How I carried the Benchmade 945 through an existential crisis

[@P1015532oni]

After surviving the Afghanistan war I was deployed to, an intense realization came to me that I was just a spec of dust in the universe. No one will remember me outside my direct family a few weeks after my funeral if I would die in combat. Or even just die in general. I realized that I don’t even know my great-great grand parents’ names. And in turn, the 4th generation after me will not know my name. But you know what? strangely enough, instead of filling me up with harrowing depression, the realization actually gave me peace. I don’t have to please everybody anymore. Just the ones who will actually miss me when I’m gone. The ones who I actually love, and love me back.

[@randysterling4700]

Sir please take it easy on the compulsive masterbation it seems like it will make things better but only ever make it worse. Regards, Randy

[@onionwife8507]

Love this!!! Agree 100%

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Don't have a close relationship at all with my siblings so when my dad who's 80 is gone I will be forgotten while alive well except for by my dog. Spent my time in combat then then fire/ems service and now law enforcement that if it's my time I will die one way or another and thus I shouldn't worry about it.

[@Bit2brain]

Reminds me of the scene in The Ghost where the hipster guy is telling those at the table they will all be forgotten about in due time like most of those that came before them.

[@wbwills2]

Word…

[@maxlvledc]

You are literally the cure for BS. Thank you for making everything better Pete.

[@Obsol1337]

Frodo: I wish none of this had happened. Gandalf: So do all that live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Also, that's one THICC zucchini you got there.

[@gregshock]

WTF?

[@andyrichardson6188]

Fredo: I'm smart and I want respect.

[@YerZippersDown]

yes

[@bkturley9964]

Big zuke energy

[@evanramsey1]

This video hit its mark. Well done. Thanks for sharing what we're all feeling, to let us know we're not alone.

[@aceman1126]

Bro, love your channel and the chocobo music made my heart smile. I know things are kinda crazy but you know what helps me when I'm feeling off and like nothing really matters? Finding someone to help and helping them. Preferably if I can do it secretly. God made all of us with unique abilities to serve and I'm always happiest and most clear headed when I'm serving. Thanks for the hard work and great vids!

[@shakantaza]

God didn't "make" us - we're arbitrary accidents that happened to survive the endless life/death cycle to evolve a complex feedback system where some collective cells evolved enough computing power to perceive their own existence. But choosing to use that momentary awareness to serve others is the best use of that cell energy.

[@mungo75]

God blessed me with unfeasibly large testicles.

[@knifeaddict1014]

@@shakantaza god most definitely did make us! You will and a lot others will soon see and believe.

[@shakantaza]

@@knifeaddict1014 Oh. Oh no. I'm sorry man. Best of luck dealing with reality eventually.

[@knifeaddict1014]

@@shakantaza better to believe then not to believe, you gonna feel really stupid and sorry one day!

[@homeslicesharpening]

I feel you on the mid-30's bro. And the state of the world. Oy. Thanks for the review Pete. Your presence makes a difference for us, thanks for all you've done 👍🏻

[@fullfire0]

Dude that dish at the beginning looked delicious!

[@o0FranklySpeaking0o]

Nom nom nom

[@JohnC29]

I have had Benchmade axis lock knives since they first came out. 154cm 710 og940 and around 30 others. I never had a spring break. They weren't pocket jewelry. I used some really hard and carried them for years.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

the only spring that ever snapped was on my bm saibu, but i bought that knife used and i flicked it like an idiot for about a year😂

[@kymcopyriot9776]

Great stuff as always Pete. After all this time…I’ve never yet purchased a Benchmade. Here in Oz the butterfly tax simply stings too hard. It’s an odd comparison but I recently ordered enough parts to rebuild the engine of one of my motorcycles, and I took a moment to reflect that the entire bundle of precision made Japanese parts…still cost less than a Benchmade 945!

[@latetodagame1892]

What?...What?

[@Zaque-TV]

Yeah they're pretty stupidly expensive.

[@happyknife8785]

what major knife brands aren't expensive in Australia? I don't think Benchmade is any more expensive than Spyderco, Lionsteel, ZT, higher end Cold Steels, the list goes on. I have about 8 Benchmade's, however carried the same one (Triage) for the last 8 years.

[@RP-ue9wy]

How much?

