Alternatives to the Benchmade 940?

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SKT

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I ordered a Benchmade Osborne Reverse Tanto 940, but today the store told me that I have to wait 2 months before I get one. So they offered me to either wait, get my money back or choose something else from their store. In case of the last option they assured me that I will get a good price on the new knife as an apology for the inconvenience.

So what should I get?

I want something in the size of the 940 or smaller. And in the same style as the 940, when it comes to looks; traditional, but with modern functions and steel. Nothing tactical or "scary" looking.

Maybe I'll just cancel the order, but some suggestions would be nice.
 
The 940 (the -1 model, specifically) was my "knife to beat" for some time -- 3.5" blade, slim form factor, moderate blade stock thickness, Axis lock, low weight. It threads a lot of needles! It fired some knives from my collection, and kept me from buying plenty of others.

What eventually prompted me to sell it was the Bugout.

They don't look the same, so I don't know if that will tick your "same style" box, but the Bugout isn't tactical or scary-looking, it slices much better than the 940 (which has very little blade height for its saber grind, and thicker stock), and the base model weighs a virtually unbeatable 1.8 oz. Despite being that light, it has a wider (not thicker) handle than the 940, so it's more comfortable in-hand. (The blade is 0.25" shorter, if that matters.)

Some folks hate the feel of the Grivory handles, which have a bit of flex to them. I've used my Bugout plenty (the photo below is an old one), and they're fantastic in use. But if that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, the G10 and CF versions are only slightly heavier than the base model.

wBl9bki.jpg
 
SKT said:
I ordered a Benchmade Osborne Reverse Tanto 940, but today the store told me that I have to wait 2 months before I get one. So they offered me to either wait, get my money back or choose something else from their store. In case of the last option they assured me that I will get a good price on the new knife as an apology for the inconvenience.

So what should I get?

I want something in the size of the 940 or smaller. And in the same style as the 940, when it comes to looks; traditional, but with modern functions and steel. Nothing tactical or "scary" looking.

Maybe I'll just cancel the order, but some suggestions would be nice.
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Get your money back and buy from somewhere that has them in stock. Looks like BladeHQ has some right now at least according to their website provided you are okay with black G-10 and S30V.
 
Dadpool said:
The 940 (the -1 model, specifically) was my "knife to beat" for some time -- 3.5" blade, slim form factor, moderate blade stock thickness, Axis lock, low weight. It threads a lot of needles! It fired some knives from my collection, and kept me from buying plenty of others.

What eventually prompted me to sell it was the Bugout.

They don't look the same, so I don't know if that will tick your "same style" box, but the Bugout isn't tactical or scary-looking, it slices much better than the 940 (which has very little blade height for its saber grind, and thicker stock), and the base model weighs a virtually unbeatable 1.8 oz. Despite being that light, it has a wider (not thicker) handle than the 940, so it's more comfortable in-hand. (The blade is 0.25" shorter, if that matters.)

Some folks hate the feel of the Grivory handles, which have a bit of flex to them. I've used my Bugout plenty (the photo below is an old one), and they're fantastic in use. But if that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, the G10 and CF versions are only slightly heavier than the base model.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion!

I already have the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight, and I feel the Bugout would be too similar. And I don't like the FRN handles on the Spyderco, so I doubt that Benchmades plastic would please me. Other than that the Bugout seems nice. Maybe I'll like it in G10...
 
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c7m2p3 said:
Get your money back and buy from somewhere that has them in stock. Looks like BladeHQ has some right now at least according to their website provided you are okay with black G-10 and S30V.
Click to expand...
Thats not an option where I live. Taxes and customs handling fee is too high, and warranty would be too inconvenient.
 
SKT said:
I already have the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight, and I feel the Bugout would be too similar.
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What other knives do you also own that are as broadly similar to the 940 as the Para 3? Maybe there's a gap in there we can fill.
 
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940 is pretty unique in its own class, it really is a utilitarian dream blade come true--lightweight, slender, great blade to handle ratio, decent geometry and axis lock for easy opening. If you don't mind the 945 with the shorten handle and blade, that is probably the closest relative you could find. Otherwise, you might have to start looking up the "kwaiken" design by other brands.
 
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Dadpool said:
What other knives do you also own that are as broadly similar to the 940 as the Para 3? Maybe there's a gap in there we can fill.
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I have mostly fixed blades and more traditional folders. The Para 3 (and my broken Ruike P801) is the only modern folders I have.
 
SKT said:
I have mostly fixed blades and more traditional folders. The Para 3 (and my broken Ruike P801) is the only modern folders I have.
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Gotcha! Check out the ProTech Malibu (out of stock everywhere, but they pop up regularly here on the Exchange), Hogue Deka, and ZT 0450. The ZT 0707 might also be another one to look at, although there's a price jump; I don't have any hands-on experience with that model, though.

