The Benchmade 940-1 Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@newgunguy4176]

"That's the sound of you being able to do better." LMFAO!!!

[@dr.killjoy29]

I thought he was going to sing a song 🎶 for a second. 😂

[@LorianandLothric]

🤣

[@mathieubas]

"it's like a ballisong for those of us who aren't coordinated" lol

[@eriknash8783]

I've been carrying my 940-1 almost every day for 3 years and have had zero issues. I've never even had the need to disassemble it. Wash the action with warm soap and water and drop some coconut oil in there and it runs like a champ. The "long" screws would be almost too small to handle if you made them fit flush and you would have compromised thread engagement. I've owned a ton of custom and midtech knives that last about 2-3 weeks in my pocket. This blade is super useable for multiple purposes and for me, the $285 is well worth a knife that I've actually used almost everyday for 3 years. I have way too many "perfect" knives sitting at home that I will take a loss on when I sell them and they got little to no use. We are talking EDC gear here and if people aren't willing to put it to use and keep it in the pocket for long term, then it really isn't EDC. 1. I know how to sharpen a knife, so I don't need to send it to Benchmade. 2. My blade is not perfectly centered, but its coming nowhere close to those screws you are complaining about. Also, blade centering has very little impact on the utility off a knife that you are actually putting to use. No need to send back to Benchmade. 3. The axis lock roughness wears in very quickly. No need to send back to Benchmade. 4. My springs have not broken in 3 years of continuous use. No need to send back to Benchmade. 5. The pocket clip works and the knife is slim enough that it does not require deep carry clip to be functional. No need to ask for special favors from Benchmade. Knives are made to be used and hold up to intended use. I, too, am an REI member and I purchased this for full retail as I wanted it when there wasn't a coupon in circulation and I have zero regrets. You say it more than a few times that this knife is a Gem, but I don't understand the Benchmade bashing. You must have continued to do it since I've just joined your channel in 2021 and see that your followers and Patreons look for every opportunity to bash the brand in comments and during live streams of terrible knives. A solid American company, employing Americans and providing a quality product at a price that many are willing to pay. They also have a full range of pricing through out their offerings, so you are not forced to spend ~$300 if you want to own a Benchmade...

[@johnagen3688]

Well put.

[@likethewind888]

This is actually a well thought out and mature take. Almost certainly I will never have the skills to make a knife of this caliber, but I’m willing to pay someone $300 to have it in my pocket for life. I also value it’s usefulness and reliability much more highly than fit and finish. I would trade 3 of my $100 knives for this one any day of the week. Some people get really caught up on the small things and miss the bigger picture.

[@TheFiendRacer]

I love this knife. I don’t think I’ll ever sell it. Awesome steel, light, cool blade shape. Axis lock. So much cool in a small package.

[@BrentonCarr]

a $270 knife should have zero fit and finish issues.

[@markatkinson9963]

Agreed.

[@Joe-jj3oh]

That knife was 270? Damn I can get a paramilitary 2 for WAY LESS than that.

[@itsjustclayton]

Pm2 can't compare. Much bigger footprint. Weaker tip. I like the pm2, just sayin.

[@Joe-jj3oh]

pelagic fun It can compare in several areas.

[@hunterevans7622]

Definitely. My Techno 2 is just the epitome of production knife perfection. Even feeling like a mid-tech. At $216 it is just soooooooo much better.

[@TrevorTheRBLXGamer78]

I had my 940 for 10 years, never had a bad spring. My new 940-1 is 100% on point. BM gives a 30% discount to military too. Guess I’ve gotten lucky with mine.

[@cameronbottoms1118]

Little time shift but they do 60% to dealers (I work at a store that sells their product) so i get 60% every 6 months. Anyhow thank you for your service.

[@phillipnunya6793]

Even then, I'm not sure it is worth it.

[@eriknash8783]

@@phillipnunya6793 A knife is worth what you are willing to pay. I've had mine for 3 years of daily use and never a problem. Takes an edge and holds it for a long time. It opens every time with one flick. I can clean it with warm soap and wafer and put a few drops of coconut oil in the pivot and it runs perfect for months. I have Chris Reeve's and Hinderers that break lock with the lightest of whacks, have sticky locks, and are not as useable as EDC tools. I call them to discuss the problems on my $400-$700 knives and they tell me to piss off. If I call Benchmade, they fix the problem without question.