[@mattyflips]

@@happyknife8785 par3 pm2 $240ish benchmade around $300 plus

[@Barryhatchet]

seek joy and meaning wherever you can. time is a thief. entropy is a slow cruel master

[@scdub]

I actually liked this lower energy style of video even better. Sorry the world sucks so bad right now but glad we’ve got knives to help us find some pleasure in life. Take care and thank for putting these out - these videos are genuinely appreciated by many people, just like knives themselves. :)

[@kennethkrieb3018]

Longtime sub from the states here. It amazes me how my thoughts are pretty much spot on to yours, yet we are on opposite sides of this planet. Was re-watching some old school Uncle Randy and Knife/ Axe Police videos a couple weeks ago. Total masterpiece material. Makes the ‘comments’ section below every Wranglerstar video very fun to read. Keep up the good work, your videos always make me smile.

[@Drizsle]

This might be the single best knife review video I’ve ever seen

[@listenup455]

How are you so relatable?! Thanks for being such a breath of fresh air, mate.

[@20DYNAMITE06]

My wife rocks the 945... she loves it (and I do too). It's a great knife.

[@jaisbr]

“Everything is fake” is just another way of saying that nothing is fake

[@AxleKlown]

The 940-1 has been a great companion I love it and carry it on days I must dress above casual . You will never find me away from home with out a knife of some sort even when in a suit

[@bkturley9964]

Harvest time is bittersweet. The springtime excitement of new life and prospects will come around again. Messages from total strangers from literally the other side of the planet are trivially easy. What a beautiful and weird time to be alive

[@fredmaner6551]

I suggest you build a garden produce wash station outside. A potting bench with a garden hose sink…Your wife and the kitchen sink drain will appreciate it.

[@onionwife8507]

Yes she would! Wonderful idea!

[@johnscarborough4746]

You've really embraced the whole micro farm thing Pete and it looks like the 940/945 is a good user for you in that regard.

[@justins3791]

My main character syndrome just popped up thanks to you. I continued to push back my TSPROF purchase by buying another Hinderer this month. Now I have to keep using my edge pro. The world is not fair

[@servantofyeshua2313]

Lol the poor doggo was like I promise I’m not a spy!

[@gregtomamichel973]

Surely Bricky is your Spirit Guide through an existential crisis? Excellent as always, thanks Pete.

[@ericasedc]

GET THE 940 BACK!!!! I feel the same way. The 945 is great. But sorta feels like a toy to me. It’s just too small!

[@risenfromyoutubesashesagai6302]

I had my bugout omega spring break last year. I finally did the process of shipping it to Benchmade and got it back yesterday. I had them sharpen it too, and they sent it back in another little blue cinch pouch. I just love the bugout, its so thin and light, and completely easy for one hand use.

[@risenfromyoutubesashesagai6302]

I honestly hope they didn't burn the edge like initially. I swear I had to sharpen my buggy a good handful of times after I first got it, as it was extremely chippy. After a few passes over one of my DMT diamond stones, and it was good as normal. My other BMs in S30v don't chip, so a rookie mustve sharpened my original buggy.

[@IanPSmart]

One of the best KZbin videos I’ve ever seen

[@michealmorris3766]

That looks like a good slow-cooker stew, and I've always wanted a 940ish knife. I'll have to come back to this tomorrow, but only after feeding the algorithm.

[@Airik1111bibles]

Dang Pete , you are doing what so many dream about. Getting a homestead and making a garden work is awesome . Freaking good job bro .

[@c62west]

I love the existential crisis, chicken and garden content in the knife review video. Continue the good work. Also, I often tell people who are sick that they're blessed to be sick in a country with good medical care (vs. a developing country like the one you mentioned). P.S.: expect another crisis in about a decade and a decade later.

[@josephk5654]

My somewhat related experiences match yours. I've carried the same axis lock (The old style cold steel recon) for 18 years of mistreatment and constant fidgeting-flipping fun; and the springs still work well enough to keep going. I can't imagine the nicer benchmade version could really be any less acceptable.

[@PeaceBe123]

I’m not even playing, you and your music choices are putting me into an unnamed existential crisis.

[@thepracticalblade9013]

Best case scenario, I actively watch every second of your videos. Worst case scenario, I hear nostalgic game music.

[@7nicknames]

Great video! You should definitely get the 940 again and maybe do a long term update video once you’ve really experienced the difference that size jump makes

[@_brianm]

But imagine what Skeletool-reviewing-Pete-circa-August-2013 would think if he could see this video. The production quality. The reviewer mastery. The internet candor. The garden bounty. Chickens! Keep trucking Pete. Who knows what the next nine years could bring.

