Help me decide Benchmade 940-1 S90v vs Spyderco Native 5 S110v carbon fiber sprint.

marcus52AR

marcus52AR

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Help me pick one!

Quite different knives I know..

But they have similarities and each one could take the right front pocket space.

I'd love to hear from owners of either, or better yet both. How does the s90v compare to the S110v?

Sorry my first thread is a "help me pick a knife" thread but I'm on the fence and need a nudge one way or the other. In fact if you have a completely different knife to recommend I'd take that into consideration as well.
 
Can't go wrong either way. Native if you place more value on ergos and cutting geometry, 940-1 if you place more value on a slim knife in-pocket and fantastic blade-to-handle ratio.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Can't go wrong either way. Native if you place more value on ergos and cutting geometry, 940-1 if you place more value on a slim knife in-pocket and fantastic blade-to-handle ratio.
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I guess that's the kicker eh? Both great knives as far as I've read. Haven't heard any bad reviews for either and lots of guys have multiples of either the 940 or the native 5.

Thx for the reply.
 
Have you ever held a Native? The ergos are terrible. Never used the BM so I can't comment there.
 
Reswob said:
Have you ever held a Native? The ergos are terrible. Never used the BM so I can't comment there.
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I haven't held a native. I have owned a sage 1 in the past and they look to have close to the same ergos.
 
The one thing i know for sure is that for me S110V is noticeably easier to reprofile & sharpen than S90V.
 
I'd take the 940-1

The action is smoother

It deploys faster

The ergonomics, weight and size are better.

The warranty is also like having a pitcrew

Now some negatives

The cost is extreme.
$260 retail is alot of money.
Since there is a monopoly on this great super charged, Osborne design. I figured it was worth.

Every once in a while it hits me that I spent in insane amount on a small pocket knife.

Then I remember how awesome it is to drive over to Benchmade for replacement parts, even a new blade if destroyed for $35

This has made me more comfortable using such an expensive knife



Now the flip side.

The Native is a classic Spydie.

The peelply carbon fiber is grippy just like the g10

This knife really connects with alot of dudes

For me it's just too heavy and bulky relative to its blade length.

It is comfortable in hand and has great fit and finish though.

The lockback really snaps in place with authority and precision.

The Native has better geometry and you'll really appreciate the high-end steel more with that thin flat grind.

I do not own a native.

As far as S110v vs S90v

On paper S110v is superior. It's also a newer alloy

It has a little more vanadium and carbon then S90v
But also has a large amount of niobium.

Hence more wear resistance.

S110v is also more corrison resistant.



I haven't had the time to really evaluate S110v though.

In the real world, on production knives, they both perform very similar with s110v having more corrison resistance and a slight advantage in wear resistance.
I honestly couldn't tell unless I got all nerdy and tested them.

Nothing stands out from day to day use.

They both hold a working edge for a long time.


So in the end, just buy both and see for yourself ;)
 
Two very correct, right answers to the OP's question.

My son finally had his 5+ year pocket reign of terror (by a Benchmade 710 D2) ended by the 940-1 I bought him - he LOVES it. He is obviously a dedicated Axis-user. Impossibly light and slender (top-to-bottom in particular) in the pocket, yet grip-able and pretty generous cutting edge that stays really, really sharp.

The sprint Native in question is an amazingly ergonomic, precision cutting machine, and would no doubt be one hell of a slicer. Spydie Sprints like that one (premium steel and scales) will always be easy to sell too, and for good reason: they are that good.

In the end, super slender and longish axis lock, or superbly ergonomic lock back - you'd have to make that call. In terms of quality and serviceability, apples to apples - both right answers.

edit to add: I didn't give you my vote - I'd take the lockback Spyderco personally, I find it to be more my edc style.
 
Keep in mind the Spyderco sprint will someday be gone and unobtainable other than through the secondary market. I think the 940-1 is a regular stock, ongoing model?

That being said, although the Native has great in-hand ergos, I have a hard time with the wide pocket profile, especially in a front pocket, and the short blade to handle ratio. I think the difference in steel performance would be a wash, but I'm no steel expert. Personally, I'd probably go for the 940-1. I have two different flavors of Native (FRN and G10) and a 943 for first hand comparison.

At the end of the day, they're both excellent knives and what works for me might not work for you. Is there any way you can try them both in your own hand?
 
Hackenslash said:
Keep in mind the Spyderco sprint will someday be gone and unobtainable other than through the secondary market. I think the 940-1 is a regular stock, ongoing model?

That being said, although the Native has great in-hand ergos, I have a hard time with the wide pocket profile, especially in a front pocket, and the short blade to handle ratio. I think the difference in steel performance would be a wash, but I'm no steel expert. Personally, I'd probably go for the 940-1. I have two different flavors of Native (FRN and G10) and a 943 for first hand comparison.

At the end of the day, they're both excellent knives and what works for me might not work for you. Is there any way you can try them both in your own hand?
Click to expand...


There is a place where I live that has the 940-1 but I haven't seen a native in my city. (any variation)
 
Good thing (?) There isn't 943-1, then the decision would be that much tougher...

I have handled the frn native, and owned a 940 and 943. Out of the 3, I will be buying a 940-1 in the future. The others are only relegated to a potential buy if a get a screaming deal on them...

The blade/handle ratio is just Fantastic, to the point that it is a bit surprising until you become accustomed to it. On top of that, it takes up Very little pocket real estate.
 
I sold the Native5 CF because it was worth a bunch of money and I greatly prefer the new Lightweight versions. I've been drooling over the S110v Native LW because I LOVE my Manix2 S110v LW.

I still have my 940-1 and carry it sometimes when I'm going out to dinner or to the store. Its very discrete and slim in pocket, but doesnt have the cutting utility of the Native5 ergos and design. I carry my Native5 LW (S35vn) much more because it's better tool overall.

I've been able to touch up s90v without issue, and I've successfully sharpened s110v (Manix2 LW) a couple times. Not sure I can tell the difference other than I love the finish on the Spyderco s110v.

Personally, I would go buy a Native5 LW S110v (2.5oz) and save yourself $150 (heck, buy an aluminum 940 as well!). If CF is really your thing, I still wouldnt get the heavier (3.5oz) Native CF sprint run, and rather wait for the up coming liner-less fluted CF S90V version (C41CFFP5 , non anniversary edition) for about the same price. It will likely be 2.7oz just like the anniversary edition.

That said, I'm not selling my 940-1 anytime soon because it is probably my favorite Benchmade ever made. It comes down to how you use your knives and what you like from them.

Native5 = powerful cutting tool built for my hand. Utility perfection, project companion.
940-1 = discrete and classy in a very capable package. The extra blade length is nice for food prep.
 
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S110V has the potential for about 20% more edge holding over S90V, however blade thickness, edge geometry, and final hardness/ heat treat can add to or reduce that. I have both steels in the native platform and really like them, I plan on picking up the 940-1 and 20CV knifeworks version in the future.
 
You need to get both and make up your own mind.

The good thing is that if you find and buy them used for a good price you should be able to sell them for very little, if any, loss.
 
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