Benchmade 940 Osborne vs. Benchmade 951 Rift

E

Edged_Philosopher

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Jul 4, 2011
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Hello all!

I am relatively knew to knives, having started out with a Smith & Wesson heavy folder (:barf:), then moving up to a SOG Aegis (fantastic knife except for the slight up and down play) and a Spyderco Endura 4 (S30V steel) which I adore. I also have a really old Japanese knife my father gave to me shortly before passing; something I don't carry for obvious reasons. I also possess a Flash I that I never carry (far, far too small for my purposes). That's about it.

Recently, I've had my eye on Benchmade, as they are renown for quality and make beautiful blades. Upon browsing their site, an ad for the 581 Barrage caught my eye. What a gorgeous knife, the blade shape and finish as well as the handle truly leave quite an impression. I only fell more in love with it after learning of its M390 'Super-steel' blade. After a few days of being lovestruck I reconsidered my options. Considering that I carry my Aegis about twice as much as my Endura for the its dimensions and weight, I looked at lighter offerings from Benchmade. The 940 had me sold on the weight, steel material (from preliminary research), and looks. I recently went into a local gun store and they happened to have a wide offering of Benchmades, including the 940 on display. Of course I handled the knife. Fell straight in love with the balance, fit and finish, and weight of the knife. I was sold.

But then I saw the 951 rift online. WOW, what a gorgeous knife! It is on the heavier side, however.

So now I'm torn. I would like a breakdown of the difference between the knives. How do their steels compare (the 940 in S30V and the 951 in 154CM)? Are both easy to sharpen on a Sharpmaker (I know I know, I plan to upgrade to an Edge Pro Apex when I can)? How about their weights? Their thickness? How do they feel when carrying? Do they "disappear" so to speak like an Aegis does? Information and recommendations are highly appreciated!

Thank you! :)
 
I've owned both. The size difference is more dramatic than you might pick up on online. The Rift is much bigger. More showy, too. People argue over which is the better steel between S30V and 154CM, but they will both serve you well and the SharpMaker will work for routine sharpening.
 
lava_lamp said:
I've owned both. The size difference is more dramatic than you might pick up on online. The Rift is much bigger. More showy, too. People argue over which is the better steel between S30V and 154CM, but they will both serve you well and the SharpMaker will work for routine sharpening.
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Thanks Lamp! Is the weight of the Rift noticeable to you when you carry it?
 
I carried a 943 (the same knife as the 940, but with a different blade style) for three years during my undergrad. It absolutely disappears in the pocket, and is very light-weight.

The 950 felt a little strange in the hand when I was looking at picking one up, and I ended up deciding against it. I'd recommend trying to handle both knives before you make a decision.

I tend to favor S30V over 154cm, but that's personal preference. The 940 is, probably, going to be harder to sharpen than the 950 purely from the standpoint of the blade grinds, aside even from the differences in steel. Personally I found that the 940's blade shape was more annoying than useful, so after carrying a 940 for an entire summer, I ended up trading it off.

Also, how did you manage to get an Endura in S30V? Did you get someone to custom make you a blade?
 
Cynic2701 said:
I carried a 943 (the same knife as the 940, but with a different blade style) for three years during my undergrad. It absolutely disappears in the pocket, and is very light-weight.

The 950 felt a little strange in the hand when I was looking at picking one up, and I ended up deciding against it. I'd recommend trying to handle both knives before you make a decision.

I tend to favor S30V over 154cm, but that's personal preference. The 940 is, probably, going to be harder to sharpen than the 950 purely from the standpoint of the blade grinds, aside even from the differences in steel. Personally I found that the 940's blade shape was more annoying than useful, so after carrying a 940 for an entire summer, I ended up trading it off.

Also, how did you manage to get an Endura in S30V? Did you get someone to custom make you a blade?
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Thank you for the input, Cynic! Yeah, the Rift does seem a bit much. As it stands, I am leaning much more favorably towards the 940, but things can change. As far as the Endura goes, I made a mistake when I said I got it in S30V--it's actually in standard VG-10!