[@phillipnunya6793]

@@eriknash8783 You are paying for the customer service. A lot more. You are paying for a replacement in the initial price. Plenty of other knives sold by other companies are just as good and half the price.

[@profd65]

@@phillipnunya6793 This guy's got the biggest Ganza collection in the world. If it's under $20, and it's a knock-off of an American knife, he's got it.

[@michaelkraus4135]

With all due respect I close my eyes and you sound like a movie actor from the 1930 -40's .

[@OperationNonsense]

Benchmade with knife centering problem is so common by this point, if I buy a new benchmade with blade perfectly centered out of box, I would be worried I just got a Chinese counterfeit.

[@thomash4578]

Benchmade warantee: "We always get it it right the second time!"

[@profd65]

You don't buy Benchmade so don't worry about it. Just be happy with your gas station knives.

[@losdawg6265]

I agree, no knife that charges 200 plus dollars should have any QC issues. However, I purchased my 940, standard edition, two years ago…and it was flawlessly made. The construction is beautiful, and I have no problem paying the 180 I did. It is my favorite knife by far and I own the ZT 0452CF, the PM2, Delica and Bugout. To me, the 940 is untouchable.

[@r.w.6251]

I’m left handed, so I own more than a dozen Benchmades which are about the best ambidextrous knives available in my opinion. I also love the design esthetics of Benchmades over many other brands. That being said, I do agree there is lots of room for improvement in the fit and finish department at Benchmade...especially at the prices they charge. I have come to look at Benchmade knives as diamonds in the rough. They don’t come perfect from the factory so you have to make them perfect yourself. Every Benchmade I own, I do a complete disassembly, even up and sharpen the blade, file down the long screws protruding into the blade well, smooth the action, lubricate and reassemble with blue lock tight. In the end they are made to be perfect. I know I shouldn’t have to do this but I actually enjoy the process and there aren’t many knives on the market I enjoy as much a the Benchmade.

[@paulkim3135]

as a 940 owner i say... i 100% agree with you nick

[@frankthetoad]

I know this is a bit of a necrobump, but you made me want this knife so badly. Got it off of reddit for $150 and couldn't be happier. Had to clean and oil the hell out of it, but it's a helluva lot of fun to flip. Just got into this hobby I didn't know I cared about in August of last year and I can't seem to stop myself. Thanks for the awesome channel and extremely helpful videos.

[@Clay-qh6od]

My 940 came with a completely uneven grind, tip was so lopsided. I love the design, but I completely agree with your view on price

[@NickShabazz]

+Clay1393 I'm sorry to hear that you had a similar experience. It's such a shame that Benchmade has got a patent on the Axis Lock. It's such a stellar lock design, but it'd be nice to be able to get a really exceptional quality axis lock knife, or at the very least, a good axis lock at a decent price.

[@NickShabazz]

+Cem Millik If the handles didn't feel so damned cheap, I'd be inclined to agree. And their new G10 Mini-Grips are $150. Which, yeah... no.

[@nachocheese3382]

@@NickShabazz Not no mo! (Greetings from the future)!

[@Gillysaurxx]

I like how a knife review turned into a 12 min benchmade rant

[@Peter-976]

Nick, I`m not a knife collector but when I need something, I do my research and then usually buy the best with what my budget allows. I am in the market for a EDC knife and your reviews, along with the clever and funny comments, are the best on the web. I have subscribed and as of this moment, I`m leaning towards the Spyderco models. Thank you and keep up the good reviews.

[@Vespertilionidae]

Just recently decided on the paramilitary 2 definitely do not regret my choice

[@darkmaer]

@@Vespertilionidae I grabbed a pm2 2 weeks ago. Very nice quality. Also got the benchmade 940 the REI exclusive last week. I really love both of them. I say people will be happy with either one. But I do feel more comfortable beating on the benchmade since I know they stand behind their warranty and even will replace the blade.

