Benchmade 945BK-1 - The Mini 940 is HERE!!!

The new, smaller 940 is finally here!!!
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[@richusc26]

A 940 in the Custom shop would be a Dream come true! Please Benchmade Do It!

[@jmn-5554]

My exact thoughts

[@jmn-5554]

The price would be outrageous though

[@Plunz]

We need the mini bugout in the custom shop. What were they thinking when they only gave us an orange and stormtrooper one?

[@richusc26]

@@Plunz right not really sure what customer base they were after with orange and white mini bugs

[@grizzlycountry1030]

I'd just do away with the purple.

[@pop4803]

I know people hate the clip but it was Warren Osbornes original design. I like it for the comfort.

[@cjanie19]

Really surprised they went with S30v. It’s fine for a steel, but you would think they would use 20cv or something for the price.

[@mjc7778]

That would be adding value to their blades without cost and Benchmade does not do that without a big jump in price.

[@wasawasablingbling]

The Valet is M390, full liners, and deep carry clip for the same price

[@Didier090765]

I think this 945BK-1 and its (hopefully many) successors will be a massive hit, thanks for sharing!👍

[@yornoc318]

$ 119 on BladeHQ Memorial Day Weekend 2021. Great deal!

[@bruhmoment7362]

I bought it too! absolute amazing deal!

[@esoteric5277]

Yesss😁 I was gonna wait for a Black Friday or X-mas sale to pick up a classic, but I just couldn't let this pass me by🤗

[@Wayfarer45]

Meh, anything it can do my Rat 2 can do, and I'm not dropping that kinda money for a smaller 940, sorry Benchmade.

[@Hekubis258]

Battle to the death between the 945 and Mini Super Freek? Would really love to see that comparison.

[@SliceyDicey]

That's a great shout actually.

[@flytheskymyway]

I predict the Mini Super Freek prevails.

[@Hekubis258]

@@SliceyDicey s90v is an obvious advantage, but if Benchmade makes more variants of the 945 in the future I think those two will be a debate for a lot of people.

[@GabrielShadowArcher]

I don't really feel like this should be a sub in for people who need a little big larger knife than the Mini-Grip, that place is already perfectly taken by the seriously under-rated Mini-Presidio 2.

[@johnadames8460]

Love that pocket you whipped out to demonstrate the fit. Unexpected, funny but effective. 😂 Thanks for the great review.

[@alpine1600s]

The Butterfly Tax. 🤣 So, us Americans should throw Benchmades into the bay in protest?🤔

[@joe_a_photo]

I was thinking about getting a full sized 940 but I ended up going with the TRM atom instead. The 945 looks great. I’m surprised the 940 wasn’t one of the first knives in the custom shop

[@OGBladeReviews]

Nice that BM used G10, as aluminum handles finish wear prematurely and don't seem to have the same traction in the hand, are cold to the touch, etc..... Thanks for this offering!

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

Love it! That's a gorgeous looking blade. I've always been a fan of the little blades, esp in black. Great video as always. Happy Thanksgiving!🦃🍻

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

I do have a Mini Grip, and don't like it...too small. I thought the mini would fit the pocket better (the full size Grip is a bit "fat" in my pocket for EDC), but the mini is uncomfortably tiny. This Mini 940 will probably work out for a "gentleman's knife" but it seems to be too tiny for a EDC in my opinion. It looks to be about the size of the Delica, maybe smaller. I'll wait to see what some of the "other" manufacturers do with the "axis" lock. Edit:- Great video review!

[@tvalkyrie]

Got mine @ GPKnives! It's just great! Perfect size for EDC & very light. The black/ blue color look good together. Thx for the review. 💌👱‍♀️

[@randallkelley3599]

I paid $94.00 for my first 940, with 154cm, and black bluing on the clip. Ya, its way over 25 years old, but still a great knife.

[@bahjinelson3986]

Blade length vs handle length. Does the overall length of a knife matter? I don't think so. Make blade lengths that are legal and/or manageable. Make handle lengths that are comfortable. So what if the blade doesn't take up the whole handle. I'm not saying not to make small, pocket friendly knives; make those too. A custom shop should allow different blades in different handles where possible. Whenever a knife is miniaturized the handle can get too small and unwieldy for some who just want a legal, but easy to handle knife.

[@spydercoslacker7466]

Exactly why the para 3 is so good and people still complain of the blade to handle ratio.

[@flytheskymyway]

Great points. The 940 could be slicier and I’d prefer it actually BUT I use mine for the really rough jobs because the blade is tougher. I would be reserved about torquing my Bugout or Chaparral.