BTW, are you also studying philosophy? You said you did your undergrad already, are you pursuing philosophy on the professional level?
 
I got a double major in English and Philosophy in my undergrad, then went on to an English master's program in literary theory. Right now I'm deciding whether or not I want to continue to a Phd, and also whether or not to go for an English Phd or a Philosophy Phd. If you couldn't tell, Immanuel Kant is my avatar, and is highly influential on what I study :)

What sort of tasks do you usually use your knife for? What kind of environment are you usually in? I think that these questions would really help out in deciding on which knife to buy.

I'd honestly recommend picking up either a large or a small Sebenza, but those might be outside of your price range at the moment. So-Lo has a great video on the great debate of whether or not the high-end knives are worth it, and even on when during your knife collection career that it might be a suitable purchase.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHozhKvx4Kg

Bearcut had a great post a while back on the same subject as well.

bearcut said:

Baseline:
Cheap Chinese folder- $10-15
RESULT: A barely usable knife or an unsafe POS, it depends. Most people feel they get their moneys worth, if barely.

An inexpensive knife- $25-$45 (CRKT, low end Spyderco, BM, Kershaw etc).
RESULT: Huge difference. The knife should function reasonably well. Most people feel they get their moneys worth. There is some satisfaction and pride in these purchases. Almost no buyers remorse or diminishing returns here.

Low to mid grade folder- $50-100, (Spyderco, BM, Kershaw, CS, etc.)
RESULT: Really big difference. Now you are getting very good construction and higher end blade steel. People are happy with these offerings, they get a good product that could last many, many years. No buyers remorse, and almost no diminishing returns on this class.

Mid to high end production folder- $ 125-250: (Al Mar, ZT, Fallkniven, Emerson, Spyderco, BM, etc)
RESULT: People start to see what the fuss is all about. These are nice knives. A person jumping from a $60 folder will immediately see the difference and understand why he paid so much for the knife. These are knives that you could hand to a total non-knife person and they would probably comment on how nice a knife it is. These are so close to high-end offerings that there is really no practical need to spend anymore for a superb quality folder. Lot’s of pride of ownership involved with this class of folder. Material quality, and construction, is top notch. Blade steel is near, or at the highest level available. The average person knows they paid a lot for the knife, but probably feel they got their moneys worth and would recommend them to others. Probably not too much buyers remorse if the person could afford it in the first place. Diminishing returns are more prevalent at this point.

High end Production folders- $300-500: ( CRK, Strider, Hinderer, etc.)
RESULT: These knives are the epitome of production craftsmanship. Everything (should) be tight, smooth and strong.

But, there is not that much immediate difference between this price point and the $125-250 price point.You could hand one of these knives over to a non-knife person and they may comment on how nice the knife is. If you told them how much it costs, they would probably be shocked and think you were crazy for paying so much for a knife.

You are not getting twice the knife for the money. Most of the cost involved for these knives are for things you can’t even see; tight tolerances, warranty, prestige. Spyderco, Kershaw/ZT and BM make several knives that are more exciting, different, and fun than these knives, for a lot less money. Things you can see in other words.

A person going from a $60 folder may truly wonder why the heck he paid so much for a knife that may not seem all that great. The quality may be obvious, but not for the extra $300 they just dropped. The knife may have annoying traits, (Strider break-in), be much thicker and heavier than he is used to, (Hinderer), or may just seem plain and unexciting compared to his other folders, (CRK). There may be major buyers remorse.

Bottom line, buy what you like, with a design that appeals to you. Forget about the price.
Bragging rights only last so long.
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Oh! And the Spyderco Para2 and the ZDP-189 Stretch might warrant a look. The 950 Rift is attractive due to the tall blade grind--nearly a full flat grind, but the handle is kind of clunky and thick in the pocket. Spyderco's FFG blades are really great slicers. If I recall correctly, the SOG Aegis is FFG, so if you like the blade style take a look at those two.
 
