Lovers and Haters of the Benchmade 940

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Wanderlust

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May 31, 2009
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So as many of you can relate, I am looking for a new EDC. I currently EDC a Benchmade Griptilian, or a Gerber Harsey Air Ranger. Now I love everything about the Grip except it is a little to big, specifically thick for my liking for EDC, which is one of the things that I loved about the Air Ranger. I just clipped the Gerber in my waist or in my pocket and it just disappeared until I needed it. So per suggestions on here I am looking into the Benchmade 940. What does everybody think about it? I know there are a lot of people that love it but I also want to know about the ones that hate it. I am also curious as to how people feel about the blade shape on the 940, I am a little skeptical on that, which is why I am also looking at the 943, as I really like the blade shape on the Grip. My concern with the 943 is that the blade appears kind of thin or narrow if that makes sense. So any advice you all could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
The 940 is ugly imho.

Only criticism I can give it though. Everything else is pretty damn good.
 
Your going to find a lot of people who love the 940 (like me) and very few people who hate it.
 
The ONLY thing I don't like about the 940 is the thicker blade grind... If it were thiner, I would still have mine. GREAT knife!
 
It's narrow, but you're just using the edge, right? It's a slick little knife, I like it a lot. Easy to carry and fits the hand well. The only improvement I'd make is Carbon Fiber scales with the same shape as the originals.
 
I'm kind of stuck in the same decision, I know I want a 940 series but can't decide between the 940 or the 943! :o
 
I've never had any problems with the blade shape on the 940. I really like my 940, it's a must have Benchmade IMHO.
 
The 940 is a great knife. I think the point on the 943 is too fragile, but the 940 reverse tanto shape is great.
 
I've fondled the 940 in the store a few times and, well, I want one. It seems like an elegant, functional knife. I didn't care for the look at first, but it's growing on me.

Jordan
 
I'm not personally a fan of the Benchmade 940 series, mostly because I dislike the feel of aluminum scales. Also consider the Spyderco Delica (or similar Spyderco products)--so small and light it'll disappear in your pocket but the blade is strong for its size and the thumb hole bump makes for a wonderful grip.
 
It is a love it or hate it with this knife, opinion usually determined upon handling it... unless you are prying or other abusive things, the blade should be fine. my dad has been edc'ing a 530 (VERY thin) for awhile now and it has yet to fail him. get what you want and learn from your experience, if you absolutely hate the knife there are many people willing to buy it on the exchange.... every knife that isn't the perfect knife for you teaches you something, i've owned numerous crap, decent, and even a couple of good knives and every one has taught me something of value in the knife world. go with your gut, you won't regret it in the long term scheme of things.
 
Hi,

My opinion on the 940 series of knives is probably very different than most peoples, I am weird. Before I start saying why I strongly dislike this knife I just wanted to say the is not supposed to be an all out diss-fest, and I appreciate everyones opinion, this is just my opinion. Also I have nothing against Benchmade, I own and love their knives. So here it goes.

1) I feel that the handle is too small
2) I hate the chalky feeling of the handle
3) I dislike the bladeshape because:
a) I think that it doesn't have enough belly for my edc needs
b) I think that the blade is not wide enough therefore it doesn't taper enough
c) I think the blade is not thick enough, I like to use my knives very hard
d) I feel the blade shape doesn't cut, slice, or chop well
4) I feel that the ergonomics leave something to be desired
5) I wish it came in black.

Have a good day,

Ben
 
benjaminw11 said:
Hi,

My opinion on the 940 series of knives is probably very different than most peoples, I am weird. Before I start saying why I strongly dislike this knife I just wanted to say the is not supposed to be an all out diss-fest, and I appreciate everyones opinion, this is just my opinion. Also I have nothing against Benchmade, I own and love their knives. So here it goes.

1) I feel that the handle is too small
2) I hate the chalky feeling of the handle
3) I dislike the bladeshape because:
a) I think that it doesn't have enough belly for my edc needs
b) I think that the blade is not wide enough therefore it doesn't taper enough
c) I think the blade is not thick enough, I like to use my knives very hard
d) I feel the blade shape doesn't cut, slice, or chop well
4) I feel that the ergonomics leave something to be desired
5) I wish it came in black.

Have a good day,

Ben
Click to expand...

Interestingly enough, I like my 940 for all the reasons you don't. And... what the heck are you doing chopping with a folder anyway? :D

It did come in black. It was a 942 that's now discontinued.

In my opinion, the 940 is the best EDC folder out there. Go with the reverse tanto for the balance and cool spine grind. ;) The 943 that I handled was ok, but it just seemed like it didn't have enough steel in the blade.

Have you handled a 940? Just satisfy the curiosity by at least trying one before picking one up. It's definitely the top tier of BM's output. And, the smoothest axis I've ever handled.
 
Sufler said:
Interestingly enough, I like my 940 for all the reasons you don't. And... what the heck are you doing chopping with a folder anyway? :D

It did come in black. It was a 942 that's now discontinued.

In my opinion, the 940 is the best EDC folder out there. Go with the reverse tanto for the balance and cool spine grind. ;) The 943 that I handled was ok, but it just seemed like it didn't have enough steel in the blade.

Have you handled a 940? Just satisfy the curiosity by at least trying one before picking one up. It's definitely the top tier of BM's output. And, the smoothest axis I've ever handled.
Click to expand...

I am glad you enjoy your knife.

I had read great reviews of the knife and I went to the local gun store to buy one. However I didn't like it and walked out with a 710 instead.

I never knew about the 942.

My EDC folder of choice is my large sebenza 21, but I have to send it in to Chris Reeve, because it has blade play and I just bought it.

Have a great day,

Ben
 
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I'd venture as far as to say that a 940 and a 710 are must have BMs.

:thumbup:
 
Im really like my 940. Its a decent size blade but still feels quite small in hand/pocket. Its easily one of the best slicers I own.
 
I sold off my collection of knives while unemployed for a couple of years there. I'm now rebuilding the collection and the 940/943 is the only Benchmade design I'm planning on buying. Seems like a perfect combination of size, blade, axis lock, and pocket comfort.
 
I carried a 940 KOTM Blue handle for a while, and loved it. It was very refined and gentlemanly. The blade shape did take some getting used to, but I grew to enjoy its uniqueness. I would probably prefer the clip point though, if buying again. The colored titanium liner on the back of the handle was a nice touch.

Really, you can't go wrong either way. If you know someone, you might be able to find one in the long-discontinued colors: Red, Blue, even Purple, I think.
 
The 94X series are absolutely fantastic designs! If you looking for gentlman's folder that can be called into heavy duty use this is it! The 94X offers great egornomics for normal size hands and carries so light at 2.6 ozs. My 943 is my favorite T6 handle knife, and as for which blade style flip a coin; you want loose with either!
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