Which 940?

J

JA5544

Joined
Apr 1, 2016
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72
Long time lurker and first time poster here. I have requested a 940 from my wife for our upcoming anniversary. I saw the 940-1501, knifeworks exclusive, for the first time the other day. Now I'm wondering if I should get the original 940 or the 1501 version. I don't have much interest in the 940-1. So, I'm looking for some input from you guys that own or have handled both. The 1501 is ~$17 more, so cost is not really an issue. So what do you guys think? Original or knifeworks exclusive? Thanks.
 
I've had the 940-1, 940 and 943. All are good, 940-1 wins because of the steel.
 
1501 hands down, amazing steel and the built tolerance is much better then -1, I have both and getting rid of my -1 due to poor quality
 
wiredbeans said:
1501 hands down, amazing steel and the built tolerance is much better then -1, I have both and getting rid of my -1 due to poor quality
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Agreed. Plus I think the black G10 with blue accents looks far better than the CF on the -1.
 
I love the 940-1.
That said, if it does not speak to you, then go -1501 all the way. Better scales, better steel. If you don't love it, you can always trade "down" to a 940.
 
-1501 is made the same glow through construction with stand offs like the -1, and it has 20CV blade stock the new blade that matches the performance of M390. Some feel the G10 is a down grade from Aluminum with titanium back spacer; but it's personal preference mostly. Some like handles that wear with visible scratches some don't. I prefer the G10 where they get shiny corners with extended use and doesn't show the weathering. I don't have experience with CPM 20CV but if it's anything like M390 it would be awesome. For $17 more, you are really getting a blade upgrade in my opinion, I really wish the 940-1 come with M390 or S110V blade, that to me would be the knife to have
 
No hesitation whatsoever........-1501!!!! Mine is on its way!
Good luck and let us know what you think!
Joe

Oh.....Happy Anniversary!!!!
 
940. The -1 is just plain too expensive and both it and the -1501 are thicker in the handle than the original. And BM still hasn't been able to deliver either the -1 or -1501 with screws that don't protrude past the liner. While the 940 is slightly heavier, it has the best balance of the 3, while still very light overall.
 
Typically, i prefer a flow through design, but I like the solid back construction found on the regular 940 and 943. I had a 940-1 but it just didnt give me the warm fuzzies. I do however, love my 940 and 943. I dig the contrast of the anodized backspacer, and to me they feel more solid than the open/standoff versions. Cant go wrong with any 940 series, though. Id just pick the one that speaks to you more.
 
JA5544 said:
Can you elaborate? As I said, I'm not interested in the 940-1 and the 1501 is only $17 more than the normal 940.
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As it is, the 940 is too expensive to begin with. I don't care for G10, and that blue/black scheme makes me cringe - it's absolutely hideous. For the record, the 1501 is $30 more than I paid for my 940 (new), and the only way I'd pay more is if someone could make me exactly what I want - 940, raw copper scales, polished hardware and a red back spacer. Factory 'pimped'/upgraded Benchmades are, IMO, not very appealing. They cost a small fortune, and most of them are ugly. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Benchmade quality, fit/finish, warranty, etc. I just find the vast majority of their product line too expensive and not very aesthetically pleasing.

With that being said, I'm happy with my green 940. :)
 
-1501 hands down. To me it is just as solid as the aluminum 940. I have both so I can make an honest comparison. CPM-20cv is hands down better than s30v as far as anybody knowledgeable will say. The g10 is slightly lighter than the aluminum. Mine comes in at 2.6. The g10 wont bang up and look beat up like the aluminum will over time. It is slightly thicker but only very slightly. It's still very thin. You wont know its there in your pocket. I actually like the fact its slightly thicker. To me it feels better. I haven't even thought about carrying my 940 since I got my -1501. I'm probably going to sell it because I know i'll never carry it again. The -1501 is only slightly more expensive for what I feel are significant upgrades. If your going to spend that much whats a few more bucks. Definitely worth it in my opinion. I think the black and blue g10 is actually pretty attractive. Anyway I guess its all personal preference but you definitely wont be disappointed with a -1501.
 
I have never liked aluminum. CF or G10 make the 940 in any flavor a better knife, IMO.
 
I vote 1501. I bought one recently and it's becoming my favorite blade. I prefer the flow through design than the closed back 940. I can't stand the purple bedazzled back of the 940. The 20cv is superior in edge retention and probably better in most regards to the S30V. Plus I like blue. For me it was worth the extra cost for those features.
 
I'm having the same problem, I'd like to buy my first Benchmade and decided on a 940, but which one? And now they're teasing a new one, so now I really can't make a decision....anyone know anything more about the model in the back?

GflxOFB.jpg
 
I vote 1501 as well. I have one and after break in it is EXCEPTIONAL! Love the 20CVsteel. (US M390) I prefer G10 to aluminum. My aluminum scales anodizing began flaking off over time on my 1st 940.

The 940-1 is a bit of an enigma to me. S90 is a great steel but Benchmade doesn't know how to sharpen it in my opinion. The example I had had a slight recurve where they struggled putting an edge on it and ground away most of the usable edge.(so much so I don't know if I could have even re-profiled it properly on the Wicked Edge)

I promptly returned it to the online retailer and bought the 1501. I will likely buy another before they run out of them.
 
jkarp_53 said:
I have never liked aluminum. CF or G10 make the 940 in any flavor a better knife, IMO.
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I don't care for aluminum either. I had and sold a 940-1 and was pleased the CF, but was disappointed in the S90V blade. I've heard that some of those blades warp slightly during heat-treat and mine resisted centering. I'm not much for the blade shape anyway, though I get that it gives you a tough tip on a skinny knife, and much prefer the 943. My current iteration is a 943 S30V blade in a 940-1 CF handle. I love that Franken-knife.

Guess I'm no help at all :confused:
 
I have a 940 and the 940–1. Love them both but if I were starting anew I would get the 1501. It's on my short list. Can't have enough 940's. :D
 
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