Just got a 943... First impression: WTH?!?!

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NIKLASAL

Joined
Jun 6, 2011
Messages
194
I posted about a week ago that my EDC was a 580 and didnt understand the hype over the 940 or Griptilians, so i splurged and got a 943.

Now, i'm even more confused. To say i am disappointed is an understatement! It's a beautiful little knife, but it's so small i can't imagine what use i'd have for it. Maybe i just have big hands, but whats the use of such small knives other than opening envelopes?

(FYI, my EDC is usually the 580 even when wearing a suit, and recently i'm carrying an orange triage, so used to some heft)
 
For me, I love the 940 and 943 because it is full sized, but slender. It has never impressed me as small.
 
It is a dainty feeling knife but it's solid. Disappears in your pocket too!
 
okbohn said:
For me, I love the 940 and 943 because it is full sized, but slender. It has never impressed me as small.
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Derrick,

That is also what I like about them. I have come to terms with the fact that I like a full size knife that doesn't feel like a pocket brick. I would have ordered a new 940 from you but I bought a Sebenza instead. Can't wait for it to come in.
 
You will grow to love it i bet.:) It's a gentlemans knife from Benchmade but it still can be used fairly hard. Doesn't have the ultra power ot the 275 or 300 or 810 or 5000 or even the 551 maybe but it can do most things when put to the test. Didn't think i'd like mine either cause so used to the massive brute Benchmades like 275 and 300 but i carry the 943 on days have to go light and to has done me very good. for as thin as the blade is it's stronger than alot of thicker non -Benchmade blades i've seen, same with the handle.
 
NIKLASAL said:
I posted about a week ago that my EDC was a 580 and didnt understand the hype over the 940 or Griptilians, so i splurged and got a 943.

Now, i'm even more confused. To say i am disappointed is an understatement! It's a beautiful little knife, but it's so small i can't imagine what use i'd have for it. Maybe i just have big hands, but whats the use of such small knives other than opening envelopes?

(FYI, my EDC is usually the 580 even when wearing a suit, and recently i'm carrying an orange triage, so used to some heft)
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EDC fillet knife/office knife?
 
I like the 943. It's slim and light, but packs a 3.5" S30V blade. Where knives like the 580 are fine, sometimes I prefer it (943), esp. when wearing shorts.
 
NIKLASAL said:
I posted about a week ago that my EDC was a 580 and didnt understand the hype over the 940 or Griptilians, so i splurged and got a 943.

Now, i'm even more confused. To say i am disappointed is an understatement! It's a beautiful little knife, but it's so small i can't imagine what use i'd have for it. Maybe i just have big hands, but whats the use of such small knives other than opening envelopes?

(FYI, my EDC is usually the 580 even when wearing a suit, and recently i'm carrying an orange triage, so used to some heft)
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Well it has basically almost as much cutting edge as your 580, just as tough as it, and takes up half the real estate in your pocket.
 
Man, don't know how people ever survived with just slip joints as pocket knives. Haha, don't worry, that 943 will handle much more than you think. My dad carried one for years and used it for everything. That was the only knife he ever carried. He wasn't an office worker, he was blue collar and it never let him down. I've been into smaller knives lately because I have found that they are just as capable as my bigger pocket knives.

I say give it a honest chance and I bet it surprises you.

Oh and another note, my brother now has that knife and carries it from time to time. I say a knife that was used and can be passed on when you pass on is ok in my book.
 
I got a chance to handle a 940 and it just wasn't for me . I hated how small it felt, but I have huge hands and anything under 3.5 inches feels too small to me. It's a great looking knife so I see why people love it, but I'll stick with my 810 and 710.
 
I love the 940. I like the blade/ handle ratio. It's a great knife in my opinion.
 
alwayscarryaknife said:
Man, don't know how people ever survived with just slip joints as pocket knives. Haha, don't worry, that 943 will handle much more than you think. My dad carried one for years and used it for everything. That was the only knife he ever carried. He wasn't an office worker, he was blue collar and it never let him down. I've been into smaller knives lately because I have found that they are just as capable as my bigger pocket knives.

I say give it a honest chance and I bet it surprises you.

Oh and another note, my brother now has that knife and carries it from time to time. I say a knife that was used and can be passed on when you pass on is ok in my book.
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This.
 
I'm w/ you. 94xs are certainly beautiful and useful but the handle has more to do w/ o'all usefulness to me than the blade. Perch and leverage both lacking on that skinny handle.
 
Narrow handle isn't ideal for heavy cutting but then neither is the blade shape. Lightweight, thin, narrow and pointy make it perfect for EDC.
 
I felt the same exact way when I got my 943. I was so excited to get it, but when I finally did I was very disappointed at how small it was. I traded it immediately. As time went on, I began to realize that smaller knives can handle just about everything I need them to do and I really didn't need the biggest baddest blade out there. I wish I still had it because and I can guarantee it would meet all of needs just fine.
 
NIKLASAL said:
Ha! I was going to say its good for manicures but didn't want to hurt the feelings of any die-hard fans.
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Well, not everyone needs a large/heavy folder for their day to day stuff. Believe it or not, some places have strict knife laws that prohibit the carry of knives with blades over a certain length (can vary by country, state, county, and even city, or village). Some companies where people work even go so far as to regulate what their employees can have in their pockets for cutting tools while they are being paid for their labor. If everyone was the same, then Benchmade would only need to ever make one knife.

I like a larger knife too, but then again I own a whole lot of knives that range from small to ridiculously large. Different strokes I guess.
 
Everyone isn't Daniel Boone. I find my 940 to be a great knife for practical use. Light,easily carried, and well made. Would suck if I was stranded in the woods and was my only means of survival but works well in the real world. Almost as good as an Opinel #8.
 
Unless someone castrates bull elephants for a living, the blade length is about right for a pocket knife. ;) :)
 
I found the 940 series way too small as well. Nothing to do with the blade length, its the short and thin handle that felt awkward to me.

Any place I've worked that has knife restrictions, the 943 would be viewed as a huge and dangerous weapon anyway.
 
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