Benchmade 690 or 940 for EDC?

[TonyC]

I'm thinking seriously about purchasing one of these Benchmade models for EDC. Either the Osbourne 940 or the Elishewitz 690, what opinions good or bad can you give on these two models to help me decide?

Thanks,

Tony.

 

[boobar]

I have handled both and I would have to recommend the 940. The 94x series is the smoothest opening folder that I have ever handled, it is very slim which makes it nice carry and it has the AXIS lock. You can't go wrong with either knife. Hope this helps

 

[fishbulb]

I'd go with the 690. I use one as my office EDC.

Mine is quite smooth and the liner lock works just fine for this knife. Despite the upscale looks the 690 is as good a working knife as any other good liner lock.

I also think that the combination of wood, carbon fiber, and anodized liners is more visually appealing than the austere 940.

The 940 will likely have a slight edge in performance or strength due to the axis lock and metal handle, but you have to decide whether that is important in a general EDC knife.

 

[Architect]

Grind on the 940 makes it a sweet slicer. The AXIS lock would be my preference over the liner lock of the 690. This is a fairly thin handle which means it conceals well, but I have found it uncomfortable even in relatively short cutting session.

I like the clip on the 690, the pivots are well executed on this model, and it comes in sexier materials.

 

[Steven Roos]

I have both, and they are both fantastic knives, but I find myself carrying the 940 much more. The standard Benchmade clip on the 940 seems more secure than the one on the 690. I prefer the AXIS lock over the liner lock, especially because I usually carry the 940 in my back left pocket and draw it with my left hand. Finally, the modified reverse tanto makes for an excellent utility blade.

 

[Steve Chism 1]

Either the Osbourne 940 or the Elishewitz 690

Yes.

 

[roshi]

I've had both and prefer the 940 but both are good knives.

One advantage of the 940 not mentioned already is that it is ambidextrous while 690 is strictly for right handed people.

If you don't care about that, you'll be happy with either knife.