[@abetownneufeld6057]

Some really cool real life edc use in this video… thanks for sharing

[@66piperaztech]

That's the sound track from "Crush the castle"! A silly and fun video game I played as a teenager LOL!

[@averageknifeguy83]

Hey man I love the final fantasy song when you are feeding the chickens!!!! So appropriate because I believe that is the song for the Chocobos or what ever they are called!! Fantastic!

[@chadwilliam1]

Nice review and i just ordered this knife because it was on sale.

[@starkparker16]

I wish I could pull a giant zucchini from my bush

[@tombrown4683]

Lol !

[@MuscleAKAOzzy]

I got one if you really need it?;

[@randysterling4700]

Sir please do not try to fit that in your anus, it will get stuck and you will spend a small fortune at the doctor. It is not worth the short pleasure. Regards, Randy

[@michealmorris3766]

I love my axis lock Griptillian. That knife has been a pretty hard use tool for the last couple of years, and shows no signs of fatigue as yet. I even used it to shuck a couple dozen oysters for a friends birthday once.

[@EverydayCityCarry]

I always love the intros. Ive been meaning to check out a 945. Seems like it'd fit my city dweller needs of only deploying the knife open over and over. And possibly cutting a package open.

[@edsaunders1897]

Thanks for the review, Pete. I think I might go build a big statue of myself somewhere now so that people always remember me.

[@dm3639]

Ada sit. Ada stay. Ada don’t be Russian. Quality content as usual Pete. Thanks for getting me to laugh in a rough time. I have two benchmade knives. A north fork that’s never had an issue with its omega springs in five years and a bugout that has broken two springs in less than three years. Similar amounts of pocket time. I’m not sure if it varies knife to knife or model to model, but it has soured me on the axis lock. I like the bugout, but it's not worth sending back to Benchmade every year or so for maintenance.

[@GOxHAM]

Very relatable video. Haha love all the various types of humor. Stay well Pete. Thanks for the awesome content. Food looking delicious per usual!

[@BossPenguin]

Mate, feeling you. Also have the early to mid thirties blues at times, especially with the war going on. Cheers from Germany

[@jlogue751]

Cooking show showcasing cool pocket knives. Yes with wild ass Aussie animals. Double yes

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

I think the blade profile on the para 3 lends itself better to existential crisis aversion.

[@troyounce3295]

Para 3 is way too thick for how short the blade is

[@troyounce3295]

But I'd still take it over any benchmade because benchmade blows penis

[@57HEMIviken]

Until you drop it in the most fragile tip ever put on a knife, speaking from experience...

[@etherealicer]

@Omega Springs... first off, you have 2, never broke one but I assembled my knife with only one and it works (you have to pay a bit attention to the lock up). The knife even works with no omega spring, just stick a wood sliver in. I think most people worry way too much about those springs. Personally, I think you should worry more about liner-/frame-locks and cutting yourself when closing the blade (especially in a stressful situation)... and that is pretty much a no-worry.

[@martinleb23]

Thanks for the review and hope everything gonna be alright for u mate

[@spartanswerve7575]

Christmas..2019, I visit relatives for Christmas. Days later, realize my 940 is missing. I looked everywhere, to no avail. Return this last Christmas and one of my cousins approached me and asked, “is this yours?” Yes!! It is. Got him back.

[@ChinqMiau1]

940 killed/cured my knife collecting bug. Got a tray of knives, pick 940 in 99% cases. Love it.

[@yohanyonsson]

By faaaar the best reviewer!

[@johnkezima9260]

Thanks for dragging me away from the existential reckoning. Thanks for cheering me up.

[@krustysurfer]

Chips and zucchini bread for days! More awesomeness on the farm totally envious Pete, aloha

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Hi, Pete. There is a song I like to sing myself as we stare out over a Nietzschian Abyss of an uncertain and distressingly indifferent future: "Dust in the Wind...all we are is dust in the wind. Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky...and all your money won't another Benchmade buy. Dust in the wind."

[@archivist17]

Not the first guy to have an existential crisis and get his spuds out on the Internet.

[@deadvikingtrolls]

My crisis was I lost my $40 knife, went all out and replaced it with a $400 benchmade 945. I figure this is kind of like buying an unnecessary motorcycle only on a smaller scale. What's concerning is my 945 is new and I'm already customizing my second one online, fantasizing swapping out parts and starting a collection of 945's. The little knife is so nice that I'm an automatic enthusiast.

