BENCHMADE Model 940 Osborne is here!

[Sergiusz Mitin]

<center><font size=4>BENCHMADE Model 940 Osborne is here!</font></center>
<center><small>Patr 1 of 3</small></center>

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054764&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054765&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>I don't know why I have waited this knife with uncommon impatience. After I saw Dexter Ewing's release on "What's New" forum, James Matins' pictures from Blade Show and read BENCHAMDE press release Model 940 Osborne became my "must to have" item and I couldn't wait when I will take it into my hands. I could imagine how nice is this knife but when I got it into my hands I saw clearly that I received more than I could dream!<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054766&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=left SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054767&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>Liking knives and having some in my collection this time I was really impressed! Thus no wonder that I have moved all planned writings into the background and decided to share my initial impressions on the Forums as soon as possible.

Model 940 Osborne look is somewhat uncommon and very elegant. The lion's share of it's uncommon look this knife owes to blade shape called "reverse tanto" in BENCHMADE press info. I though hard what common has this shape with classic Japanese tanto knives and have found only that blade has full thickness just at 16 mm from tip. If I should name this shape I would think hard about "geometric clip point" but name is not the most important here. This strong blade no way looks massive; it presents very good balance between elegace and solidity.

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054768&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054769&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>Here is the look on the clip side. Don't you think that somewhat narrower and lighter clip anodized in handle's color could make this knife even prettier? The handle's color is very hard to pick properly onto the photos and even harder to describe in words, especially speaking in non-native language. I could consider it like color of juicy, ripe (but not withered!) grass with added a drop of gold. I couldn't make two pictures delivering this color at the same way, it is somewhat different at each picture. But believe me, in nature it is much prettier!

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054770&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054771&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>Here I have pictured opening "critical" angle, in this position it is enough even lightest touch in closing direction and blade will be pulled into the handle. Quite useful protection against unintended opening, especially for the knife designed for tip-up carry.
Since speaking about action it is worth to mention that it became fluidly smooth after I applied only one drop of MILITECH Weapon Grade Synthetic Based Metal Conditioner. It is as smooth as the action on my Model 730 Ares and smoother than on my Model 710 Axis Lock.

The action smoothness sometimes is confused with complete lack of resistance when opening knife. This basically wrong approach causes some users to loosen pivot tension to obtain pseudo-smooth action. Beware, this way is quite unsafe and provides nothing. If the action is smooth - say OK, if it is somewhat "gritty" - reconcile yourself to this or try to apply additional polishing onto friction parts but no way loosen the pivot tension.

<center><small>to be continued...</small></center>


[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 09-10-2000).]

 

[Sergiusz Mitin]

<center><small>Patr 2 of 3</small></center>

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054772&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054773&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>Though knife handling doesn't provide the hefty feel of tactical folder it no way can be considered as so-so handling, which is characteristic of some "gentleman's folders" designed for pretty look, letter opening and nail cleaning only. Well designed handle provides very comfortable hold in saber and hammer grip. Steel liners are gently patterned in thumb and forefinger placement areas. Bead blasted aluminum surface looks elegant and provides very pleasant "warm" touch to palm.
In what category could I place this knife? Light tactical? Strong gentleman's? Nice daily utility? I don't know, let's think together.

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28057528&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28057530&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>Entire handle's design is quite interesting and also uncommon. The liners are reaching about 3/4 of handle's length only and are nested into aluminum scales. Titanium back spacer is anodized in light purple color and covers only 1/3 of the space between scales. Remaining two thirds of space fill extended in this area thickness of the scales.

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054774&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054775&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>The knife was amazingly sharp out of the factory box. Please look at this photo, I produced these tine paper "spaghetti" holding the sheath of laser printer paper at the corner and "whittling" it with strait push cuts, with no slicing.

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054776&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=left SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054777&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>And here is the copy of invoice which was included. Turning it vertically I let it to fall and then I sliced it horizontally onto two pieces when free falling. It is pretty tine and light paper for multi-copy printing on impact printers. Please try to do it with so-so sharpened knife!

