I was in the same situations a while back. I was interested in a benchmade bugout 535BK-4 so I went to cabelas as they have a good selection, I ended up being disappointed in alot of the benchmade products with the exeption of the Osborne 940s. On display was the 940, 940-2, 940-1601 and the 940-1. Holding them side by side I felt that the 940-1 was the one to get but I couldn't come to terms with paying the full price (400ish) CAD before taxes.
Right after leaving the store I started looking through local ads I found a seller who had a 940-1 for a very good price with proof of purchase that I picked up. Has been 3 years of carrying never had a issue with the CF scales scratching/fading, no issues with blade play or any problems with the axis lock. The s90v blade has been awsome holds a sharp edge very well. Anyone who is interested in a Osborne 940 I highly recommend any of them but if you are stuck on which model to get my vote goes to the 940-1
Right after leaving the store I started looking through local ads I found a seller who had a 940-1 for a very good price with proof of purchase that I picked up. Has been 3 years of carrying never had a issue with the CF scales scratching/fading, no issues with blade play or any problems with the axis lock. The s90v blade has been awsome holds a sharp edge very well. Anyone who is interested in a Osborne 940 I highly recommend any of them but if you are stuck on which model to get my vote goes to the 940-1