[@81ghale]

I’m definitely grabbing one of these. The scales are just like the 943(?) the drop point version. I always hated that blade but the scale colors are my favorite. The 940-2 has green stand offs I think.

[@appleztooranges]

It’s $210 now lol. I got it barely used for $105

[@danofiremano]

I have this knife & medium gloved hands, but I'm really not as impressed with it as I thought I would be. My collection currently has 3 940's in it & I like them better than this one!

[@stevenlachance8576]

940 original needs an hollow grind blade.

[@ronfry5851]

Wait a minute let me get to straight les knife same price?

[@caseytyler8326]

I preordered mine a month ago and it still hasn’t shipped stupid bladehQ

[@mj1653]

I canceled literally every preorder from blade hq this year because other retailers got knives way earlier.

[@caseytyler8326]

@@mj1653 yeah shits ridiculous :/

[@cbwelch4]

Butterfly tax for me = Hogue Deka

[@twai8036]

You can get it at BladeHQ for around $140 right now!

[@garyjones6357]

119.99 as of today.

[@boysnthahood99]

nice pants shot man...

[@Nkdc333]

After I tried the Hogue Deka, Benchmade lost me. I’ve already sold off a couple and don’t miss them.

[@usmc2msu213]

And?

[@blackadder1966]

Could you please include some zt knives for size comparison especially the 0450. The 0450 is my favourite knife, but i would love something say 20% smaller for a hitch and timber type organiser.

[@executivemilk1]

I have the 940-1701. If GoingGear did the same exclusive in this mini variant, I'd jump on in it quickly. Would love a smaller, slicier one. I can see the 945 as being a popular dealer exclusive. I'm also excited to see what all they come up with. Great video as always brotha!

[@JesseAdams]

It's weird they didn't just keep the same naming convention like the 945-1 being CF s90v, that being a 945-2 and so on.

[@pughenry1588]

That blade looks very similar to my mini grip modified sheep’s foot with s30v steel. I got the coated version with the fantastic “spydy hole” for $112. Trying to figure out why this is priced so high.

[@BrandonMeyer1641]

I’ve been pretty happy with the size of the 940 fits my hand perfectly. Compared to yours my hands seem to be slightly bigger. I rock my 940 without a clip and it’s so nice not having any hot spots. And I can just slide it in my pocket next to my phone or wallet.

[@jonr1510]

I was about to order until I saw the price. Get a mini grip in s30v for $70 less or a g10 mini grip in 20cv for around the same price. Not trying to hate. I just don't get it

[@happysensyhappysensy670]

Leather Pocket Knife Sheath with magnets -- no clip

[@MattP-BandB]

Interesting. Not for me with my big gorilla hands but, I get it. Gonna be a big seller guaranteed.

[@lanced3256]

Great review sir thanks for the review I now know I must have one. Tx again!!

[@reasonablenamehere]

The 940 was created to be the working man's "one and done" knife. It is actually quite popular with mechanics. I have seen them take a great deal of prying force that I figured would have broken the blade. I personally would prefer a thin, slicey 940, but it's a reasonable tradeoff for such a versatile knife.

[@Krazyabe]

Would love a custom shop 940. Only reason I don't have one is I don't like the colors they use.

[@randyf.9188]

I don't get the satin Axis, my 943 is the same way. 🤷‍♂️

[@sipsimies1588]

That looks alot better than the full size, i wish they made the full size a bit taller, it look so out of proportion how it is now

[@JesseAdams]

I'd absolutely want a titanium M4 940 custom

[@tpk6285]

This knife would definitely be better in my hands. Love my 940-1 but I think this would feel better

[@alpine1600s]

Configure a more rational price?🤔

[@alanmw86]

940 is too damn small for my hands as it is.

[@mickkeim4142]

My size for sure, just not my price.

[@markherrera829]

Great review Bryan. Happy Thanksgiving to y'all.

[@briandourn2900]

I think imma stick w the Valet

[@pixeljedi8472]

Why? At least it's overpriced.

[@FYLbingbong]

awesome looking knife great video

[@JosheyG34]

Does 8t have the liner

[@nicodiaz627]

Do you think Warren Osborne would have approved this shrinkage? I love the 940, I may give the smaller version a try.

[@SliceyDicey]

Allegedly, he'd already started on the design.

[@mjc7778]

Good review as always. You points seem spot on.

[@beerbladesgear]

I have mine on order at Blade HQ. Can't wait to get it!

