Osborne 940 “prototype” info needed!

[Ffemt6263]

Hey all. I have a knife that I completely forgot about until I opened one of my safes the other day. It’s been sitting there for a good 15 years I’d say. It’s an Osborne 940 labeled “prototype may 2003.” I’ve had a couple 940s but I carry my knives, I’m not a collector. This one I just thought I should put away so it’s never been carried or used and I don’t really know anything about it. It’s in a silver benchmade hard case “that’s how I got it). I’ll try attaching a photo and any info would be appreciated. I searched and found one thread to a for sale post but there wasn’t much.
Also the blade is S30V. Thanks.

 

[jmclfrsh]

I believe that is the titanium-handled version of the 940.

 

[Ffemt6263]

I believe that is the titanium-handled version of the 940.

Any idea how rare it is as a prototype? Thanks for the reply.

 

[tiguy7]

I believe that is the titanium-handled version of the 940.

You can check the material by weighing the knife. The Carbon Fiber models weigh about 72gm, the Aluminum models about 82gm, and the Titanium models about 92gm. Also, the Ti models have standoffs.

 

[Ffemt6263]

This weighs 91 grams so yes I guess it is the TI. I’d love to carry this knife as I love TI and carry lots of it including different titanium flashlights but I’m thinking this one may be too rare to carry? Still looking for info as to whether these “prototypes” were just a gimmick or what. I don’t want to mess with a collectors piece as I have respect for that but I use my stuff. This is one of only 3 knives I have sitting in a safe.

 

[kreole]

If you sold it, the TI would get you some buyer interest. The prototype mark, you might find the right collector to pay a little premium, but a lot more people think more writing on the blade makes it worth less, not more, so it also might just sit on the exchange if you priced it high. Benchmade marks up so much stuff, prototypes and first runs and limited editions and probably others, if you want to carry it, I'd just do it. Benchmade prototypes aren't crazy collector pieces from what I've seen. Again though, the titanium handles makes it desirable for some knife knuts for sure.

 

[Silent H]

Here's a list of the whole 940 family that someone put together on Benchmade's forum. I don't see any mention of a Ti prototype from 2003. You may want to ask about it over there, there are some really knowledgeable people over there.

https://www.benchmadeforum.com/topic/the-whole-940-family

 

[Ffemt6263]

Awesome, thanks for the Info!