Benchmade 940 or 943

Critizen

Critizen

Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
164
I have decided to get a Benchmade Osborne design but I cannot make up my mind between the 940 and the 943. Which one would you chose and why? Thanks.
 
Carried a 940 for over 5 years. And, no, I won't say: "get both". I think the 940 is the better of the two and you see its popularity here and elsewhere. The blade is more utilitarian with more belly than the 943 - more steel on the blade makes it feel more rugged also. The top grind on the 940 is absolutely wicked too. It really is a great overall package.

I'd probably pick another one up if they re-released the 942 (black handle version of the 940).

:thumbup:
 
I chose the 940 because it was an incredible steal of a deal but although the 940 is much more useful and handy than I thought a tanto could be, I like the looks of a clip point blade best. The blade shape on the 943 just flows so beautifully with the rest of the knife. 943 takes the cake on looks. Either way, it's one of the easiest to carry knives of that size I have. I have considered trading my 940 for a 943 or even waiting for another "steal of a deal" on a 943.
 
Thanks guys. I went with the 940 since this will be a work knife and I think I will like the green scales. Something about the clip point on the 943 was drawing me in though.
 
Critizen said:
Thanks guys. I went with the 940 since this will be a work knife and I think I will like the green scales. Something about the clip point on the 943 was drawing me in though.
Click to expand...

Congrats! Show some pics when you get it in. If you like the clip-point on the 943... consider adding a 710 into your rotation.

:thumbup:
 
Sufler said:
Congrats! Show some pics when you get it in. If you like the clip-point on the 943... consider adding a 710 into your rotation.

:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Will do.

I have come close to getting the 710. The only thing that held me back is the slight recurve in the blade. I know it helps with performance, but I have no experience sharpening a recurve. I use benchstones and have a double stuff I use for touch-ups. How difficult is it to sharpen? Would I need something like the Spyderco Profile set?
 
Critizen said:
Will do.

I have come close to getting the 710. The only thing that held me back is the slight recurve in the blade. I know it helps with performance, but I have no experience sharpening a recurve. I use benchstones and have a double stuff I use for touch-ups. How difficult is it to sharpen? Would I need something like the Spyderco Profile set?
Click to expand...

I found the recurve on the 710 to be fairly ease to maintain. If anything please don't let that hold you back from getting such a masterpiece.
 
I had both and sold the 940. I liked it a lot, but liked the 943 more. Most days I carry a 943 to the office.
 
I like the 943. The sharper point is better for food preparation. The 940 is better for skinning, but I don't do a lot of that.
The 943 and 940 blades will fit in the Gaucho handle. The Gaucho blade fits in the 940/943 handle, but the butt of the 940/943 handle doesn't quite cover the tip of the Gaucho blade.
 
I prefer the 943. Personally, I found the blade shape of the 940 more annoying than useful. The 943 is a better slicer.
 
I luv' it when the OP already decided on the 940 and then we get a bunch of anit-940 posts. :D

Talk about buyer's remorse... dudes.

:p
 
Like said before, don't let the slight recurve deter you from adding a 710 into your rotation. Spyderco Sharpmaker does a great job. Anything rod like will do excellent for touch ups. If you ever get beyond that, you can always send it in to Benchmade for their free sharpening.
 
Could anyone share any insight into a problem I have. I have the 943, but only bought it because I can not stand the green 940 handle. I bought it with the intent to send it to Benchmade and replace the blade with the 940 reverse tanto plain edge blade.
(essentially i am trying to create the 942)
Stupid me, I should have anticipated that they would not do this since it would create a hybrid/monster!!!
Has anyone taken apart the 943 or 940? How hard/easy is reassembly and recreating decent blade geometry when closed. Also, has anyone swapped out 940/943 blades and/or handles? Thanks much.
*Yes, I am aware this would void BM warranty, I don't care as I don't plan on sending this particular knife back to them.
 
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