Benchmade 943 alternative -- Hogue Mysto?

[Hatch Power]

Long time reader on this forum. Joined today to ask this question. Benchmade 943 is my favorite knife. They are getting very collectible and expensive. Do any of you own the 943 and a Hogue mysto? How do they compare. These look so similar I think the mysto could be a good alternative for half the cost. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Macchina]

I don't have a Hogue Mysto, but I do have a BM940 and BM942.

I’ve found similar knives never scratch the itch when you want an exact knife. You only live once. Save up and get the one you actually want would be my advice!

Also a knife being “collectible” should never stop you from buying and using the hell out of one! I hate safe queens and only have 2 duplicate knives brand new in their boxes (Benchmade 710D2 and TC “A New Day” Barlow) and those are just to replace some Favorite EDCs if I ever loose my carry ones.

 

[kylemiller]

Check the Kershaw Bel-Air. There's a new bowie version that would be like a 943 shorty.

Tactile Maverick for a few bucks more.

 

[kylemiller]

I've seen a video review and a customer review that both talk about the axis lock geometry being off on this guy. People underestimate how many stars have to align to get a good axis lock or especially compression lock. Can't just slap it on any blade and handle.

 

[Hatch Power]

Thank you all for the replies. It looks like a consensus. I’m going to buy another 943 these things are so good about working in dirt dusty conditions it isn’t worth risking something different. This is the first knife I’ve owned that will take a pocket full of hay dust and dirt then cut a watermelon that evening and not be locked up the next morning.
The blade shape works good for everything I do, easy maintenance just spray with water hose and a little oil once in awhile.

 

[AZFoxes]

I personally own and use the Osborne, Mysto, and Bel Air so I can provide you my opinion. The Osborne is one of my favorite everyday use knives and it has been so for many years but it is not a substantially better knife. That said, I do prefer the aesthetics and feel of the Osborne. I own 4 Osbornes’s with different blade steels and different blade shapes. I have 2 Mysto’s and 1 Bel Air. The Mysto (I have had zero issues with the lock design, placement, or function btw) and Bel Air are excellent knives. This is completely my opinion so take it for what’s its worth but the Mysto and Bel Air are excellent knives at a much more affordable price point. It all comes down to wants versus needs. The former is why most knife enthusiasts have a collection of knives but the latter can be satisfied with gas station/box store knives when push comes to shove.