Spyderco Paramilitary 2 vs Benchmade 940 in an EDC Role?

Nikkogi

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Jan 19, 2009
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Hey guys, I own both a Benchmade 940 and a Spyderco P2. In an EDC role, which knife do you think is better? For me, I would say the P2. I like the handle better, I like the flat grind better, and I like the choil for precision work. I also love the 940, but the P2 is taking all the pocket time. What are your opinions? Thanks
 
If you're really limited on pocket space, it's hard to beat a 94x. They're really thin and light in the pocket, and don't rip up your pants like G-10 does. But a flat ground blade with more belly will give you better cutting performance, so if you can carry a P2, I'd go with that.
 
The 940 is more of a gentlemen's knife while the Para2 is a real workhorse. It would probably be more fair to compare the Para2 with the 710.
 
While I've only held a P2, I EDC my 940 more than any other knife. I would say that the blade on the P2 is more useful, but the Axis lock and size of the 940 are perfect for EDC. Considering this, I'd say it depends on the uses of your EDC. If you do a lot of cutting, slicing, etc. through a variety of materials, the P2 seems the way to go. If your EDC is used more for small cutting tasks throughout the day, the 940 is hard to beat. Now that I've EDC'd mine for a while, I find that I can pull it from pocket, flip it, cut something, close it, and return to pocket in a matter of seconds.
 
I don't have the BM, but I got the para2 about a month ago and it's getting a lot of carry time. Great, great edc and plenty tough for me. :thumbup:
 
The BM 940 is a beautiful knife... but I think the P2 has far more utility.

BM's modified sheepsfoot such as found on the 940 and Bone Collector Axis, makes for a really handsome blade IMO, but it also makes for a questionably useful blade. I much prefer sharper tipped blades like the P2.

It's why even though I have a Benchmade, I carry a $17 Kershaw Chill with me every day.
 
Para 2 for sure!!! but if we move the 710 BM, well IMO thats going to be a dog fight, cause both blades are fighting for my pocket time!
 
It all depends on how much you use the knife. If you use the knife frequently enough, the Para wins hands down. If carry much more frequently then you use, however, then the 940 wins just as easily.
 
I like my 940 a lot better than the P2 ATM. I just got the p2 about 2 weeks ago and I hope it's still breaking in because the detent is just ridiculous right now.

Is everyone's P2 detent really stout? I mean I'm not weak by any means and I can flick any knife I have come across with very little wrist action but the P2 can almost draw blood if I flick it with the wrong spot of my nail. When I first got it the little detent caused a whole lot of drag through the entire range of opening and I oiled the hinge and worked it in so atleast it doesn't drag noticeably once you get past the detent now.
 
The one thing I did not like on the 940 was the Al handles. They felt very chaulky to me and the handle was a little too narrow for my uses.
 
Some of the issues raised regarding the 940 are easily remedied. Al handle? Benchmade has offered this model with handles in Ti, Carbon fiber, and G-10. Blunt tip? Try the model 943 with a clip point.
 
The one thing I did not like on the 940 was the Al handles. They felt very chaulky to me and the handle was a little too narrow for my uses.

Yo dude, the chalky feel of the 940 handles can be completely neutralized simply by rubbing dish soap on 'em with a non-abrasive sponge. There's a few posts on BF about how to do it, just search and you'll find them.

Is that easy enough of a remedy for you, darthsoaker?
 
I have both (a 943 actually) and I've been alternating quite a bit. For office carry in dress pants I appreciate the slim profile of the 943.

I think the big question is if you rely on your EDC as a self-defense tool. If so then I would give the nod to the Para. I have the luxury of carrying a gun as my primary self-defense tool under most circumstances, so I don't worry about the SD capabilities of my knife quite so much.

Were I gunless for some reason then I would definitely favor the Para.
 
I prefer the Para 2 to the 940.

940 is slim and i like how the aluminum handles don't damage the pant pockets, but I prefer the ergos, blade shape, and FFG of the Para 2. :D
 
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