[@bp-hx9ts]

Wish they put the 940 and a couple others in the custom shop and it would also be great if they made the 940 thinner but I’ll take a smaller 940 lol

[@blazel462]

How would the 945-1 compare to the Hogue Ritter RSK Mk1 G2 Mini?

[@terpdx]

I have both. The action on the 945 is better, but the Mini RSK is still very good. In fact, I probably prefer the action on the RSK. The 945 blade drops shut SO easily that the blade can "bounce" after it hits close and slightly open back up again. The locks are essentially identical. The grip on the Mini RSK is larger and a fills your hand better, but it also has too much texture. The grip feels like sandpaper. When you clip it on, you're worried the grip will tear up your pants. Sanding it down a bit is pretty much a necessity. The handle on the 945, conversely, is tiny. It fits in that little coin pocket that's inside the front pocket of your jeans. Also, the grip texture is too smooth for my liking. It's the smoothest surface I've ever seen on a G-10 handle. Blade-wise, the 945 is perfectly fine, but the Mini RSK blade is 20CV and also costs 20% less than the 945. Not that one steel is better than the other, but the Mini RSK feels like it's priced correctly. The 945, like most Benchmades, costs about 30% more than it's worth. So, if small size is your priority, you want something relatively easy to sharpen, and you don't mind paying the butterfly tax, go for the Benchmade. If you're looking for something with tougher steel with slightly better edge retention that's closer to the size of a Para3, while being a much better value than the 945, go for the Mini RSK.

[@blazel462]

@@terpdx that’s a nice review. Thanks for your time to write it! I like the idea of that sized 945, but I already have a 940, and I think that is a perfect size EDC for me. So considering that plus what you wrote, I am leaning towards the RSK at this point.

[@Strow1stofHisName]

They are out of their minds charging that much for a smaller knife. No way that knife has any reason to be over $125 imo. Even that would be pushing it.

[@spydercoslacker7466]

Well $150 would be a more fair price compared to their other knives, mainly the 940-2.

[@deltafunction0]

I have been wanting a mini Osborne forever, glad it's here, but too expensive and the blue liner seems a bit much. The mini bugout seems to be the better option. The pocket clip is disappointing. It's sub 3 inches for a reason, for legal carry, you'd think they'd give us a clip like on the mini bugout.

[@SliceyDicey]

The deep carry clip is really uncomfortable on it.

[@ytJnC]

I considered the Mini Bugout, but the plastic handle susceptibility to twisting was a no go. By the time you replace the scales with something more robust, the price is about the same as the mini Osborne.

[@deltafunction0]

@@SliceyDicey the term "deep carry" is so watered-down now, it's like a real estate agent calling it a "gourmet kitchen" or calling the Miata a "sports car". What does that even mean nowadays. Deep carry pocket clips should allow a very small amount of knife to show, if any at all. The mini bugout has a deep carry pocket clip. The Protech Malibu has a deep carry pocket clip. The top of the clip loops up above the screws and ends at the top of the knife. This knife does not have a deep carry pocket clip, this is just a pocket clip.

[@deltafunction0]

@@ytJnC true, but for what the knife is used for, I don't think it needs something more robust. That knife is meant for opening packages containing other knives. That's where it shines. I wouldn't expect to be whittling with it. That said, I think they could have sacrificed a bit more weight for a bit more rigidity. You're right in that regard. Anything less than 2 ounces is imperceptible in the pocket. Going 1.5 ounces is possibly too light for its own good.

[@ashmerch2558]

940-2 has green barrel spacers my friend

[@SliceyDicey]

Ah yeah... That must be why I never got one.

[@1130jawz]

@@SliceyDicey I didn’t like the green either, it grew on me and almost wish the thumb studs were green too, almost.

[@ashmerch2558]

@@SliceyDicey dont blame ya.. But those blue ones on the 940-1 are awesome, add S90V and this past spring, for a couple weeks Amazon had them listed for $234.99. thats where I got mine

[@ashmerch2558]

@@1130jawz I had to buy matching thumb studs of eBay 🙄🙄

[@adamtimmins3035]

I'd be up for a larger size 940 with a 4" blade.

[@MrLuckeastwood]

I always wanted a larger 940. I really hate this lol. Different strokes for different folks I guess. Great video may God bless brother.

[@rodneypearson6986]

I've had mine a few days now and I'm pleasantly surprised it's better than I expected i love the knife but for the price it should have been better steel. Sure hope Benchmade has new steel offerings on the way for the coming year maybe a auto mini version 🤔 HappyThanksgiving to you and yours !!