Osborne 943 or Emissary 470-1?

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Sirleroy91

Joined
Nov 23, 2013
Messages
5
Hey there folks. I am looking to get myself a new Benchmade folder and am tossed up between the Osborne 943 and the Emissary 470-1. There are some obvious differences between the two and some similarities as well. Both are toying at my heart strings but only one is going to make the cut for now. Help a guy out if. Please feel free to express your preferences or suggestions.

Thanks!

-Sirleroy91
 
Main differences are that the 470-1 has a 3" blade and assisted opening whereas the 943 has a 3.4" blade with no assist.
 
I'll go ahead and say 943 as well, no contest


Edit: side note, the 943 was my first knife purchase over $100
 
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I go with 943. I have a 940 and a 470 and I like the 940 a lot better. Both are great knives and you won't be disapointed either way you go.
 
943

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Hi Sirleroy91,

RamZar said:
Main differences are that the 470-1 has a 3" blade and assisted opening whereas the 943 has a 3.4" blade with no assist.
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I would like to add to RamZar's comment that closed length of each 470-1 = 3.9", 943 = 4.47". Now My hand's with is 4" from index finger side to pinky finger side. I found Emissary to be too short of handle for me to have comfortable grip (YMMV) I bought 940 instead of 470-1. If you like assisted blade and you like 4"+ handle, you might like to review Barrage series (580, 581, 583).

Thanks,
MFL
 
I asked the same question here last week. I ended up ordering the 943, I'm hoping that when I drive home from school for break today, it'll be waiting for me. I've been so impressed with the smoothness of my benchmades in the past and saw no need for the assisted opening. Additionally, a quick call to Benchmade had them sending me a deep-carry clip for the 943 which really tipped the scale against the 970.
 
Thank-you everyone for the info. I have been leaning heavily toward the 943. I think it likely what I will be going for. As commented, smoothness of action pretty much negates any need for assisted opening. As I have large hands the 943 fit a lot better and was much more comfortable. Although the closed length is a fair bit more than the 470-1, I don't think it will be too noticeable in pocket next to my wallet.
The only thing now is steel. I am not totally familiar with S30V, which is what the knife comes in. Is it much superior to 154CM? The only other thing that would keep me from going for this knife is if I would be better off getting into something with another steel, like D2. Thoughts?
 
Sirleroy91 said:
Thank-you everyone for the info. I have been leaning heavily toward the 943. I think it likely what I will be going for. As commented, smoothness of action pretty much negates any need for assisted opening. As I have large hands the 943 fit a lot better and was much more comfortable. Although the closed length is a fair bit more than the 470-1, I don't think it will be too noticeable in pocket next to my wallet.
The only thing now is steel. I am not totally familiar with S30V, which is what the knife comes in. Is it much superior to 154CM? The only other thing that would keep me from going for this knife is if I would be better off getting into something with another steel, like D2. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I like s30v. If anything, it's kind of under rated. It holds a working edge longer than 154cm and I find it pretty easy to sharpen.
 
S30V is good steel, real world differences in cutting between 154CM are hard to judge. Properties-wise, S30V is a finer steel; the material is powder created and takes and holds a great edge. Some say it's a little brittle out of the box, but with the first sharpening all that goes away. Best thing, on the other side, about 154CM is it's easier to sharpen, and in the field (wherever that is....) it's somewhat easier to get a working edge back.

On D2, I like this steel. It's semi stainless, takes and holds a great toothy edge; it's much harder to sharpen (in my opine) compared to the other two mentioned above. The trick is to touch up and strop more often.

Between the three I prefer S30V for the edge it can take and hold; but in real world cutting it's hard to tell the difference, and I own knives in all three materials.
 
I have looked at both and finally I have chosen the 943.
And since I have it I have no regrets... Nice steel, smooth operations, nice ergonomics and very high quality of the assembly
 
Awesome! Thanks again everyone. I have now put in an order for my first Benchmade- the Osborne 943 has won me over. Super excited. Can't wait for it to show up in the mail.
 
Is have been very suprised by the 943.
I hope you will be as enjoyed as I was.
 
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