[@appleztooranges]

Would you advise $252 brand new for one? I got a promo for it

[@KarmaFlight]

Thanks! You just saved me $270. Great knife, but I agree that it is too much considering the issues.

[@edwardnavoy1261]

I agree not spending that kind of money. I think my Kershaw leek for less than $50 is better.

[@droidx6]

@@edwardnavoy1261 haha let's not get carried away there lolol .. the leek is nice tho, great budget knife 100% They also make the sandvik version or a serrated leek if I'm not mistaken. Great EDC knife. Not my style but I respect it.

[@Ryzin86]

@s d $40 production cost... no one is missing out lul dont fanboy trash and mock others

[@Ryzin86]

s d I prefer mid-techs. But I’m not unemployed like s d ;)

[@Ryzin86]

s d the glory of the Internet. Make believe. 🤣 probably wouldn’t be mocking a random guy not buying a production knife if you had any real wealth lol. But good luck bud.

[@vblack7372]

This is my third Benchmade and my last. Im. glad I purchased it because as a knife it's perfect, but it also screams all the issues with Benchmade. They've gotten big enough where they dont care about the consumer anymore. I got mine unfinished as well. Now that it's working I love it, but im not making the mistake of buying a Benchmade again. It's too bad because they used to be really great, but there's other companies putting out finished knives that are just as good or better than current day Benchmade.

[@midnightreport118]

You 110% NAILED IT about Benchmade's pricing buffoonery and QC issues.

[@carmelotansengco4605]

I just got into Benchmade this year. I have a collection of Sp;ydercos. Too many in fact that I sold a lot of them. I first bought a Mini Grip 556 earlier this year and I love it. It's just a bit too small but I love it. I've been hearing a lot of positive things about the 940 so I decided to check out the market. I saw a 940-2 so I immediately reserved it. It was delivered to me last Saturday (08/19/2023) and as much as I love the Mini Grip, I love the 940 a lot more. So glad I decided to purchase it.

[@curtislakin185]

Thanks for doing this review. One of the best reviews I've watched for ANY product.

[@defundguncontrol9131]

I bought one of these four days ago, brand new. I got it for $222.XX after tax. It's fit and finish is awesome. It's centered right up, couldn't be sharper, and the blade is right in the middle. It's my new favorite knife. And my #2 is my Bugout I bought at the same time. Just wish they had the short deep carry clips more available, because EVERY one of my Benchmades are going to have the clip.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Longer screws like that increases it's hold as it has more threads to work through before it falls or pulls out. Definitely a plus in my book.

[@dunedigger5406]

Totally agree

[@johnagen3688]

YES, thank you! !! People don't have a clue what they're talking about or bashing! !!! I hope the armchair mechanical engineers don't influence benchmade into shortening these screws cuz then we will have an inferior product and screw over the guys who actually buy these tools to use!

[@JeffBruenderman]

Nick, you are by far the best reviewer of your specific specialty on KZbin. This coming from a guy who watches only knife reviews. But still.. awesome as always.

[@MG-pc8ds]

I just recently started a small interest in getting a few significant EDC knives to have, I decided I liked a few Benchmades the best even though they were a little pricier. My first was the 565-1 mini super freek because I wanted carbon fiber and I liked the drop point blade. Great knife, however, I kept coming back to the 940, particularly the 940-1 reviewed here. Decided to get it and honestly if feels a lot more comfortable and is a little lighter than the 565-1. I actually really like the reverse tanto blade as well. Mine was perfectly centered, had a really good factory edge and didn’t take long to wear the axis lock in properly. It’s my first choice when I grab a knife to carry. Stone wash on the blade is very fingerprint resistant compared to the more satin finish on the 565-1. The freek is a little thicker and shorter in the handle which is why the feel of the 940 is really good for me. My other Benchmade is the Mediator 8551SBK which is also an amazing knife. In all three, the fit and quality was top notch. I agree about the scale screws which seem a tad too long on both the 940-1 and 565-1 as they both have this issue of protruding a bit into the inside of the knife. When I eventually send these in to be serviced, perhaps Benchmade can fix it, otherwise, it’s honestly not a big deal to me.