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Cynic2701 said:
I got a double major in English and Philosophy in my undergrad, then went on to an English master's program in literary theory. Right now I'm deciding whether or not I want to continue to a Phd, and also whether or not to go for an English Phd or a Philosophy Phd. If you couldn't tell, Immanuel Kant is my avatar, and is highly influential on what I study :)

What sort of tasks do you usually use your knife for? What kind of environment are you usually in? I think that these questions would really help out in deciding on which knife to buy.

I'd honestly recommend picking up either a large or a small Sebenza, but those might be outside of your price range at the moment. So-Lo has a great video on the great debate of whether or not the high-end knives are worth it, and even on when during your knife collection career that it might be a suitable purchase.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHozhKvx4Kg

Bearcut had a great post a while back on the same subject as well.
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I have noticed Kant in your avatar. It's fantastic to see a fellow philosophy-enthusiast and future academician in here.;)

As to whether you should pursue an English PhD or Philosophy PhD, it really, really depends on what you want to study/research for the rest of your life. Honestly, with these things, you need to do extensive soul-searching to see what it is that brings you the most fulfillment, since the job for both is more or less the same (professorship). I wish you luck in carving your own path (I'm trying to do the same).

I live in a very dry climate, plan to use the knife for EDC (very light tasks such as opening envelopes, cutting fruit, opening boxes, etc.) and if need be, defensive purposes--that's about it.

I've heard about Sebenza's but haven't bothered to check them out yet. I'm really keen on a Benchmade at the moment and I want to take the plunge on the 940, but I don't want to dive in without knowing it's a better choice for me than the Rift.

Thank you for the information thus far and those links, I'll be sure to check them out!
 
I think you will love the way the 940 carries and it is very light for its size! Good Luck with your pick! Kevin :D
 
I own both a 942 and a 950BK-1001. The 942 I managed to get before the 950 (both are hard to find in the variations I have) and its very light and unobtrusive. The 950 is a beast of a folder and in all honesty, its my most carried knife. The blade shape is great on both, but I find the CPM-M4 with the high flat grind is fantastic. Some people complain about the hump in the handle, but I find it fits my hand fine. I wear a Xl-L glove (fluctuates depending on manufacturer). I suggest you try to hold both in hand before buying.
 
I much prefer the 943 to the 940 (own, carry and use both). I think the blade design is really good for EDC. The size and weight of the blade to the handle (ratio) just seems to work really well as an AXIS lock. Even tightened up to the point that I have ZERO blade play in any direction, mine still comes out surprisingly quickly and goes back just as fast. I highly recommend any Osborne designed AXIS lock folder from Benchmade, but be prepared for the possibility that it may have to go back to make it 100%. Benchmade's quality control sucks.

As for the comparison to 154CM, I prefer Benchmade's S30V because it has excellent edge retention. I also have trouble sharpening and keeping 154CM from Benchmade sharp. Maybe it's just the half-dozen or so I've owned, but that's what I've found anyway.

The Sharpmaker is an excellent (perhaps the best) sharpening system. With the addition of the diamond rods and the ultra fine rods, there isn't much it can't do. Granted, some of the uber-systems will re-profile quicker, and even allow for a much more impressive edge, but at the end of the day, it's still just a tool to me. I'd rather put my money in knives.
 
I forgot to mention, the reason I think the Sharpmaker may be the best sharpening system (and admittedly, I haven't tried belt sanders, the Edge Pro, the Wicked Edge, or any of the others, short of the traditional, benchstones and an old Lansky system) is primarily due to the short learning curve, ease of setup, portability, affordability and it holds up well. Add to it that you can use the other rods like I mentioned, and there isn't much it can't do (if you are patient).

