.

[@ricksmith7232]

Keep it rolling for another few decades!

[@BrenThayer]

Not so young, still so dumb.

[@colelolol237]

Wish theyd bring back the 943 clip point version of this

[@jeffw4942]

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

[@justauser]

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 😅

[@richardvirchow3390]

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…!!

[@Canelas_77]

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!

[@zachsowell8845]

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.

[@nickmartino2839]

You definitely can't mention benchmade or the 940 without talking about zach..... he is mr.benchmade lol

[@Truenorthbuilding]

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 )

[@BladeHQ]

Glad to hear it, and thanks for the positive feedback- we appreciate it! -Jim

[@nickmartino2839]

Zac and Ben..... Kurt Jamie and main man Trevor...... we must not forget... lol and kyle

[@badmatt4162]

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!

[@Truenorthbuilding]

@@nickmartino2839 such good content and editing

[@johnnyxmusic]

@@badmatt4162Looks like he just cut himself with it.

[@officialMainspring]

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.

[@TheVivVic]

Same here. Just amazing quality by BM in 2002. Was my only edc until 2016.

[@killainmaccallan4700]

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.

[@erhon5]

The 940 is an awesome knife. I kinda like the standard green the best but love the variety that it is getting these days

[@manifestgtr]

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.

[@mattconklin4026]

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 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@AnotherWatchChannel]

New to knives…my last name is Osborne…I must have this knife…lol

[@reesebroekhoven3962]

George the "sandbox" is no more and with all the bs that went on at the very end out of respect for the people left behind I'd stop saying bring it to the sandbox

[@shroob731]

The regular 940 was my first big boy knife. I just snagged a 943 off ebay.

[@tylershelton2697]

Well hell now I gotta spend like 2k on benchmades

[@chrisallan4591]

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.

[@isaiahbarnett9062]

Cool! Wish I was old enough to be able to afford it! But I'm 14 and can't 😭. Could you guys do a good edc knives for teens video? That would help me a lot in picking my next knife! Also do you have any stickers or a goodie pack that would be cool!

[@Snurker]

I'm currently waiting for my first Benchmade knife. I purchased a 940-1, i hope it holds up to its reputation!

[@johnagen3688]

How are you liking it?! I love mine! Congrats on your first Benchmade knife! What an awesome first Benchmade to boot!!!!

[@Snurker]

@@johnagen3688 I absolutely love it. Sharp as heck, retains the edge extremely well, light and looks so good.

[@renniesmith8073]

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.

[@BladeHQ]

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

[@ryanfriley8199]

I vote for the ones from TDC_Daily_Carry

[@JosheyG34]

M4 or m390 945 for reasonable price

[@johnagen3688]

Good gawd that would be cool!

[@TannerWendellStewart]

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 :)

[@BladeHQ]

Thanks for the positive feedback! Sounds like you have some great choices for EDC. -Jim

[@ArmandoJF33]

I really like this episode, I hope it becomes a series. Need to do the Paramilitary 2 next!!

[@tylerrohn6938]

Please get the jade/M4 back in stock!

[@Cole3418]

I love that star wars beskar version. So many cool versions of the knife.

[@matthewglebus8162]

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

[@jacobatkins6978]

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.

[@justinlabar1733]

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.

[@BladeHQ]

It's hard to beat the 940, exceptional knives that'll handle everything you know at them! -Branson

[@jasonlotz8246]

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.

[@DaVinci740]

I have the 945 and I love it, though I did just switch it out for the 535

[@pnw_machinist]

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.

[@johnagen3688]

Rei exclusive is so under rated! I love that version too!!!!

[@jt6648]

The titanium micarta looks the best

[@SD-tr3du]

Benchmade 940 in Cruwear

[@connormako4455]

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.

[@niklasbecher8968]

Great call of BHQ to involve the community and makers they don't carry on their site!👍🏻

[@BladeHQ]

We appreciate a good knife, no matter where it came from! -George

[@Deibodese]

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.

[@The4cp]

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.

[@TS-kw6vr]

Love the 940 always wanted one but just can’t justify the price. My vote goes to the titanium scales with micarta bolster.

[@alexanderjackson2855]

Mine comes in today from you guys

[@BladeHQ]

Glad to hear it, thank you for your purchase! If you ever need anything, we are here for you. -Jim

[@AGC828]

So only the "940" has the bac spacer? -1 and -2 does NOT have it. Someone's Yt video...maybe KnifeCentre showed one 840 with a Ti backspacer....was that an aftermarket part swapped in?? Benchmand needs to start putting in "FULL metal liners" in tgheir knives...the 840 line, Bugout, Griptilian.....

[@AllFouRoux]

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.

[@jimamber3405]

Two decades does not make a legend - Buck 110,112,119.....Now those are 50-60 year old legends

[@metallyillmark]

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.

[@szabolcskiraly6323]

2:42, no it'not. Gravity is illegal. It's force and mass and torque and practice. It'FUN. That's why..... 😀

[@OLMmedic]

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

[@ryanrott5917]

I have the 940s also and I can't find anything about it anywhere and they do not sell it anymore

[@BX138]

I have a few dozen knives in my collection. Two years ago, I got a 940, and now that's all I carry.

[@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149]

I hew both it several years ago and 940 is in my front pocket , and for his size wich is perfect :) and crazy low wait it has abaut 70 grams wich is nothing. And I both grean with purple beck spacer and I use it ewry day. Before him I hew yust trying with Microtech Ultrateck and its ok but its not for mee, and Kizer sheep foot also good knife but too much space in pocket consumes. Cos in front right pocket is 940 and something soft must bee wit him cos of rubing i pair it with my Ear Buds ,and in litle yeans pocket are always my EarBuds so those two is in one pocket and I low it,and now after I don't know 2,3 ares I found my perfect EDC + all other small but useful things I daily use and cary.

[@AdMan-The-LabRat]

One Wife + One Knife = Two Plus Decades EDC (Partially serrated satin 154CM Reverse sheepsfoot, green aluminum scales with a purple anodized aluminum back spacer) Clip says Benchmade USA.

[@eggception3161]

loving the idea of brass scales on a hardworking knife, i'd pay to see the patina on this beauty in 10 years time.

[@garyhopkins8994]

I watched this video because its all about 940's. I have one that I bought new that has red scales, antennae on the butterfly, green spacer and black blade marked 99/100. What can anyone tell me about when it was made? It's in nice shape, just carried it like a BBQ knife. My goto was always and still is AFCK. Wish I could post pics for better ID.

[@Patriot-rising]

The 9400 is a brilliant auto! And I love the 940's and thet are so easy to customize. I however do not agree with the 9400 and a few things said. We do not all love the purple titanium back spacer. I do I have both options one with a black blade and one in silver. But I do wish Benchmafe had more handle ( scales ) colors available. Black , blue , two tone black and red .. just different color schemes. I am prior military so at one time the green was cool. But a civilian model with other options would be nice. The 9400 really doesn't have the aftermarket options available like the 940..

[@LonestarTaoboy]

Please explain what is a Reverse Tanto. It was a marketing term created by Benchmade for it's release in 2000. Is there a Forward Tanto, or perhaps Inverted or upside down Tanto. If so, why isn't there a secondary tip and edge? The answer is that there is no such thing as a Reverse Tanto unless the secondary tip and edge are sharpened. See the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5DSkGmtgcasl5o it explains in further detail. Referring a knife shape to a Reverse Tanto defies logic and should cease. Spey, Coping, Kirisute, and Gyuto existed long before this advertising ploy from Benchmade.

[@schaind11]

My first 940 is the first 940. It's marked 'Pre-production 508/1000'.