Pls help me choose; Benchmade 485 Valet, 698 Foray, or 940-2 Osborne?

[JuhaR]

Hi Guys!

I'm looking for a new edc carry, and there are three alternatives; Benchmade 485 Valet, 698 Foray, and 940-2 Osborne G10 scales.

The main issue is the size, and how it manifests in day to day activities.


Portability

Being smallest of the trio, the 485 is probably the most pocket-friendly of the knives. But how about 698 and 940-2? The 698 is somewhat shorter, but then again heavier. The handle of the 698 is also thicker. What's the main thing to consider, weight, thickness or length? The 940-2 is a fine knife, but is it too long to be carried in my front pocket?

Freak factor

This is a no-brainer; biggeo knives are more intimidating than small ones. I've no problem taking out my BM770, or Ripple 2 in public. If necessary, I can hold the knife so that part of the blade is concealed by hand. How about 940-2? The reverse Tanto blade is cool looking, but "scary". Somehow the knife looks big in pictures, like the huge Bowie Crocodile Dundee wielded in the old movies. 940 owners, are you wary of your knife in public in order not to freak people?

What about the 698? It is smaller than 940-2, but do you consider it a small or large knife?


Usefulness

I am a city boy. I'm not going to hunt and skin a deer, cut firewood etc. The knife will be used to open stuff, such as envelopes, boxes, clam-packs etc, to cut loose threads, labels and price tags, to prepare a quick snack etc. A small and narrow blade would work best, and I fear that the reverse Tanto of the 940-2 might even be too big for these tasks.


Self defense

Yes, I know. It's a bad idea to bring a knife to a fight, and I don't intend to, if I can avoid it. But as I am carrying a knife on a daily basis anyhow, it would be stupid not to consider this aspect as well.

A lot of people say that you need an at leas 3,5 - 4 inch blade for stopping power. However, this kind of stopping could be permanent... I don't wish to end up in jail for homicide! Fights are chaotic, and fine motor skills deteriorate quickly. A small blade would be safer for both parties. On the other hand, a small blade can be devastating in skilled hands...

The 485 is small, but would it still be possible to use it as a last resort weapon?


I'd really appreciate your input,

rgds

Juha

 

[Hackenslash]

Hi Juhar, welcome to Blade Forums.

First, I'll make my recommendation so you can quit right here if you don't want to read a wall of text: Benchmade 940-1. I have a plain 940 and a plain 943 and they're two of my all-time favorite EDC knives.

Let's go through your particular concerns and then look at the three knives by fairly common comparison standards.

Portability: I've carried my 94X in all different kinds of pants and never had a problem. I carry right front pocket, so a slim knife is always a good idea for me as that's also where I keep my keys. I've never had an issue with the 94x being a "pocket hog". The most important factors in pocket space, IMHO, is weight followed closely by thickness. Length doesn't seem to be much of a factor until you start to get near 9 inches of over-all open length. The 94x is only a little heavier than the 485 and actually just a hair thinner, yet offers nearly a half inch more blade. I don't think you'd ever notice the added length in pocket of the 94x vs. the 485. The 698 isn't exactly a pocket brick either; it falls within my general personal guidelines of 4 ounces and 0.6 inches.

Freak factor: I don't see a freak factor with any of these knives, even the 940-2. It's such a slender, elegant knife that is comes across as very unobtrusive. I've found the most threatening blade shapes to sheeple are the big clip points, Bowies and Persians. Honestly, the 485 with it's spear point and unsharpened swedge might be the most off-putting. It might remind people of a dagger or a stiletto despite the small size.

Usefulness: I think all three of these knives would be fine for utility purposes. The 940 reverse tanto has never seemed clunky, and I'm generally not a big fan of tantos or reverse tantos. Probably the best utility blade shape of the three would be the Drop Point on the 698. None of the blades have much belly and that's a useful feature for any kind of rocking cut such as is used in typical food prep. Spear points are good for stab cuts but not always the best in other kind of cuts. Not a deal breaker by any means for any of these knives. Usefulness is probably a non-issue.

Self defense: Wow, tough subject. As always, the best self defense weapon is the one between your ears. I've had a little bit of self defense training, just enough to help me look better when I get my ass kicked, and none of these knives are what you'd consider "tactical". What it comes down to between these three is which blade feels the best in your hand, is the easiest to deploy and offers the best grip if things get slippery. Probably the 940-2 with longer handle and longer blade would be the obvious choice. Really, what any trainer will tell you is the best _______ (knife, gun, dog, harsh language) for self defense is the one you have with you. I'm not going to address this topic more because I'm really not qualified. There are others here who have much more experience.