Just this weekend, I took a fairly new 710 (D2) and re-profiled it completely to a 30 degree (inclusive) edge with a 20 degree micro bevel. It's insanely sharp now and seems to cut much better than it did with the stock around 40 degree one side and at least that on the other side, factory bevel! It took me several hours of marking (Sharpie) and checking, marking and checking, etc., but it was worth it and now I am very pleased with it. The micro bevel will be easy to maintain and I've got myself a terrific user!
 
kda89508 said:
I think you will love the way the 940 carries and it is very light for its size! Good Luck with your pick! Kevin :D
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Thank you! I loved the feel of it when I handled it in the store. The size and weight are perfect too.

D56 said:
...but philosophy is dead.

Stephen Hawking
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It would seem so to the mainstream public, but it really is not. Philosophy, the oldest intellectual tradition in the world, is still alive (thankfully) in academia today. That being said, the market for phil. professors is atrocious.

ibute21 said:
I own both a 942 and a 950BK-1001. The 942 I managed to get before the 950 (both are hard to find in the variations I have) and its very light and unobtrusive. The 950 is a beast of a folder and in all honesty, its my most carried knife. The blade shape is great on both, but I find the CPM-M4 with the high flat grind is fantastic. Some people complain about the hump in the handle, but I find it fits my hand fine. I wear a Xl-L glove (fluctuates depending on manufacturer). I suggest you try to hold both in hand before buying.
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Thank you! I will definitely try to handle a 950 before I make a decision. Why do you think you carry the 950 the most?

Sulaco said:
I much prefer the 943 to the 940 (own, carry and use both). I think the blade design is really good for EDC. The size and weight of the blade to the handle (ratio) just seems to work really well as an AXIS lock. Even tightened up to the point that I have ZERO blade play in any direction, mine still comes out surprisingly quickly and goes back just as fast. I highly recommend any Osborne designed AXIS lock folder from Benchmade, but be prepared for the possibility that it may have to go back to make it 100%. Benchmade's quality control sucks.

As for the comparison to 154CM, I prefer Benchmade's S30V because it has excellent edge retention. I also have trouble sharpening and keeping 154CM from Benchmade sharp. Maybe it's just the half-dozen or so I've owned, but that's what I've found anyway.

The Sharpmaker is an excellent (perhaps the best) sharpening system. With the addition of the diamond rods and the ultra fine rods, there isn't much it can't do. Granted, some of the uber-systems will re-profile quicker, and even allow for a much more impressive edge, but at the end of the day, it's still just a tool to me. I'd rather put my money in knives.
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Excellent, excellent input, thank you. I've given the 943 a look as well and even though I like the blade shape, the reverse tanto still speaks to me. Granted the 943 has a better belly and is thus more useful for slicing tasks, that doesn't mean the 940 can't hold its own. I also really like the added tip strength the reverse tanto design brings to the fold (although admittedly, that is a moot point for EDC tasks, it is important for defensive purposes).

Sulaco said:
I forgot to mention, the reason I think the Sharpmaker may be the best sharpening system (and admittedly, I haven't tried belt sanders, the Edge Pro, the Wicked Edge, or any of the others, short of the traditional, benchstones and an old Lansky system) is primarily due to the short learning curve, ease of setup, portability, affordability and it holds up well. Add to it that you can use the other rods like I mentioned, and there isn't much it can't do (if you are patient).

Just this weekend, I took a fairly new 710 (D2) and re-profiled it completely to a 30 degree (inclusive) edge with a 20 degree micro bevel. It's insanely sharp now and seems to cut much better than it did with the stock around 40 degree one side and at least that on the other side, factory bevel! It took me several hours of marking (Sharpie) and checking, marking and checking, etc., but it was worth it and now I am very pleased with it. The micro bevel will be easy to maintain and I've got myself a terrific user!
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You make a good point, the Sharpmaker offers lot of value for the money, but the Edge Pro Apex seems like a much more robust system to me. Being OCD and a perfectionist, I would prefer to put a mirror polish on my blades as well as scary sharp edges, and the Edge Pro seems to be far more capable of that than the Sharpmaker.