[@reklizzone3318]

I got mine for $165 with a deep carry clip on ebay, almost mint.

[@oinnsheathen5684]

Reklizzone probably a fake

[@mc1996]

More than sure its fake, as you may know by this time

[@ZoneCrasher]

There are multiple accounts on ebay selling for around $150. Pretty confirmed those are counterfeits.

[@thomasreyna7296]

I have had my 940-1 for about two years now and completely agree with you about everything. I recently got a chip in the handle scales on the edge nearest the pivot. Is there anything I or Benchmade can do about that? I don’t want to have to change the entire scale for a little chip, but I don’t know what else to do. Great video

[@trex8693]

Great Review. You're absolutely correct about blade centering. With this price tag, it is not acceptable in my opinion. "Great Design but manufactured crapply" couldn't have said it any better. I absolutely agree with your judgement on the price point.

[@NickShabazz]

+RR3 Yeah. I feel bad, because you know they're trying. But I just wish they'd either realize they're a premium brand and up their build quality game, or admit that they're making value-quality knives, and price in line with the cut corners.

[@cavedog1279]

If benchmade ever priced their knives accordingly, they would easily make up the lost profit margins through just plain output. I'm not going to go buy a 940-1 for $270, but I sure would buy one for $200.

[@carlosmatos9848]

They remind me of Gibson, they're selling $1500 guitars for $2500 but people keep buying because of the iconic name.

[@tristinwilcox9518]

It’s the reason I’m not getting it

[@billt7283]

Overpriced knives. They need to step up their game in terms of quality control if they keep charging these prices. Way better knives out there for the price. Just a very standard/simple knife

[@billt7283]

s d this was over 3 years ago. They were sending knives out with crooked fits and fucked up bevels. Haven’t bought one in years so hopefully they’re good now

[@HatchBackLove27]

This makes me really happy I picked up the original 940 for $170 brand new! I love the 940 but I do agree that the -1 is just not worth the extra 100 bucks.

[@tonydavis5053]

Glad I watched your review, I was ready to order one until now!

[@kensurfs]

Great review. I own the 940 and it's one of my favorite edc along with the 710. Only wish the 940 and the 940-1 had a lanyard hole. 👍

[@patricksebers7160]

You bastard, you just made me spend $267 at Knifecenter. You are the best reviewer, being from California, we make jest of your east coast accent ; ). Keep it going my Brother.

[@henri6595]

Stop watching his reviews or he'll make you buy more stuff!

[@LocoDirewolf]

I have this same knife and there were no issues out of the box. It has become my go to EDC knife, replacing my Sebenza with BG42 steel. Plus I paid $215 for mine, brand new in the box, from a local gun shop that is a Benchmade dealer 😁

[@faethe000]

Followed your advice. Got a display model for $200. VERY happy with it.

[@knifeaddict1014]

Every bm I own they all been center I also got this one pick it up 3 days ago and I absolutely love it

[@michaelmcclure9350]

Just build one in their custom shop and add the carbon fiber scales in the S9 and you save a bunch

[@barryleong4849]

I just got a benchmade 940-1 and I love it

[@johnagen3688]

Me too! Love the hell outta it!!!

[@killabee-2384]

Nick your so funny lol. Why don't they just send the guy who does the perfect grinds to the end of the assembly line and get it right the first time.

[@atomicrock4287]

I just picked this up for $200 new at my local gun shop. I'm loving it as of now, and couldn't pass up the deal :)

[@xawobrac]

Despite its few warts, it's an amazing knife. The off centered blade is an easy fix, there are 3rd party CF clips with a touch of blue in them to match the standoffs and even without mods it weighs less than a Delica 4. The current price is $315 (overpriced but not insane) and I was able to get a new one on Ebay for a hair over $250. Well worth the price. I plan to put it on the Edge Pro Apex soon but after 9 months of use it still shaves hair off my arm. The S90V is a pleasant surprise. I agree with your comments on Benchmade's occasional sloppiness but I have yet to find one with an off center grind. Poor ricassos yes, but the grinds have all been perfect. They do have some strange ideas like spring assist axis knives and axis flippers but I hear that Oregonian marijuana is of excellent quality.