Evaluating the knives in a more conventional sense:
Blade steel: 485, 698, 940-2. The 485 and 698 are very close in steel quality but I'd personally give the edge to the M390. The S30V in the 940-2 is really quite a drop off from the previous two, but this is a widely used steel that proven to be easy to maintain. If you don't have elite sharpening skills, the S30V might actually be easier to keep up with, just more frequently.
Handle: All three G10 with similar finish, call this equal
Deployment: 940-2, 698, 485. All three use studs but I only have personal experience deploying the 94x...it's a dream! The 698 looks ok but without having it in hand to try, I'll withhold judgement. There have been a lot of complaints about deployment of the 485. The knife is so small and slender and the studs are so close to the scales, many people have complained about difficulty getting thumb on stud. Your mileage may vary.
Lock: Three way tie. All three use the excellent Axis Lock. One of the best, hands down.
Clip: 485, 698, 940-2. Benchmade makes some excellent deep carry clips and it's a shame the 940-2 doesn't come with one. Aftermarket clips are widely available though. I think you'd like a deep carry clip given your carry concerns.
Ergonomics: Big win for 940-2. The 698 looks good too, but having never carried it I can't give it the win. I love the way my 94x knives feel in hand. The 485 comes in, for me, a distant third. Many have commented that the knife feels very small in hand. If you have anything larger than small hands, this could be and issue for you. For most users, the 485 is a true three finger knife. That's fine for very light duty but for extended use it can be very fatiguing. The extra grip on the 940-2 makes it a big ergonomic winner.

I hope these observations help in your decision. As others weigh in, I think you'll see clearly that the 94x is a near-beloved knife in the knife knut world. I think you'd enjoy yours.

Good luck!

 

[Mingecutter]

Of your choices, the 940-2. Or, I would also suggest the 940-1 and 940-1501 (Knifeworks exclusive) for their upgrades in steel.

It carries extremely slim and light in the pocket, gives you excellent blade-to-handle ratio, and is comfortable during use.

Theres a reason, or three , why it's so highly regarded by knife nuts and generally considered one of the best EDC folders around. My 940-1 is one of my favorites and will always have a spot in my EDC rotation and collection.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[abbazaba]

I guess I'll play the other side here - I have the 940-1 and 485... Working in an office I actually find myself carrying the 485 more. At first I found it small and cramped, but after I figured out how to manipulate it, the blade length and geometry is pretty great. I carry it clipless in my pocket, and it's one of the smallest knives I carry.

The Benchmade I find myself carrying the most is my 484-1, which I carry clipless as well. It's a little bigger than the 485, and actually has nearly the same amount of blade as the 940 despite being smaller. The ergos on the 484 lock my hand in, and it has a comfy thumb ramp that is missing from the 485 and 940. There is a certain robustness that I get from the 484 that I just don't from the others.

I know there's a lot of 940 fans for good reason (I like it and have a 943 as well), but I find that the blade length doesn't actually help me for any EDC tasks, and just looks a little larger than my coworkers want to see for opening office supplies. Despite the extra length, it doesn't actually excel at food prep in my experience (think splitting maul), which would be my only reason to have it in the office.

FYI deep carry clips for both the 940 and 484 are free from Benchmade, just ask.

 

[Kataphraktos]

Another vote for the 940-2 (or, better, for the 940-1501, which is what I have myself) here. It's the best blend among all the knives I own of good universal capability with supreme pocket friendliness. I'm a city dweller who works in an office, too, and have never gotten the slightest negative reaction to the 940. Contrary to your concerns, I think the reverse tanto makes it look less stabby to non-knife folks than, say, the related 943. My only knock on it is that, performance-wise, while it's a good cutter overall, it's not the finest slicer (slicing an apple, for example) compared to some of my others.

 

[kda89508]

It is hard to beat the 940 series. Nice size blade in a slim package 👍 Kevin

 

[benzy2]

I've never understood the love for the 940. Not a bad knife but the blade is more of a wedge than anything and it's a bit big for office work and slim for heavy work. It seems to be a compromise in every category and really not do anything well. Ito not a bad knife by any means but I don't see the mass hype following it either. I'd rather the 485 for office work and then a larger EDC for outside it than a middle ground with the 940 that's a little big for the office and maybe a little small outside it. Maybe a different blade profile would change my mind. BM really likes the wedge profile on their light duty knives which makes no sense to me.

 

[Biginboca]

I've never understood the love for the 940. Not a bad knife but the blade is more of a wedge than anything and it's a bit big for office work and slim for heavy work. It seems to be a compromise in every category and really not do anything well. Ito not a bad knife by any means but I don't see the mass hype following it either. I'd rather the 485 for office work and then a larger EDC for outside it than a middle ground with the 940 that's a little big for the office and maybe a little small outside it. Maybe a different blade profile would change my mind. BM really likes the wedge profile on their light duty knives which makes no sense to me.