<a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054778&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG align=right SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054779&Sequence=0" border="2"></a>All grind lines on the 154CM blade are clear and as even as it can be noticed with unarmed eye. Blade is centered in the handle more than perfectly. Inspecting whole knife as carefully as I could I didn't find any quality problem. Nice illustration to so called BENCHMADE "spotty quality" which sometimes seems to be pretty fashionable to discuss, isn't it?

Well, someone could ask don't I praising Model 940 Osborne? Yes, I'm! But why I shouldn't if I really like this knife? Maybe I'm biased? Maybe, even greatly probably, but I'm writer, not a judge!

<center><small>to be continued...</small></center>



[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 09-10-2000).]

 

[Sergiusz Mitin]

<center><small>Patr 3 of 3</small></center>

And here are some color compositions inspired by my wife Anna.

<center><a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054780&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054781&Sequence=0" border="2"></a> <a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054782&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054783&Sequence=0" border="2"></a> <a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054784&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054785&Sequence=0" border="2"></a> <a href="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054786&Sequence=0" target="_blank"><IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=222944&a=4652677&p=28054787&Sequence=0" border="2"></a></center>

Like all ladies she is interested with only one part of whole knife design - the aesthetics! She doesn't care at all about used materials, lock strength and action smoothness, a bit more (but a small bit only!) she cares about handling comfort.
The knife have to be pretty!
And this knife is pretty, so I have no wonder that it took the very first place among my knives in my wife's knife elegance ranking. The rank of her fascination is nicely illustrated with fact that she donated some leafs of the most loved plants in her garden. I know what the dedication this is from her side!


------------------
Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland



[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 09-10-2000).]

 

[Kodiak PA]

Sergiusz,
As usual, your elegant write ups are a joy to read. Your ability to write and with the thumbnail pictures really add to the overall enjoyment of your posts.

No you have me wanting this knife....

Quick question: What are the carry laws in Poland? Is there any problem carrying a knife there or are the rules as strict as other European countries?

Thanks,

------------------
~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska



[This message has been edited by Kodiak PA (edited 09-10-2000).]

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Serg --

Thanks for the write up and especially the great pics. Take note everyone, clip side pics are a must!

I am still fine-tuning my everyday carry knife strategy. I'm coming to believe that 5" of handle is too much, so I'm looking for a new knife with ~4.5" of handle or less. Would you mind providing the measurement of the 940's handle.

The tip looks very pointy, how well does it pierce? It looks less pointy than an endura, but will it pierce more easily than, say, the Axis or AFCK?

Lastly, if you have a caliper, and can give a thickness measurement, I'd appreciate it. I've heard the 940 is very thin due to the nested liners.

thanks again!

Joe

 

[James Y]

Sergiusz:
Another great review. I'm telling you, reading your reviews is becoming quite costly...it inspires me to buy knives!

I'm still waiting to handle a 940. I think I want to wait a while though, to make an overall comparison of all the Axis models before I pick my second Axis lock.

BTW, I agree with Joe that the clip-side pictures were great. I get upset looking at catalogs that show knives from several angles but not on the clip side, which determines how the knife will ride in the pocket and ultimately, how often it will be carried.
Thanks!
Jim

 

[ptpalpha]

Outstanding review! One of the best I've read in a long time. NOW I WANT ONE TOO! (I knew I shouldn't have read it!)
Question: will the Oz be available with different color handles?

 

[Kodiak PA]

Paul,
There is a limited edition run of red handle ones. Roger at Bayou Laforche has a few left that you can order.

rogerc@bayou.com

If I get one, I think I rather have the green handled one.

------------------
~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska

 

[ptpalpha]

Thanks, Greg-me too. You know my mundane tastes: I was hoping for black.

 

[Griffon]

Originally posted by James Y:
BTW, I agree with Joe that the clip-side pictures were great. I get upset looking at catalogs that show knives from several angles but not on the clip side, which determines how the knife will ride in the pocket and ultimately, how often it will be carried.

