Benchmade 940 plain or combi?

T

ToolDiva

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Nov 18, 2013
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After handling the Benchmade 940, I'm really digging this knife. I usually carry a smaller blade, but this this is so thin and light I think it would be easy to carry. Usually Tanto style blades turn me off, but the modified "reverse Tanto" style just seems to jive with the overall design more than the 943.

On smaller blades (less than 3" ) I prefer a plain edge. The combo edge on small blades seems kind less useful because each section is so small.

On the longer 940 blade, I'm wondering if the combo edge I'd more practical. In terms of aesthetics, the plain edge always looks prettier. However, I can imagine the utility of having a partially serrated surface (especially for cutting cord, rope, zip ties).

Looking for others to chime in on your opinions. Since this knife will be used, give reasons around utility rather than "coolness". Do the serrations add much for real world use, or is it a waste?

Thanks guys,

Elisabeth
 
My 940 is plain edge. In my opinion i Never come across anything ive needed serrations for a Sharp plain edge is perfect for me and on the 940 i like it cause i can choke up on it and do some detailed cuts
 
I don't ever go for anything with serrations. I don't find them necessary, a good sharp edge will cut just as well through most material.
 
Ive only owned plain edge over the years as I like the look of them better, but a couple months back I purchased a mini grip combo edge to try out at work.

I have to admit it handled several cutting tasks much better, especially tough materials like heavy plastic straps on pallets. For example with the serrations you can cut the straps from the top very quickly, it sort of digs in and starts the cut and the plain edge portion finishes it off. With a full plain edge even when sharpened I have to get the knife under the strap and then the blade could still skip a little before catching and cutting through.

Long story short the serrated portion really does help when you want to cut through tough materials quickly. That being said the last few knives I bought were all plain edge again as I'm stuck in my old ways and like the look better. I can be lazy and full plain edge are easier to sharpen, plus Benchmades lifesharp does not cover serrations like Kershaw or Spyderco so you can't just send it off when it gets dull...
 
One of the other reasons I don't buy partially serrated knives is Sharpening.

I do want to add that I would rather carry a plain edge and a fully serrated edge instead of a combo edge, that way you get the best of both without the sacrifice of either.

That limits your options though since a lot of companies do not offer fully serrated models
 
Plain edge. I have no use for serrations on a knife, and double this when we're talking sub 3" blades. Aside from carrying a non-serrated Benchmade in my pocket, I also pack a 7 rescue hook, which is more than enough, should I need it I have it. That's a good plan.
 
I would go with plain, but I've heard a lot of good things about benchmades serrations.
 
My uncle once told me that serrations "just encourage people to use their knife like a saw," which I know I'm guilty of. Nowadays, I'm partial to plain edge, I like the longer cutting edge and they look much better too, cleaner. I have never owned a fully serrated knife.
 
Redmasta nailed it with the plastic bands on pallets. I used to have to cut at least 10 of these a day, and plain edge skates along it no matter how sharp, serrations dig in and one swipe its cut. Right now I'm carrying a full serrated spyderco, and it cuts insulation real fast and doesn't dull the edge like a plain edge would. But what do I know...
 
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