484-1 or 940-1

[loonybin]

For my yearly knife purchase, I'm considering either of the s90v/cf knives from Benchmade. The family budget at this point pretty much necessitates replacing knives in my collection instead of adding to it. The 484-1 would be replacing my 586, and the 940-1 could end up replacing my 520-1101 (if my wife doesn't kill me since she had the scales custom anodized for me a couple years ago).

My dress/office/church knife is currently my 586, and as much as I love M390, I am not married to the assisted opening or the weight. I figure s90v will give me similar edge retention, and the stonewash/cf combo looks very classy. The 484-1 will make sure I still have a blade at 3", like the 586.

The 940-1 could end up replacing my 520-1101 which hasn't seen any use outdoors since getting my Rift, 810-1401 and 275. The aluminum scales are just too cold during hunting season in Nov. and Dec. Here's a pic of what it could replace, if my wife won't kill me:


So, which one do I get?

 

[RamZar]

Benchmade 940-1 and 484-1 with S90V, CF and Blue Anodized Aluminum accents. 484-1 has full stainless steel liners as opposed to partial on the 940-1. 484-1 is definitely tougher of the two but also heavier (3.28 vs. 2.42 ounces) even with a smaller blade. 484-1 may be all you need. It's tough and oozes class. The fit & finish on the recently acquired 484-1 has been excellent. On my 940-1 I had to send it back and even now the blade is not quite centered. However, that was purchased a year ago and perhaps teh recent batches are better.

 

[JNewell]

I prefer the look and feel of the 940, but this is really YMMV territory.

 

[Redmasta]

Love that 520 I wouldn't let it go :thumbup: The 940-1 is great but I just don't see how it could replace it they are so different. The partial liners and CF of the 940 is nowhere as robust as the 520 which literally has that bank-vault feel to it.

 

[nosuchagency]

damned, lb... hate seeing you part with that 520, but if you follow through, give TB & me a shot at it and you know it'll go to a good home. I reckon that's if the wife only ends up wounding you and you're still able to type and such though.

 

[A-love05]

Go with the 484-1!!! Full liners, not partial, better blade shape... or do as I did, and get both! Sounds like your wife is gonna kill ya anyways.. might as well give her a good reason!!!

 

[loonybin]

I prefer the look and feel of the 940, but this is really YMMV territory.

I really liked the 940 that I used to have (sold it to fund a much-needed item for my wife), so I know I like how it feels, and I love Warren Osborne's designs.

Love that 520 I wouldn't let it go :thumbup: The 940-1 is great but I just don't see how it could replace it they are so different. The partial liners and CF of the 940 is nowhere as robust as the 520 which literally has that bank-vault feel to it.

The 940-1 wouldn't actually replace the 520 in use, as the 810-1401 and 275 have basically done that already. It would replace the 520 in the 3-3.5" blade range, as the 520 and 586 are the only knives I have that I can legally carry when we visit the in-laws in Nebraska (a Midwest state with a 3.5" length limit!!).

damned, lb... hate seeing you part with that 520, but if you follow through, give TB & me a shot at it and you know it'll go to a good home. I reckon that's if the wife only ends up wounding you and you're still able to type and such though.

I half-jokingly mentioned to my wife that I might sell the 520 to fund a different one, and the look on her face was enough to know I wouldn't be needing any knives after she finished with me (her endeavor to get the scales anodized was almost a comedy of errors, starting with her attempt to secretly disassemble the knife without my assistance). Not only that, but the Presidio is such an awesome design. I can leave it for warm weather carry when camping.

Go with the 484-1!!! Full liners, not partial, better blade shape... or do as I did, and get both! Sounds like your wife is gonna kill ya anyways.. might as well give her a good reason!!!

Personally, I love the reverse tanto shape (the Rift is my favorite knife, followed by the Contego). My biggest question -- and what has given me pause about the 484 since it came out -- is the finger grooves. It seems to limit how you can grip the knife. I do think you're onto something though -- I will probably end up with both at some point.

 

[d0nut]

The 484-1 does nothing for me just by looking at pictures.

But in person, it was love at first grip. I played with one at a local knife store and just fell in love. It looks strange with the thumb ramp, and the finger grooves, but it melts in my hand effortlessly and fit like it was crafted for my hands only. It was awesome.

The price is still a bit high for my liking, but I'll be watching for one in the exchange forum here and will likely pounce someday.

 

[kuanomar]

940-01 is the epitome of an edc folder.

 

[loonybin]

OK, I just got a 940-1 that someone offered to let me check out. Holy cow! This thing is sweet!

My 586 is going to be going up for sale very soon.

 

[adamg01]

I just took the plunge on a 940-1, I think I'm going to be sick if it has any real problems.

 

[kuanomar]

Congrats! Keep us posted.

 

[adamg01]

Congrats! Keep us posted.

Thanks, I got a great deal on a 940 on the Exchange and fell instantly with the excellent EDC characteristics. I considered the 940-1 but the price is a downer. I finally went for it and sold a safe queen PM2 Sprint plus an extra Delica to pay for it.

 

[loonybin]

Thanks, I got a great deal on a 940 on the Exchange and fell instantly with the excellent EDC characteristics. I considered the 940-1 but the price is a downer. I finally went for it and sold a safe queen PM2 Sprint plus an extra Delica to pay for it.

I would be surprised if there is anything wrong with it. Mine is flawless, right down to hair-shaving sharp with (as best as I can tell from the naked eye) even bevels, and a perfectly centered blade. Even if there is something wrong with it, Benchmade has the best customer service in the industry, so they will make it right!

 

[Ernie1980]

I got a 940-1 when the first came out, and it quickly because one of my favorites. With the being said, it would have been REALLY tough to decide if I had to choose one now because those 484s look great! I would have to give a slight edge to the 940 out of the two because of blade length and weight, but I think you would be happy with either.
Edit to add: thanks to this thread I just bought a 484-1 to join my 940-1

 

[adamg01]

Congrats! Keep us posted.

Well, to keep you posted. I received my NIB 940-1 today for $228 delivered. I specifically asked the guy if it was centered and locked up tight because I would send it back to him if it didn't. He said it was perfect. Outside of a really sticky axis lock, I suppose it is perfect. I suppose I'll keep it.

 

[kuanomar]

some people (myself included) experienced a pivot that works itself loose. Easy fix is a bit of Silicon tape on the pivot. It stays right where it needs to be now and it's easily removed if necessary.

 

[kuanomar]

Once again, congrats. It should serve you well. If you want a deep pocket carry clip, Benchmade will send you one at no cost.

 

[adamg01]

Once again, congrats. It should serve you well. If you want a deep pocket carry clip, Benchmade will send you one at no cost.

Do I just contact their CS and ask for a deep carry clip? That's impressive CS.

I asked Spyderco CS for a sticker for my welding hood and received quite a selection, I was fairly impressed.

 

[timwilso]

Yep just tell them you're looking for a deep carry clip that will fit your new 940-1. They've mailed me 4 deep carry clips free of charge. They'll even ask you if you want black or silver. I love my 940-1 and recently had some custom scales and backspaced made for it. Great knife! Also have custom scales being made for my 484. Can't wait to see the finished product!