Which Benchmade 940 Model?

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Derz12

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Mar 5, 2017
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Hello,

I am getting my first dedicated EDC knife (I have had swiss army knives and the like, but no dedicated blade), and I settled on the Benchmade 940 series. I have not narrowed down which model yet, but I don't have the money for the 940-1. Which blade shape is the best for light to medium edc work? Also, how do the aluminum scales compare to G-10? (Basically comparing the 940 to the 940-2 and the 943).

Thanks!
 
I just recently got a 940-2 which is my first 940 so I can't comment much on how they all compare to each other but I have plenty of knives and will say that in general g10 wears better than aluminum. The aluminum, however, looks better when new in colors other than black in my opinion. With the g10 on the 940-2 there aren't any color options but I prefer its flow-through construction over the standard 940. For grip in hand and pocket wear, I think the aluminum and g10 Benchmade uses would perform similarly. Their g10 is much smoother than what Spyderco uses on the Paramilitary 2 as an example.

I also prefer the 940 blade shape over the 943. I like the reinforced tip of the reverse tanto.
 
The carbon fiber looks good, but the weight of the aluminum scales feels better to me. I took the blade from my 940-1 and put it in aluminum scales and carry that knife quite a bit. I never tried a 940-2 but I had the Knifeworks g-10 model. Wasn't too crazy about it so I let it go. As far as the blade shape, if you do a lot of pierce cutting where you're stabbing into stuff, like boxes or plastic packaging, the 943 is better for that. But again, the weight of the 940 blade just feels better to me, so that's what I prefer.
 
What about the 940-1501?

- It isn't as pricey as they 940-1 and comes with a better user blade material than the standard 940.
- It will hold a working edge better than S30V.
- It comes in G10, which doesn't get as cold in the winter or as hot if left in the summer sun.
- It won't ding up as sharp if dropped on a solid surface (concrete, stones, a driveway, et al).

Just keep in mind that Diamond stones are suggested for sharpening as you will have to cut the carbides, not just the material around them risking tear-out.
 
I have a 940-2 and it is my default EDC, in spite of having some fit & finish issues out of the box (most of which have been worked out). I don't really like the feel of the aluminum 940, but that's subjective.

I think the 940-1501 (Knifeworks) is worth the $30 premium over the -2, so give that a thought unless you're already getting a deal.

ETA: Just now saw a -1501 on the exchange too. Good luck.
 
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I found a sweet deal on a 940-1 keep an eye on the exchange and sometimes you find excellent deals. be carefully tho, they just recently cloned the 940-1 there are signs to tell if you research it or ask. clones are horrible to this market.

If I were to get another it would be a g10 version. but I'm not picky.

you also now have different blade shape choices. keep in mind they are both useful for different tasks, the idea is to figure out which one would be better for your edc tasks in general. different tips and different grinds will perform differently.

my only gripe with benchmade is the fit and finish issues for the $
 
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There's also the 940-1601 and 940-1701, but they're almost the same price as the 940-1, so may be out of your budget. Good looking knives though.
 
I've had the plain Jane 940 for a couple weeks or so now and I've been extremely impressed with it. I have to say, as far as the aluminum scales go, they're nice when they're new, but they probably won't wear as nicely as the G-10 or carbon fibre scales will over time (unless you like your knives to build some "character" like I do). I can't really speak to the other models as I haven't ever had the pleasure of handling or owning any of them, but as far as blade shape goes, for most, the blade shapes of both the 940 and 943 should be equally sufficient for most tasks although as a rule of thumb, the more standard blade shape of the 943 is usually labelled as more useful/usable ("jack-of-all-trades" and all that).
 
I have a 943 and a 940-1
Both are very good choice as an EDC
I am not a fan of the aluminium scales as they are easily marked
The open construction 940 with g10 or CF scales are better option for EDC
Concerning blade shape they are both good but also very different
IMO with the 943 you get a better slicer and with the 940 you get a stronger tip
At the end it will depend of what you want to use the knife for
For basic urban EDC and food prep the 943 may be better
If you want the knife tombe used sometime for outdoor use the 940 may be a better choice
 
I would vote for the original green plain Jane 940. Slimmer than the other models and yet feels more solid. Definitely better blade shape for edc than the 943 as well.
 
I had both the 940-2 and the 943. The 943 is great but if the use will be heavy (outdoor or construction work) the 940-2 will be more suitable. I would suggest the g10 over aluminium for a edc as Therom mentioned the aluminium will get marker immediately. Some like the wear the aluminium give as if it is being personalized or broken in. If steel is a concern over price the cpm-20vc is definitely worth the extra bucks. The 940-1501 and 940-1701 have them 1501 blue version and 1701 red, both with other extra credit stuff in addition to the steel upgrade. Hope this helps your decision, end the end you can't go wrong they are great light weight edc knives.
 
I would say that, as far as bang for the buck goes, right now you can't beat the 940-1501 among the 940 family. For $195 you get the 20CV steel and the lightweight, durable blue/black G10 scales. At that point you're only $25 over the 940-2 and even less over the original 940. And you're like, $70 under the 940-1.

As far as value goes, I'd say that's the winner at the present time. The new 940-1701 looks awesome with the red C-TEK inlay, but then we're back up over $200 again, and with the same steel as the 940-1501.
 
The 943 is hideous, and I don't like black handles. I own the regular green one, and it beats the crap out of anything else when you put it in your pocket. Lots of knife in a very small package.
Also, the green doesn't mar easily in my experience. When it does, however, it looks better. ;)
 
I would spend a few extra bucks and the get the 940-1501 if I were you. The steel upgrade is worth the little extra for sure. That's the best bargain in the 940 family in my opinion. I have one for sale on the exchange for the price you pay for a 940-2 if your interested.
 
lots of opinions on here so Ill give you mine.
I love the weight of the CF I do not like the blade steel. Unless you are good at using water stones or have a wicked edge I would stay away. Unless you plan on constantly sending the knife back to BM.
That said I love the aluminum handle- it looks the coolest has that green with a purple back spacer (hulk colors) and it matches my green 116610lv. The texture in hand is nice and I like the wear it gets. Shows you used it and its yours.

THe g10 is very light, wont show any signs of wear. Sure it may not be as "strong" but, youll never have an issue with it in regards to rigidity.

Long story short my suggestion is. Get the one you like the looks of the best! Cause they all have their pro's and cons they are all amazing ideal sized knives. If you think blacks cool and you want to save a few bucks go g10, if your into hulk colors and want that weathered looked over long time use go standard 940 or if you want to be fancy with the CF throw down that cash and start smiling. BUt whatever you end up doing post a pic...or it didn't happen.
 

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IMG_2387.JPG IMG_2488.JPG I have just about every version and the simplest answer is get the one that pleases your eye the most.
My fave?? Prob the -1701. Next would be the -1501.
Just about the perfect EDC!
Joe
 
I'm in the camp with, get the one you like best. If it's the 940-1 then save up and buy it new or on the exchange etc.

Otherwise, it would be the 1501 followed by 940-2. No matter which, you're getting a great knife.:cool:
 
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Buy a 940-1501 or 940-1 on BF. There's a couple floating around for a good price. Average 940-1 on BF's Secondary Market is 200+-.
 
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