Best for EDC Usage - Benchmade 940 vs. Spyderco Sage-1

this_is_nascar

this_is_nascar

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Jan 17, 2004
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Usage:

- open mail/packages.
- cut cardboard boxes.
- various food prep, cutting meat, apples, etc.
- minor camping usage, whittling, prepare kindling, etc.
- to be carried in front right pocket, clipped, tip-up carry.
- self defense, as an absolute last resort if running away is not possible.

The 2.9 oz weight of the 940 vs. the 3.2 oz weight of the Sage-1 is not a factor, nor is the price for this comparison.

Based on the above criteria, which would you suggest and why?
 
I've only got the sage, I'll compare them when I get my 940... in april

Just based on blade shape though I would vote the 940(-1):D
 
I have both, and its really all personal preference.
I call them both medium duty knives. I will point out some differences that might help you decide

BM 940 : thin blade, aluminum handle, axis lock, green, thin handle, less pocket real estate, reverse tanto, bigger blade

Spydrco Sage 1: Wide blade,FFG, liner lock, carbon fiber laminate, choil, wire clip, maybe more ergonomic (subjective)

Conlusion, the 940 is slimmer and longer, which I like, but the aluminum can be less ergonomic. The sage slices well and has the choil, but sacrifices cutting edge and is wider in the pocket, but the wider handle can help with ergos

Food for thought
 
Both are excellent EDC folders. I think the Sage is the better slicer, but the 940 is more robust for general use. I suggest handling each if possible and choose the one that feels best to you.

If you ask which I personally prefer, I'd say the 940. Not because it's a better knife, but because it is one of my favourite designs Benchmade offers and I'm more of a Spyderco guy at heart... if that makes any sense at all (:o.) Spyderco offers more models I prefer to the Sage, but when it comes to Benchmade, I like the 940 and the 707 best.

*Note: if you decide on the 940, don't be discouraged if the edge isn't up to snuff or the pivot needs adjusting. With a little effort, it's still one helluva knife. The Sage is good to go right out of the box.

Good luck, OP! :)

-Brett
 
The Sage is very good, but I prefer the 940 and 943. They are very slim and pocket friendly, yet pack a good amount of blade. Excellent design and materials (plus the AXIS lock doesn't hurt).
 
They are both excellent choices. I've had about 5 940's and always end up flipping them. In my opinion, I'd go with the Sage. For me, the ergonomics are better and the choil is a very nice addition. Are you considering the Sage 2? It's a little more than the Sage 1 but much nicer in my view.
 
I just carried my 940 today for work. Opening boxes cutting down boxes. It's such a smooth knife once I got the pivot dialed in and added some blue loctite. The blade is nice and I still can't get a screaming edge on it but it still gets the job done. I don't carry it often because the scales can get nicked easily. But I don't buy my knives to keep in the drawer so it gets it's turn.
 
Can we talk you into a 943? I love my Sage 1 and I'm not a fan of the 940 blade shape so if those are the only two your looking at then I say the S1 but if you'd consider the 943 I'd go with that one.
 
I've only held a 940,but it was too tiny in my hand
I love the Sage 1 however. That's probably because it's a bit more hand filling.
Had a Sage 2, hated it, but love the Sage 1.
 
this_is_nascar said:
Usage:

- open mail/packages.
- cut cardboard boxes.
- various food prep, cutting meat, apples, etc.
- minor camping usage, whittling, prepare kindling, etc.
- to be carried in front right pocket, clipped, tip-up carry.
- self defense, as an absolute last resort if running away is not possible.

The 2.9 oz weight of the 940 vs. the 3.2 oz weight of the Sage-1 is not a factor, nor is the price for this comparison.

Based on the above criteria, which would you suggest and why?
Click to expand...

I absolutely love my 943, but I would go with the Sage here, as the better grip would be more suited to two of your criteria (camping chores, and self defense). The 943 wins out (but very slightly) in the other areas, IMO.
 
I only have the sage 1 but have handled the 940 and it's on my list to get one day. The sage 1 feels great, but as stated earlier, you sacrifice cutting edge with the choil. I find sometimes when cutting up boxes I'll hang up on it if I get in a hurry. That said, I don't see myself parting with my sage anytime soon.
 
I've had the Sage 1 and I currently have the 940.

If someone stole my 940, I would buy it again without thinking twice.

I much prefer the size and shape of the blade and handle, it takes up WAY less real estate in the pocket, I love the Axis lock and thumb studs vs. Spyderhole and liner lock, and I actually prefer the aluminum handle over the CF on the Sage. The only think I liked more on the Sage is the pocket clip which is damn hear perfect.

Both are excellent knives and a good value if you can get a used one in the marketplace, but for me, I'd take the 940 over the Sage every time.
 
I have the 943 and the Sage 1.

Personally, I prefer the Sage 1 by a fairly wide margin. It's a much better slicer and I find that Spyderco's CPM S30V sharpens up to a really nice edge with little difficulty. By comparison Benchmades S30V came with a very wide bevel on it which took forever to thin down and I can get a decently sharp edge on it but it's not scary sharp. That could be down to user error but I have no issues getting any of my other knives very sharp.

I also have been a little discouraged by how easily the pivot screw loosen up in the 943. A day of carry and it will have side to side play without doubt. To be fair though, I haven't taken the time to put some blue locktite on it. However, I have never had even a hint of play in the Sage 1 with absolutely no user intervention. It was smooth as glass out of the box and I've never had to touch the pivot screw. It locks up super solid and it probably the best liner lock I've ever used. The CF scales are more attractive to me than the aluminum of the 943 and I greatly prefer the spyderhole to a thumbstud as an opening method. The axis lock is fun to play with though.

943 is a great knife though, don't get me wrong. It is very light and disappears in your pocket. I got the Adamas deep carry clip for it and that works like a charm. I'm pretty much nitpicking.

There is a pretty wide gap in price too, you are talking about around $60 between the Sage 1 and the 940. I would probably look at Domino rather than either of those if you are willing to spend the price they sell 940's at now.
 
cross1178 said:
the choil. I find sometimes when cutting up boxes I'll hang up on it if I get in a hurry. That said, I don't see myself parting with my sage anytime soon.
Click to expand...

Yes, I should know how to use my knife, but I do hang up also, and it bugs me. I guess if I'd leave my finger in the choil, the problem would not exist. :)
 
Gotta love this sort of thread--especially that these two knives are in my top 5 under the $200 mark. Will share some of my thoughts later today. I LOVE BF!
 
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