Benchmade 940 vs 940-2

Benchmade 940 vs 940-2 vs PM2 vs Para 3

  • 940

    Votes: 13 25.5%

  • 940-2

    Votes: 16 31.4%

  • PM2

    Votes: 19 37.3%

  • Para 3

    Votes: 3 5.9%
  • Total voters
    51
Well, I happen to have 3 of the 4 mentioned in your pole. In total disclosure, I much prefer Benchmade knives in general, so I am predisposed to them anyway.

I have the 940-2, the PM 2 and the Para3. Of those, I much prefer the 940-2 as it (IMHO) is the better of the three by a long shot. It literally disappears in my pocket and is truly a joy to play with. The 3.4 inch blade takes it into medium territory but the slender profile makes it a "smallish" knife and the blade shape makes it quite tough and strong. (I am rather pining for a 943 however, even though I don't especially like metal scales, aluminum or titanium).

I am one of the very rare ones that don't especially like the PM 2, as I find it awkward and too butt heavy (I have medium to large hands). Everytime I handle it, I get the feeling it want to drop out the bottom of my hand. Of course it never has, but still an uncomfortable feeling nonetheless. It also takes up a lot of room and even though, other than length, the Para 3 is the same dimensions, it doesn't seem as much of a pocket hog as the PM2. I do carry the Para 3 on occasion as it seems to fit my grip much better than the PM.

So, in conclusion, my preference is the 940-2, a distant second the Para 3, then way down the list, the PM2. As in all preferences, YMMV.
 
Stumpy72 said:
Just one personal view, but... I think the 940, PM2 and Para 3 families are all what I’d call “industry standards” in current production folders--kind of like what the Chevy Malibu, Ford Torino and Plymouth Satellite families used to be in 70’s-80’s American cars. I think it’s hard to go wrong with any of them, even though I already have. If/when I order another 940, my order to the vendor will stipulate that I expect a centered blade, solid lock-up, no visible flaws/damage and no blade play. I don’t know if that’ll make any difference in what they send to me, but at least they’ll know the criteria by which I’ll be deciding whether to keep the knife or return it to them.

I’ve already got a Para 3 (M4 blade+natural G-10 scales) and I’m keeping my eyes open and waiting for a limited edition/sprint run PM2 that gets my attention with blade and scale materials. I’ll probably be unable to resist the siren song of the 940 forever, so I’m keeping my eyes open for a 940 LE/SR that gets my attention with blade/scale materials, too.

I need to say that for me, this is all self-indulgence. I (and I suspect most of us) could probably make do with any one of these three knives to handle almost all of what comes our way in our everyday lives.
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I think that is a great point. Thanks!
 
colin.p said:
Well, I happen to have 3 of the 4 mentioned in your pole. In total disclosure, I much prefer Benchmade knives in general, so I am predisposed to them anyway.

I have the 940-2, the PM 2 and the Para3. Of those, I much prefer the 940-2 as it (IMHO) is the better of the three by a long shot. It literally disappears in my pocket and is truly a joy to play with. The 3.4 inch blade takes it into medium territory but the slender profile makes it a "smallish" knife and the blade shape makes it quite tough and strong. (I am rather pining for a 943 however, even though I don't especially like metal scales, aluminum or titanium).

I am one of the very rare ones that don't especially like the PM 2, as I find it awkward and too butt heavy (I have medium to large hands). Everytime I handle it, I get the feeling it want to drop out the bottom of my hand. Of course it never has, but still an uncomfortable feeling nonetheless. It also takes up a lot of room and even though, other than length, the Para 3 is the same dimensions, it doesn't seem as much of a pocket hog as the PM2. I do carry the Para 3 on occasion as it seems to fit my grip much better than the PM.

So, in conclusion, my preference is the 940-2, a distant second the Para 3, then way down the list, the PM2. As in all preferences, YMMV.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response, I’m new to buying and only have a small collection. This helps a lot! Thanks!
 
KnifeCarsen10 said:
Is the clip point tip strong?
Click to expand...

For cutting and poking stuff? Yes.
For opening paint cans? No.

Seriously, the 943 blade is stronger than it looks. It carries a decent thickness to the tip, unlike my PM2. I’ve got to say, my 943 is probably the sharpest looking (no pun intended) knife I own.
Try one, you’ll like it. I guarantee it.
 
Gona be a bit biased as the only one I have on your list is the pm2. And while I can't deny that it is wider in the pocket than the benchmade would be I dont think it carries as big as some make it sound. As long as your not one of those skinny jeans guys the pm2 fits fine with room in regular jeans. My rotation for knives is my pm2, benchmade stryker, spyderco GB2, Kershaw KO, ZT 0550, 0566 and a cold steel AK mini but the pm2 gets the most pocket time with the Stryker coming in a close second. For my med/large hards the grip of the pm2 is perfect. Comfortable, grippy, and with a Casey Lynch pocket clip the perfect carry I think.
 
I would recommend either the 940 or PM2. Not a fan of the 940-1 or 940-2. Although I still have a few knives in S90V/S110V, it’s far from my favorite steel. I owned a few PM2s and picked up the 940 much later when my right hand was injured. The 940 is a true ambi knife.

If you have less space in your pocket and don’t use a knife frequency, I recommend the 940. The Axis lock also makes for a very good fidget toy.

If you don’t mind more weight in your pocket and use your knife frequently, I think the PM2 is a better choice. It is a better cutting tool.

I love the PM3 too but would def not recommend it over the PM2 or the 940.
 
Just noticed that you said you don’t like green aluminum. In that case, I would recommend crossing the 940 off your list. Between the 940-2 and PM2, I would take the PM2. Try to find a sprint/exclusive for less than or around $150.
 
PM2 would be my choice, easily.

The only favorable feature of 940 is that it is slim and lightweight. Other than that, the blade is pretty thick behind the edge. The ergo of 940 is at best just average - you get the feeling of holding a small stick in your hand. It is also overpriced as compared to PM2 - plenty of sprint runs / dealer exclusives of PM2 with M390/20cv/M4/Rex-45/Cruwear and g10 for only about $140-$165 while 940 with s30v/g10 goes for a whooping $180 and 20cv/g10 for $200 (940-1501) and if you add a bit decorative c-tek inlay and some colorful backspacers whoops the price jumps to $280 (940-1701).

I'll save the QC comparison for another thread.
 
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