That doesn't mean I'll stop using my Sharpmaker though.
 
Edged_Philosopher said:
I like the blade shape, the reverse tanto still speaks to me. Granted the 943 has a better belly and is thus more useful for slicing tasks, that doesn't mean the 940 can't hold its own. I also really like the added tip strength the reverse tanto design brings to the fold (although admittedly, that is a moot point for EDC tasks, it is important for defensive purposes).
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I think the tip strength thing is vastly over-rated on knives of this size. Honestly, length is far more important in a defensive situation than a half-millimeter or so of thickness difference. And owning both, I can tell you that the stars just seem to really align when it comes to the 943. Especially as an EDC (which, if we are honest, is what these knives will really be more oft than not).

Just my two cents! ;)
 
Sulaco said:
I think the tip strength thing is vastly over-rated on knives of this size. Honestly, length is far more important in a defensive situation than a half-millimeter or so of thickness difference. And owning both, I can tell you that the stars just seem to really align when it comes to the 943. Especially as an EDC (which, if we are honest, is what these knives will really be more oft than not).

Just my two cents! ;)
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Hmm.. Very good points indeed. I'll have to take another look at the 943s. The consensus so far seems to be that it is more useful than the 940 for its intended purpose. I'll definitely play with one if I get the chance.

Do you know if it comes in sexy colors like the 940? That green/satin combo really caught my eye.
 
There are several variants out there for both the 94x series. Most of them are going to be pretty hard to find by now. I've really wanted to get a red or a blue one, but they are ridiculously hard to find.

Another suggestion, or perhaps another stumbling block :), worth mentioning is that Knifeworks has a D2 exclusive on the 940--meaning that they were able to get Benchmade to make a run of 940's with D2 steel instead of the standard S30v.
 
Ive got the Rift. Its a big knife that feels a little bit blade-heavy (not a negative observation). Even though it has solid liners ie. they arent milled out for weight reduction. Then handles are ergonomic, more so than the rectangular-shaped handles of the Stryker/Triage/etc. Only gripe is that the handle-spine corners could be more rounded. They bite into your hand when cutting down on materials hard, but that shouldnt be a problem with the tasks you intend to use it for.

The blade itself is relatively broad (nice for buttering bread/spreading peanutbutter) with a nice belly. The reverse tanto makes the bladetip strong, but as other posters have stated, it couldnt matter less for regular edc cutting tasks. But it looks cool as hell :D

As a whole, the knife feels very robust and inspires confidence. Compared to other similar-sized folders, its obvious it packs alot of blade in its handle. IMO it looks damn good to boot.

Regarding the weight and how it carries, it does not bother me at all. That being said, its not a knife that you can drop into your pocket and forget about.

Im at work now, so i cant post any comparison pics or in-hand, but i can do so when i get home from work if you wish.

I have no experience with the 940, but i considered getting it at one point. I cant remember why i passed on it, but looking at it again, i just cant feel the draw.

Bu the way, nice to see some academics on this forum. I like that this forum has every kind of people from farmers to doctors and everything in between. :thumbup:
 
Heres a review on the Rift: [video=youtube;UUbZXMOk-Hc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUbZXMOk-Hc[/video]

and one on the 940: [video=youtube;j56oI6ndgiA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j56oI6ndgiA[/video]
 
Pocket knives in general aren't heavy, a few ounces here or there.

The 940 is a FUN, FAST and SMOOTH knife.
The 950 is a FUN, slightly slower and SMOOTH knife.

I thought enough of my 940 to give it to my older brother.
I thought enough of the 950 to get one for my younger brother.
My youngest brother got a Griptillian (he tears up knives)

They've put 'em through the paces, from skinning large game to construction and electrical work and pretty much anything in between. You really can't go wrong with either.
 
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