Malibu
sISZwEu.jpg


0450
AzVZvCB.jpg


Deka, but you'd probably prefer the clip point blade (not this compound Wharncliffe)
SpXmev8.jpg
 
If available, Spyderco Kapara is a strong alternative to the 940--similar blade length in a very pocket-friendly package, compression lock satisfies some of the fidget factor that the 940 gives you, nicely contoured CF scales are arguably an upgrade over most if not all the 940 handles. Not as robust a blade as the 940 but a much better slicer. Fit and finish tend to be excellent on the Taichung models like the Kapara as well--whereas 940s can be more hit-and-miss on average. (That said, my 940-1501 still probably gets more carry time than any single EDC knife in my collection. A great design overall.)
 
SKT said:
Thats not an option where I live. Taxes and customs handling fee is too high, and warranty would be too inconvenient.
Click to expand...

Got it. Hogue Deka is a pretty good fit in terms of looks and function and I have heard good things. If you like the looks of the Bugout but dont like the idea of plastic scales they offer G-10 versions but additionally, there are aftermarket companies like flytanium that offer G-10, Titanium, cf and other scales that you can put on after the fact. Personally I put some gray aluminum scales from AWT on mine to keep weight down to a minimum but retain the feeling of solid metal scales.

Other than that, you could expand out to other lock options other than the axis if you want.
 
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Bugout with titanium or aluminum scales seems really nice, but I'm not sure if I'm willing to spend the money. 350 USD + 40-ish for shipping is maybe a bit much for a Bugout with aluminum scales...?

The more I research the more I want to wait for the 940 to become available. It's only 300 USD.
 
Hello and welcome to the forums.

One of my favorites around that size is the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. 3.5" blade of CPM-S35VN. Black or orange G10. Classic blade shape which I like. The tri-ad will be a little stiff at first but it will get broken in. Not much of a fidget factor here admittedly. Great bang for the buck imo. Linked from Bhq for reference.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Ultimate-Hunter-Tri-Ad--28916
 
When I had my 940 I had the opportunity to handle a ZT0450 and I had the feeling that both are quite “equivalent”
Dimensions, ergonomics, etc. IMO share a lot of similarities
 
I have a thing for titanium and all three are excellent alternatives to the BM.
1. Viper Belone - M390 steel, titanium frame lock (it may be described as a liner lock but it's actually a frame lock with a titanium overlay), deep carry pocket clip. Features a disappearing flipper tab.

2. Giantmouse Ace Sonoma - M390 steel, titanium frame lock. Mine is temporarily sporting an aftermarket clip. I have a Giantmouse deep carry clip on the way. The Sonoma has a slightly thicker blade stock (0.138") than the Benchmade, Viper and Kizer, which I like very much.

3. Kizer Gemini - CPM S35VN, titanium front flipper. Milled pocket clip, deep carry but not ultra deep. About 1/3" of the butt will stick out of pocket. Great front flipping action.

Dadpool Dadpool recommendation for the ZT0450 and ProTech Malibu are also great choices.

HZvfQoBh.jpg


Sx0Tn4kh.jpg
 
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Any thoughts on the Spyspydiechef? I know it's no 940, but it looks like something I would like. No dealers where I live, so it may be too expensive with shipping and import taxes, but I'll have to investigate that for the exact prices.
 
SKT said:
Any thoughts on the Spyspydiechef? I know it's no 940, but it looks like something I would like. No dealers where I live, so it may be too expensive with shipping and import taxes, but I'll have to investigate that for the exact prices.
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Never handled one but by all accounts its a great knife just not one that I would put in the category of the 940. Very different blade profile, titanium construction opposed to Aluminum or G10, Frame lock opposed to axis lock, and a lot larger of a knife to carry in the pocket. Great blade but I dont think they fill the same niche.
 
Dadpool said:
Gotcha! Check out the ProTech Malibu (out of stock everywhere, but they pop up regularly here on the Exchange), Hogue Deka, and ZT 0450. The ZT 0707 might also be another one to look at, although there's a price jump; I don't have any hands-on experience with that model, though.

Malibu
sISZwEu.jpg


0450
AzVZvCB.jpg


Deka, but you'd probably prefer the clip point blade (not this compound Wharncliffe)
SpXmev8.jpg
Click to expand...
I picked up a ZT0450 some years ago and it displaced my oft carried BM940 which went to my son. The Deka is on my wannit list and I also think it would be a good 940 alternative.

Perhaps a Spyderco Smock or Rouwan?
 
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