[@ZoneCrasher]

The 940 is not just like the other knife, it is quite unique and recognizable. I dislike titanium because it gets scratched up easily, carbon fiber is my favorite - light, strong, beautiful and aging well. Benchmade uses one of the most beautiful CF material in my opinion. Not sure about the issues, I have three 940-1, each is quite good. They not perfect as I am pretty picky, but American labor is expensive, that's why everything is now made in China.

[@johnagen3688]

Well put!

[@thechugdude]

Buy used... never even crossed my mind. Thanks!

[@Tyok-ig8hw]

FYI, a couple of issues you mentioned about this knife (omega spring failure and screws that are too long) I have experienced with my 940-1. With that said, when my omega spring failed and I sent it into BM, they not just fixed the Omega springs they also shaved off the screws without me even asking! Great knife, great knife company (price point aside).

[@NickShabazz]

+Tyok 2010 That's nice. Like I said, I keep hearing that Benchmade's repair team will make it right. I just wish they'd bring those folks over to QC so it starts right!

[@AKAUncleBeau]

The 941 was a clip point. Had both a 941 and a 943. Vastly perfered the blade geometry. Best knives I ever owned.

[@Sharpbevel]

When I bought mine the centering was way off. I sent it back to Blade HQ and the guys there went through all their 940-1CF and all were off center. Nice of them to check for me but frustrating. They even sent me pictures of each knife and I got to choose the most centered out of the lot. Still though....Nick is spot on of his assessment of this knife.

[@mrstarfishh33]

Listened to you and watched knife swap, got a 940-1 for $190 and the guy had just gotten a new blade on it and had the screws cut down by BM.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Let me start by saying that I really enjoy your reviews and commentary. Keep up the great effort! In spite of your advice I went ahead and bought retail. Knowing full well that the screws extended out from the frame and centering issues abounded, I went ahead and got one retail. My local bricks and mortar (shoutout to S&R) folks helped me out by letting me browse the half dozen of these knives from their stock. In addition to the usual fit and finish issues were a variety of lose frames and a few stripped heads out of box. The knife I selected in the end had the least of these problems. In spite of the aforesaid this is a great blade. Super lightweight and streamlined in pocket, this is a good folder with an ample blade. To me it's worth the price for the value of its design and function. I'll keep it for sure, but I likely should have waited all the same.

[@kbproductions8387]

This video kinda scares me, I love Benchmade. But I'm not spending $200+ on a knife that was sent out with huge quality problems. I love all their knives, but I need something that works right out of the box, and I don't want to feel like I got ripped off by spending $50+ more than what a knife's worth.

[@eriknash8783]

What didn't work about Nick's knife? They were all fit and finish complaints that are pretty anal, to begin with. Even if your grind and sharpening is perfect from the factory, you will need to maintain that edge so you better know how to sharpen a knife.

[@ryan72371234]

Review was spot on. Been interested in the 940 and a few other models for a while but just could never pull the trigger for the exact reasons you mentioned.

[@Snurker]

I ordered one yesterday, $300 including shipping. Was a great deal since i live in Sweden.

[@jodyrowe8166]

My 940-1 has absolutely zero issues.

[@johnagen3688]

Mine too!

[@Shadow-In-The-East]

Very informative review! I commented this question on your ZT vid too. I need to decide between this 0452CF and the Benchmade 940-1 Carbon Fiber! What do you recommend for me between the two? I'm ok with either a 3.4 inch blade or 4.1 inch blade for EDC. I mainly carry it for every day uses as well as emergency self-defense as I am a delivery driver and have been accosted in the past. What do you think??