Agreed. I think the catalogs are mainly designed by people who want the images to be as uncluttered and pretty as possible, not informative. Perhaps they also figure most knives will be handled before bought so it doesn't matter much?
If it was my design, I'd be proud of it and would want to show it off as much as possible and insist on images from as many angles as feasible. Economically, that is, which probably is why there's usually only one. It's a good thing we have the web nowadays.


------------------
Urban Fredriksson
www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/
Latest update: Calypso Jr Lightweight

"I've always been fascinated by Scandinavian knives [...] they're simple, in an advanced way".
- Bob Loveless

 

[Sergiusz Mitin]

Thank you for your appreciation and your questions Friends!

Here is one answer I just received from Greg Mooney (BENCHMADE):

We will be producing a limited Blue version of 1000 that will be out in October. We also just made a burgundy version of 200 for one of our wholesalers that shipped last week. Besides those, we have not made plans.

I'll answer another questions a while later. This moment I have super hurried writing to finish, sorry.

 

[Sergiusz Mitin]

Greg,
Your "quick question" really is not quick nor easy at all

The knife carry laws in Poland are quite liberal, we have no limitations in blade length and in the matter fixed or folding. Theoretically we can go with even 12" Bowie's concealed

Much more depends on where you are going and what you are doing with your knife. Naturally the brandishing at football match or discotheque could be quite unwelcome, on the street probably also.
We have also some public places where larger knife possessing is also unwelcome by nature, court of justice for ex. Even having concealed carry license I have to leave my gun and tactical folder at police deposit visiting court of justice, foreign diplomatic post etc.

In another European countries this can be quite different laws in this matter. As to my knowledge approximately the same regulations are in Germany, Slovakia and Czech Republic but you are not allowed to carry practically any knife in England. I do not know too much about another countries, usually I'm traveling with my car and always I have with me a decent tactical folder (my CCL is valid in Poland only). But I have never caused a situation to check where it is legal and where it isn't.

Joe,
The tip of Osborne's blade is not too pointy, in comparison with other BM's:
* It is noticeable "calmier" (blunter angle in the blade plane) than Model 710 or AFCK (710 and AFCK have almost the same angle, maybe AFCK is a small bit more pointy);
* It has approximately the same angle as Model 730 Ares but the tip is directed another way, if we would put together the edges and spines on both blades at the tip area the Osborne's handle would be directed much lower. In another words, on the Ares the edge's belly makes up more of tip angle and the spine - less, but on the Osborne - inversely.
* It has somewhat more pointy tip than Model 750 Pinnacle, the difference in the angles here is clearly visible.
I'm considering Osborne more like cutting and less like piercing tool but of course this no way means it can't pierce at all. Simply 710, AFCK and Ares would be better thrusters.

Closed knife's dimensions rounded to whole millimeters:
Maximal length - 113 mm;
Maximal width (near the free end of the clip) - 29 mm;
Maximal thickness without clip (in Axis Lock operating buttons) - 14 mm;
The thickness of handle's body - 10 mm;
The thickness with clip - 15 mm.

Urban,

If it was my design, I'd be proud of it and would want to show it off as much as possible and insist on images from as many angles as feasible.

I'm afraid I could lose a quite noticeable part of my job in this case

 

[James Mattis]

As usual, click on the pictures for big pictures.

Green
<A HREF="http://www.chaicutlery.com/benchmade/Benchmade-Osborne940series.jpg" TARGET=_blank>

</A>

Red
<A HREF="http://www.chaicutlery.com/benchmade/Benchmade-Osborne940Red.jpg" TARGET=_blank>

</A>

Top of handles
<A HREF="http://www.chaicutlery.com/benchmade/Benchmade-Osborne940-RedGreen.jpg" TARGET=_blank>

</A>

Direct scans - knives on glass under my magic blue construction paper.

------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001