+1!!!!

 

[abbazaba]

I've never understood the love for the 940. Not a bad knife but the blade is more of a wedge than anything and it's a bit big for office work and slim for heavy work. It seems to be a compromise in every category and really not do anything well. Ito not a bad knife by any means but I don't see the mass hype following it either. I'd rather the 485 for office work and then a larger EDC for outside it than a middle ground with the 940 that's a little big for the office and maybe a little small outside it. Maybe a different blade profile would change my mind. BM really likes the wedge profile on their light duty knives which makes no sense to me.

+2. This is exactly why I never end up carrying it.

 

[JuhaR]

The Benchmade I find myself carrying the most is my 484-1, which I carry clipless as well. It's a little bigger than the 485, and actually has nearly the same amount of blade as the 940 despite being smaller. The ergos on the 484 lock my hand in, and it has a comfy thumb ramp that is missing from the 485 and 940. There is a certain robustness that I get from the 484 that I just don't from the others.

This is not going the way I planned! I started with three alternatives, but now I keep thinking of the 484 as well, and have FOUR very appealing alternatives!

 

[JR88FAN]

940-2 as the easy choice for me, especially for the factors you listed.

Portability: Slim and light, you won't even notice it in your pocket and it takes up zero space.

Freak Factor: It's closer to a gents knife than a "tactical" folder..very non-intimidating.

Usefulness: Would be on almost everyone's top 5 EDC list of all time, so there's that.

Self Defence: N/A

 

[Hackenslash]

This is not going the way I planned! I started with three alternatives, but now I keep thinking of the 484 as well, and have FOUR very appealing alternatives!

The 484 has a well documented problem of the offside stud catching your pocket and deploying the blade while it's being withdrawn...kind of an unintended wave feature. I have a 484-1601 and I love it, but the problem is real. To the point of blinding the off side stud with a specific size round head hex screw. I've never had a problem with mine, but the 484 is probably a knife you should feel in hand before dropping two bills.

I understand (kinda) the comments about the 940 blade shape, that could be why I carry my 943 way more often. Keep in mind that EDC utility cuts with a tanto or reverse tanto blade require a learned technique. I'd think that those who've had trouble with it are handling it like a drop or clip point.

If you're open to other options besides the three you listed, that opens the choices way up...Spider Monkey, TRE, Gemini... Lots of good choices beyond a Benchmade.

 

[abbazaba]

Not the best pic, but hopefully it helps

555
Gemini
485
484-1
940-1
943
450
Forgot to put the spider monkey in the pic. Let me know if you're considering...

 

[JuhaR]

Abbazaba, thanks for the comparison shot! Btw, does your nick Abbazaba come from capt. Beefheart?

 

[Velitrius]

Not the best pic, but hopefully it helps

555
Gemini
485
484-1
940-1
943
450
Forgot to put the spider monkey in the pic. Let me know if you're considering...

Just for fun, toss the Spider Monkey in there... Probably open this discussion a bit wider.

 

[Deer]

940-2, no question. Its my current abuse EDC. Always find myself grabbing it over my other blades currently.

 

[Cursum Perficio]

Another vote for the 940 here, be it -2 or -1.
It's reverse tanto blade shape has a more 'tool' than 'weapon' appearance, it's light and slim and so easy to carry.

The 484 is a great folder, I haven't had the offside thumbstud problem above described, though it's worth noting as others have. However it's noticeably chunkier than a 940.

Considered a 707? It's my smallest folder in rotation and it's a sweet wee Axis lock option.

 

[dieseldog]

Hard to go wrong with the 940-2 I got the 940-1 I consider that my gentlemen's knife . I clip it on the front pocket divider in my dress pants . But the s90v on the -1 can be a little bit of a pain to sharpen so s30v on the -2 would be more convenient. But the right answer IS GET THEM ALL!!! haha

 

[mycough]

So, no love for the foray? I handled one yesterday and I thought it was a nice set up. This is coming from a self avowed benchmade "disliker...." . I was between it and a mini grip with the upgrade g10 and 20cv. I have had 2 940 models and that blade is poorly designed.
It is thick and "wedgy" and a knife that size must be a slicer in my arsenal.
I know the foray is a newer design but there isn't much written, good or bad.

Russ

 

[cramsey]

I think the Foray is the pick from among those three, although the Nakamura is also really nice. The Foray is just right in terms of size for the office -- not too big (like the Osborne) and not too small (like the Valet). It comes in a great steel, and it really feels good in the hand. It also has the smoothest Axis lock of any of my Benchmades, including my 940.