[@PrioritySurvival]

TheRuralJuror69 If you want a defensive knife I would go with a Fox Karambit, but between the 2 the 940 is amazing

[@SeemsLogical]

I think Nick would tell you to go with the ZT 452CF. You get more bang for your buck. It's a sturdier looking blade and would probably help more for self defense since it does have that "murdery" look to it. The only reasons to go with the 940-1 over the ZT 0452CF is if you're a steel snob (S90VN vs. S35VN), you like to fidget with your knives (who doesn't like a good axis lock?), you need a knife under 3 oz. because you don't own a belt or you want carbon fiber on both sides and so not like the mismatched titanium/carbon fiber look of the ZT 0452CF. Ideally you want to at least hold both knives before buying them. Online stores are great for the wide selection they have but you miss out on the experience of holding them in your hand prior to buying them. Pay a visit to the local knife shop before you make the final purchase.

[@eb1247]

0452cf easy

[@andyaronson]

I just picked up a 940-1 at REI. They were having a 20%--off-one-item sale, so the price was more palatable. My wife actually gave me it for my birthday (she's great). Out of the box it was not sharp and the alignment was way off. Shame on Benchmade for putting out such poor quality at such high consumer prices. I took the knife back to REI and they let me open the two remaining 940-1's in their stock. One was even worse than the one my wife gave me--way out of alignment and even less sharp. How can that be? The second knife was much better: It shaved arm hair and the alignment, though not as perfect as it should be for the price, was much better. REI let me trade my dull knife of the sharp one. I really like this knife and expect to get many years out of it, but Nick's review is spot on regarding Benchmade's fit and finish. They need to up their game. My five Spyderco's, though not always as sharp as they should be out of the box, are excellent knives and seem to show a greater sense of pride in manufacturing than the three 940-1's that I looked at. That said, I have a Benchmade Emissary that had fewer problems than the 940-1. It came sharp with good alignment. For what they are charging, Benchmade needs better quality control and consistency across the board. It shouldn't be a crapshoot when one is wiling to drop that kind of hard-earned money on a knife. Thanks for the review, Nick. Keep up the good work.

[@julianuga]

3:31 "this is a good person" you had it right the first time Nick

[@mikecarr1484]

This is my favorite knife . To the point it never leaves my safe. Pretty sad but almost lost it one to many times. So I buy cheap sog, or crkt. For everyday carry .and this 940 Osborn sits in my safe. It has the best ergonomics on the handle I have ever had. Smoothest opening and closing. Love this knife.

[@Mike_Y.]

Your honesty is greatly appreciated

[@Olumin37]

In Germany I payed 300 EUR for this.. USED ON EBAY. It as a wobbly Stop-Pin which rattles arround when I shake the knife, a good bit of "lock stick" and a tiny bit of blade play (after adjusting the pivot screw with locktite). And I have no way no change that, and the price was too good (yes) to return it. These are 380 EUR new in Germany... So if you think prices in the States are bad... no. Well, at least it came sharp and the blade is centred, so thats something. But even with all that, its still the best pocket Knife Ive ever handled, kind of worth it. At least now the blade play is petty much gone.

[@OhshitPositive]

I picked up a -1 Monday and amost immediately sent it to Benchmade for the exact reasons you mentioned. Blade centering was off and the grind was asymmetrical. It was also surprisingly dull. As in, wouldn't even cut standard printer paper. If it doesn't come back as sharp as I want, I'm returning it. I'm not messing around with s90v on my sharpmaker.

[@Smaug1]

Great review. Great rant. I just ordered a 940 the other day, but if the blade grind is bad or there are any quality issues, it's going back. As you said, not acceptable for a $180 knife. Part of the reason we pay a premium for US-made products is that we don't (didn't used to) cut corners.

[@tackleberry5402]

Boy Nick, your reviews have come a long way since January :) Thanks for this one, I'm considering this as my next purchase.

[@griffinvolk1912]

So other than quality control, would u agree that the 940-1 is the best in the line?

[@crf450rbulletdavid9]

I feel the opposite of sharpening m4 and s90v. M4 is fairly easy and s90v for the model I have it in is a beast to sharpen. You can not mess up when sharpening on fine stones when freehanding or you will have to go back to the course stone be cause the finer ones ain't fixing mistakes. Anyhow have yourself a nice day.

