Benchmade 943 - Is There a Better Benchmade EDC?

T

Traw

Joined
Jul 9, 2014
Messages
43
I have been looking at the 943 Benchmade, and it seems like a great knife for me. I was just wondering if people thought there was a better knife for around the same price, or what they thought of their 943. I am looking for a combo edge.

I was alos looking at the Benchmade 710. What are some thoughts on this knife?
 
Last edited:
Thought about getting a 943, but the new pricing put it out of my range. Got a 707 instead. Superb knife that is super compact, looks great, and carries like a dream. But if you are looking at a 943, you probably want something bigger that the 707. The 943 is a great knife if you can swing the cash. It seems to be the one that appeals to people who like the 940, but just arent quite sold on the looks of the blade. I am one of them (pointier is better)
 
I'm considering the BM 943 as well. Are there any cool LE, dealer exclusives? a M4 or M390 would be great.
 
Hopefully, Benchmade will make a 943-1 like the 940-1 with S90V and CF.
 
"Better" is very subjective, but the 940 and 943 variants are awesome EDC knives. They are super light and thin in the pocket, which is where your knife will spend 99% of its time. But they open like butter and provide all of the utility you could ask for short of field dressing a mastodon. They have a great aesthetic flavor too. The 710 is also awesome, and a knife that everyone should eventually own, but its a little heavier and beefier than the 943. With either one, consider adding Benchmade's deep carry clip, which I love. The only downside to these knives is that Benchmade is now pricing them in the stratosphere.
 
The 94X series are great knives. I owned a 943 and it was very nice. I do agree that they are a bit more than I personally like to spend. I also wish they didn't have the aluminum handle and/or a different finish. If they made the 940 with a G10 handle, full nested liners, and 154cm blade steel I would EDC that daily.
 
And the 710 is the ultimate Benchmade in my eyes. It's the knife that started it all and is timeless. I have one in route now because I miss my old one so much.
 
Traw- same knife just different bladeshape. Go with the one that catches Your eye. They are both great, but my fav is the 940.

Good luck!

Rob
 
They are both excellent. I like the 940 better probably. The 943 is a super capable knife though and the tip is killer for anything involving super fine detail work.
 
The 94X models are my personal favorites from BM. I have multiple variations of the 940 and a 943. I absolutely love the modified reverse tanto blades so if I had to choose one I'd go with a 940 over the 943. The 940-1 is the ultimate edc in my opinion -- S90V and Carbon Fiber.
 
The 940 family is a great family of knives. I personally have a 940 which I own , and love dearly. I like to know more about someone, before I recommend a knife to them, but here's some things to consider:
If you're worried about aesthetics, and don't like scratches, the 940 family is not for you. The anodized aluminum scales will get scratched. The only exception here is the Carbon fiber 94X knife they have. I don't know how CF scales show wear though.
Is the blade shape good for you? I assume you don't do a lot of slicing then. Personally, I like to have knives that do, since I use mine a lot at lunch, camping, etc.
Going back to the handle/scales: Do you find yourself in wet/oily conditions? The reason I say this is the 940 family knives aren't the grippiest knives Benchmade makes.
COST: What is your budget?

Here's a few Benchmades I own and love:
940 - solid choice. Compact, with a lengthy blade
Gripitilian - a little beefier, more affordable, and will last forever. Don't be fooled by people saying they don't like the scales. Fully customizable: Steel, Blade, Colors, etc.
Barrage Family - Easily de-assisted, so you still get the awesome axis lock flavour. Slim, yet bigger handle. Two blade shapes and customizable scales, blade steel, colors.

I would also look at the Axis Strykers, as they're excellent too (I have handled them extensively).
If you would like a photo comparison, let me know. Here's what I've got
551BK, 551ORG, 585S, 940.

940 scratches just taking them out of my jeans pocket, because of that stupid little metal snap on jeans near the pocket.
 
Traw said:
What about the 710?
Click to expand...

I personally haven't owned one, and after playing with one for a few moments, like the ergos of the axis Stryker better. Also, I'm not too big on the D2 steel (especially un-coated) for EDC purposes. Although it holds an edge well, keep in mind, it is a tool steel, so it's more prone to corrosion, and requires maintenance. It seems to be one of the classic Benchmade designs everyone loves though.
Personally, I don't think you can go wrong when buying a Benchmade knife, especially if it's got the Axis lock.
 
Traw said:
What about the 710?
Click to expand...

The 710 is a large knife for EDC. However it is a great EDC knife because it does not carry large. It is slim and slides in and out of pocket easy. I have owned one in the past and have one headed my way now. I love the 710.


Traw said:
What about the 810? This knife has really caught my eye...
Click to expand...

That blade shape is pretty killer. The size/weight and jimping is what kill it for me.
 
So i think that my happy medium would be the Benchmade 942SBT but because it was discontinued, it is very difficult to find. If anyone has any info on how to find one, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
Traw said:
So i think that my happy medium would be the Benchmade 942SBT but because it was discontinued, it is very difficult to find. If anyone has any info on how to find one, it would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Wait, what? The 942 is just a black handled 940.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top