[@dlrmon1]

FYI: I’ve found the 940cf handle so light it’s blade heavy. The imbalance lead me to often drop the knife...being use to the standard 940 & 943’s. The CF is my least favorite of the 940 series.

[@johndavid9973]

I tried out the 940s at the store the other day....ended up with the 940 original it has the best feel to them all IMO.

[@dlrmon1]

Wish they still made the 943’s...I get more use from the narrower-poky blade.

[@karllager2214]

940 is a damn good knife for any type of interpersonal crisis.

[@Acuteknife]

Pete is a low key genius

[@mattconklin4026]

I have the 9400 & I like it. I am not a huge fan of aluminum scales but I'd like the mini 940

[@lewisward4359]

Ouch! Back in 1972 I tried to sell a few bushels of zucchini like that.. The greengrocer told me that is not what people want. Soon after that there started the jokes of using a chainsaw to cut the zucchinis and even had mock championships. Anyway many people continued to use them as food. Good to feed chickens and hogs or perhaps the compost pile.

[@jonbwalker]

You got me at the beginning with the chicken grab 😅. For real though, love the 8 bit music and this video hit for real.

[@miker5502]

The chicken “ just kidding!” had me laughing…thanks for that. Cheers from Nova Scotia. M.

[@MobiuSphere]

One of the benefits of the axis lock, which I almost never see mentioned, is that it is a fantastic lock for gloved hands.

[@Anthropomorphic]

Now that you mention it, it's actually kind of weird that this doesn't get talked about more when it comes to knives in general.

[@nandayane]

Thanks for posting, this review made my day.

[@krazmokramer]

What a veggie haul Pete! More veggies in your garden than in the produce section of my neighborhood grocery store. I said out loud "NO HE DID NOT!!!" when you cut up that chicken. Real nice. What's cooking in your crockpot? Recipe? Your basil plant looks great. I guess there was something about a knife, but I was paying attention to the important stuff. Thanks Pete!

[@tombrown4683]

Just when you thought there were no more knife reviewers on you tube !!! A welcome potato farming, chicken retirees video with a giant cucumber guest star !!!

[@shakantaza]

That's a zucchini mate.

[@knifeaddict1014]

@@shakantaza potatoe tomato

[@LiquidRetro]

940 is one of my favorite designs and in my top 3 of what I would keep if I had to get rid of everything. That said it carries even better with the deep carry clip IMHO.

[@jonvoightscar14]

I’m from Tennessee, USA, but we’d be friends if we lived close by each other. I’m 34 and have 3 kids. I did that stare at 1:56 the other day for like 5 mins in a restaurant.

[@ArikGST]

Back a couple years, I had a 940 where the freakin springs broke TWICE in a single year. It also suffered from lock slip. Yes, I was flipping that thing open and closed excessively, but still, I would not consider it hard use. I´ve sort of gotten away from knives during "The Pandemic", but I still edc either my Cold Steel Recon 1 or my Emerson CQC-8 Mini, and those never fail me (except for the Emerson having absolute crap steel).

[@lordov]

I agree with you that the 940 is a great looking knife. I remember long ago after watching nutnfancy video on it, I wanted one but it was the start of the knife obsession for me and I couldn’t justify the price. This video got me thinking it’s time to finally get the 940.

[@germanredneck4414]

Will there be more episodes of the "DIY Grief" series? "Man yells at fence" or "farmer waves fist against lawnmower" would be nice.

[@ras9182]

I have a 945bk-1. Found it on sale when it first came out. The 945 came out later. Love the knife. Feels great in hand and is tiny in the pocket. A great EDC knife. My main complaint is the black Blade. Would have preferred a stonewash finish as the"black" coating has worn unevenly and pisses me off when I look at it. Perhaps I could remove the back finish somehow. Any suggestions or should I consider the uneven black honor marks.

[@dadbodbeeblebrox2565]

My guy, this is an outstanding, breakout vid. I've been eating shit and doomscrolling all week but the laughs here transcend niche. Thanks.

[@randysterling4700]

Sir I understand fetishes are hard to overcome but please stop eating shit, it can make you very ill. Your health will thankyou down the road. Regards, Randy

[@dadbodbeeblebrox2565]

@@randysterling4700 good reply, no notes

[@The4cp]

Oh Pete the early 40's will be here soon! Yeah the world is just obnoxious at this point. I finally after years of avoiding it got a 940 and I regret not doing it earlier. It really is a classic. I know the 945 would not have enough size for me.