[@73kenright]

Thank you for the review! I have a Spyderco Police and REALLY wanted something much smaller, while still remaining 100% functional for an EDC knife. I've watched plenty of your Spyderco vids and really wanted this Benchmade to "win" over the Delica, mainly for the CF. But at 3x the price, with crappy QC, this knife took itself out of the competition. Thank you for your honesty and thoroughness in your reviews; the Delica shall be my next purchase! Unless I can find a 940-1 @ a discount, with a centered blade and screws that fit...

[@hbot2758]

where is the police even legal?

[@paulhughes3961]

I agree, I spent only $120 on a Griptilian. I know that's not a huge amount of money, but I believe that once you hit that 100 dollar mark the blade should be centered. With that said my griptilian is on its 3rd trip back for a so called life sharp warranty service. I know what's wrong ( uneven blade tang) but they won't admit it.

[@dalecarpenter8359]

Just got the clone . The patent is over 2018 . The fit and finish on this clone is 10x better than the crooked river i just got and fixed ! There is 1 screw protruding into the inside ! I'm very happy with this knife even if it would have cost $75.00 -$100.00 . But it was $66.50 free shipping . I don't buy bull shit hype except by accident ! Or when I get bull shitted by soft reviews !!! Your reviews are great by the way ! In my humble opinion that is ! Waiting for the tests but the clone at leased to me is a good knife at a very reasonable price ! As a user rather than a collector !

[@ramnenjoyer]

About those screws that protrude into the blade's path, could I buy shorter screws from the hardware store to replace them or maybe even sand them down to a shorter length?

[@Chingus696]

Awesome job Nick. Informative yet funny and keeps me watching your vids. Thanks again!

[@stockholm1752]

I paid more than I should have for my 940-2, but they are hard to find here in Europe, so I am very happy to have it.

[@mattlaban4700]

QC issues are not something i've ever had with benchmade. this is news to me. I got a -1 griptillian recently and it was just about flawless.

[@mantis1977]

Just picked one up with CF for 199.00. Here's to hoping! Thx for the review!

[@jolness1]

I love the 940. Not many knives with the same sort of slim carry, light weight, long and useful blade shape with a good tip that is strong due to the "reverse-tango" That said, I hate Benchmade now, I was a huge fan for a long time, kinda waived people off if they said I should get away from BM for awhile but it is impossible to ignore now. I **may** snag one used/like new

[@Slitthroat1776]

As always great review! Everything you pointed out I noticed when I purchased mine. I only recently purchased this knife but when I got it I noticed these things about the knife and then I watch your video and you point it all out as well. Just two years before hand LOL and Benchmade still hasn't fixed these issues. I mean at least take care of the screw sticking out into the blade area Benchmade and get the blade to be centered.

[@jonfeuerborn5859]

You hit the nail on the head re Benchmade in this review. Their heat treats are great, and they make nice stuff for WAY too much money. Personally, I just choose to take your criticism one notch further--I refuse to buy their stuff. I'd like to think that it's not because I'm cheap (which may or may not be true). It's just good sense to pay far less for the same level of quality from other manufacturers. From where I stand, it seems to me that Benchmade knives typically run at least double what they're worth.

[@justinholtman]

I agree totally nick I got a 940-2 and the blade play without it being tight is terrible did only pay 135 brand new tho.

[@kennyliu3993]

Thanks for the honest review sir. Kinda brutal but...it's every bit the truth, and I appreciate that.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

What I want to know is which has more grip the one with G10 or the carbonfiber one? I heard the G10 is even smoother that the G10 on the tactical triage which sucks.

[@salrussano1]

i traded my big lake summit by benchmade for the 940-1 same knife shown here and i must say after owning a ton of knives this knife is my favorite.i do everything with this knife.s90v is awesome.this knife along with my esse 4 is a great combo for me.i think if your a knife nut go get this this knife you cant go wrong.my knife was razor sharp but the grid did suck and still does needs a good polish .i didn't know benchmade would do that thanks for the info

[@abc456f]

My first Benchmade should be in my hand tomorrow, 553bk tanto. $114. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[@shaunharrison9618]

I just bought one today at a B&M and was able to get it for $230. I have seen them for $270-$299 everywhere else so I felt I did okay. I did check the blade centering and it looks perfect as well as the grind. I just called Benchmade and they are shipping me 2 deep carry pocket clips also. One for this and one for my Griptilian. Hopefully the quality is better on the new ones lately.

[@c.m.b.4868]

Almost bought this model even though I've never really been a big fan of the 940 series, but once I saw GoingGear's exclusive I knew I had to have one. I'm pretty happy with the 940-1701 although it still doesn't change my feelings on the series as a whole. I prefer a knife with a little more weight All that aside, I do like the way it carries in the pocket. It simply disappears there and you tend to forget you're even carrying it. Feels good in the hand, and the action, while not a free dropper (at least on mine), is still pretty damned smooth. Also, the red accents really make it a beauty worth adding to your collection. I do agree though that they are a little overpriced. Mostly you are just paying extra for that pretty little butterfly they put on all their blades...not that I'm complaining about it, most of my blades are BM products anyway.

[@beefcurtainz69]

Is it even possible to get any 940 with perfect blade centering out of the box?

[@eiriel7285]

beefcurtainz69 both of mine have came perfect. I’ve only had spydercos ansd kershaws with bad blade centering.

[@johnagen3688]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@uniquesloth7497]

I can get this for 185 brand new. I'm happy that I can come in under the used cost and get a good knife.

[@joe_a_photo]

Amazing Benchmade analogy. That's why I have yet to purchase a Benchmade.

[@jakeselke9930]

Nick random knife oil question for you. I use Eezox ( Synthetic oil) to clean guns. I wonder if this would be good to also use on my benchmades?

[@erichfalke4119]

Is lateral blade play normal in an axis lock? Two of my three have more than a little.

[@NickShabazz]

It's common because Benchmade has terrible quality control, but it shouldn't ever happen. Send them back to Benchmade.

[@dinuguan510]

It's 2023 and its price is up to $315 new, and it STILL has the long screws protruding into the blade path. Glad I found it on eBay for $240.

[@herrerajoey2]

just bought one in perfect condition from a pawn shop for 120.... feeling pretty good about that. love the carbon and stonewashed.

[@carsonmerritt7278]

I think you nailed this video. Very fair points

[@greggschachterleppc2769]

I have a 940-1 on the way to me right now. My goal is to keep it stropped and not let it get dull. I’m an electrical contractor so time will tell if I’m delusional. I will send it back to Benchmade for sharpening if I cannot maintain the edge. What do you recommend for a strop? Thank you.

[@TheWayofGrace89]

‘This knife is really, really well finished.’ - about a Spyderco that looks like absolute trash. Say what you will about Benchmade, but they look WAY better. I’m BM exclusive.

[@james-byjames]

Can anyone tell me how much the 940 cost in the year 2000 when they first came out. Cant find any information on this..

[@gmoney5947]

Just got mine in the mail from rei. I have to say I'm very satisfied. Luckily the blade placement looks exact as does the grind. Of course I did pay $285 using my rei dividend of $80. I have to say I thought it would be a little bigger in my hand but I'm still highly satisfied. I really like the size and feel of my friends custom barrage. I guess I've found my next folder. But damn is the carbon fiber light weight. Love the videos by the way.

[@knifenoob5411]

So the difference between the 940 and 940-1 is more than just the materials? It put together better?

[@normrubio]

Good review. I really like the standard 940 grip.

[@TheLapierre]

Hi Nick! Love your channel, have seen most of the videos. I have a question. What do you think of benchmade 940-1801 Odin Heim in Damasteel and is it worth purchasing? Personally I think it´s gorgeous with the colors of the Swedish flag, I might be biased though being from sweden. 750 $ seems expensive...

[@BionicWheel]

5:42 nick's accent glitched.

[@atreyufourtwenty]

Hi Nick, Will you be able to upload a disassembly video for this one? Thanks :)

[@NickShabazz]

No, but check my Valet or Contego videos to see similar. And I'll be posting a different 940 disassembly soon. :)

[@adamkuykendall9891]

Are they doing any better today? I just bought a bugout. Sent it straight back. Horrible feel and cheap feeling. I wouldnt give that knife to anyone. I should have bought the the native 5 like my gut told me.