[@SmilingGator96]

I never had an issue with the omega springs either. The existential crisis on the other hand...

[@reallife3338]

Have a Benchmade 945 classic love it, but I'm really interested in is that stew you made though that looks absolutely delicious

[@timtamtomtan]

i've always wondered if you simply just wash your knife after usage for example food prep. do people run their folders under water and dry it off after something like that. and if they do what's the service interval like, after every time it gets wet? after a few times? feel like no one talks about washing a knife, only about disassembly and relube.

[@Famcia]

Best regards from Poland

[@stevenlachance8576]

Pete I don’t know if you can even read comments anymore because of success. Your reviews are insightful and pleasantly different from the usual cookbook review. Shows personally.

[@spirospiz]

I agree , I love my 945 just with it was 20mm longer

[@anodizedpanel9245]

Loved "Let's get through it!" It pours a whole bottle of feet dragging dread on the youtubism of "let's get into it."

[@charlieanderson3256]

Omega springs have never let me down

[@andyirons7162]

Those vegetables are crying out for the Condor Mountain Pass

[@christamu2]

This guy trained with Rocky. Got that greasy speed to catch those chickens.

[@lobotomite9767]

I'm still holding out hope for immortality via digital mind upload to a computer generated fantasy realm on self repairing storage devices located in a lead walled vault deep beneath the earth's surface. But in the mean time I'm buying solar panels and building a chicken coop and potato farm. I've been using a civivi elementum. It makes me feel calm and not stressed out at all while I'm using it.

[@alexguitar841]

As someone who's inching ever closer to the wrong side of 40 this video cuts deep... Love my 940 but if I had small hands I'd be all over the 945.

[@knoxknifemods]

Yeah it’s been a fun week. Hot take: I think some degree of main character syndrome is acceptable. You are only ever living your own life and are filtering all of existence through that lens, so I don’t think anyone should be too hard on themselves for being “self-centered” in their thinking when a crisis happens. I live near one of the more important nuclear facilities in the US, so of course I found a way to freak the fuck out when Putin announced Russian nuclear systems were going on high alert - legitimately started getting mad at myself for not being a prepper with an underground bunker full of canned food to feed my wife and children during the nuclear winter that was playing out in my mind lol. Of course in reality this whole conflagration has fuck all to do with a lot of us; it’s a silly behavior that we all have but it doesn’t come from a place of ill will, so yeah, I say go easy on yourself. Let’s all try to help or donate to the Ukrainian causes, and just realize we’re on a wild train with no way to helm it, so we may as well try to enjoy life. Sorry for the long comment! Shame on me lol. Also my bald spot is bigger than yours so don’t stress 😆

[@SpankyK]

This is a pretty good take on life in general. Stay up friends!

[@tera2752]

As a great admirer of your cutting tests and remembering you talking about your shoulder fatigue in past videos... Sorry if I'm butting my nose in your business but as a dentist we're thought to keep our elbows alongside our body and shoulders relaxed. Maybe a barber's barstool can give you enough sitting height to not strain your shoulder and or back doing the tests. Thanks for all your video's!

[@beyproctor7673]

I love the new format of video you have been making! This one has been especially fun. I agree and disagree with some things you have said. The Benchmade 940 is a really good looking knife! I especially appreciate it’s slim carry profile. However I carry a Spyderco Kepara because we Americans think Australian people are cool. I have to tell you that only doctors and scientists and drug dealers and those who paid attention in school over here will even know what a kilo is!

[@KillBoyPowerHead77]

I agree 940 is a great choice for eternal EDC ;D

[@Tulip1811]

this really spoke to me in ways I am NOT comfortable with. lovely knife though

[@edbehan1306]

P.S. I still like the B.M.710 more then any other. Recurves are you’re gardening friend.

[@oldaccount7463]

Praying for you Aussies 🙏

[@edbehan1306]

Boron is your friend in Australian soils. Hollow or rotten in the middle of your vegetables is a sign. I have to many knives. Maybe you could branch out to gardening videos. Anyway my chickens won’t eat tomatoes, just about anything else is devoured.

[@TestEric]

That dog is painfully cute

[@Seedy446]

“Bushcraffft!” Please make fun of the tacticool folks next!

[@edanpino-xt1ph]

That’s a lot of potatoes. It made me very happy to see that

[@JustPorcupines]

Bladehq does have a jade G10 CPM M4 940 exclusive on their website for $195.50 USD... I want it and I don't know why. The 940 wasn't a knife that excited me when I owned one.