Beat the Icon: Benchmade 940 Osborne vs Alternatives

Warren Osborne’s background as a ranch hand inspired the 940’s rugged yet elegant design. From the hard-working “reverse tanto” blade to the slim handles featuring Benchmade’s AXIS Lock, the 940 and smaller 945 are totally ambidextrous with a contemporary design that still stuns after two decades.

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27:13 Conclusion

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[craighoward]

Great video, as always. I have a 940 I've had for about 15 years. I go to other EDC knives for a slightly smaller size, but always come back to this knife. And every time I see one of your videos and think, "maybe I need a new Benchmade..." I pull out the 940 and realize I have the knife I want. It remains fast and tight after lots of use. Thanks for confirming my bias!

[WildLifeService]

The 940 has been in my pocket for many years and is my daily carry with a lot of hard use. It has never failed me and has been the single most reliable knife I have ever owned. I will have one in my pocket for a long time to come.

[tonymaciel]

I sold mine a long time ago & regret it ever since. So I just ordered another one. Although I gave up on Benchmade a long time ago the 940 is my favorite knife of all time. Can’t live without it & can’t wait to have it in my pocket again.

[stackerothings]

As an EDC'er of a 940-1, this might be my favorite video you've ever done. :)

[bigjakefoot]

Interesting you brought up the Malibu. I think it's an interesting comparison but I believe it's in a league of its own and deserves a a video of its own like this

[DylanLey]

Definitely a lot of great knives featured in the video, but the 940 is just such a unique knife that I feel like you can't beat it in terms of it being a hard-use, classy looking knife.

[Cubestone]

For years I've enjoyed using my 940-121. I think it was the first gold class and came with M4 Cere Coated blade, titanium scales and carbon fiber bolster. It takes patience to sharpen, but the edge seems to just keep going. It was expensive, but worth having the pleasure of having a premium tool for everyday carry on the job. Now that I'm retired it is on light duty. I don't want to lose an old companion. I've been carrying a Benchmade North Fork in the summer as it's shorter and won't pump out of shallow shorts pockets so easy. The jeans pocket gets a left-handed Sebenza 31, my retirement gift to me. Thanks for the really informative videos.

[arig]

Sweet! Love these videos. This was one of my favorites— I think I’m one of about 7 people on the planet who have not EDC’d a 940 but it’s absolutely an admirable icon. Please do a beat the icon episode for the heavyweight champion (the Griptilian) next!

[arrowheadguys]

The OG 940 was my 1st grail knife, and while my collection has far surpassed it, the purple backspacer was the beginning of my love for purple knives, so it has inspired a large portion of my collection, especially my custom knives. My latest custom was a green and purple Arc and Iron Flintlock fixed EDC.

[theotherjoedimaggio]

my 945 Osborne mini has become my most carried knife. Its small enough to be an everyday, all day, every situation knife. Its light enough to pop it in pocket and forget its there until you need it. and yet it feels like a full sized blade compared to my other small knives. I didn't think I'd like it as much, but the 945 Mini is my new recomendation for one-and-done for just about anyone

[jbmc]

940-2 is my all time favorite. The best part of this knife is the diamond shape grind on the tip of the blade, makes it very durable. If you have ever broke the tip off a blade you will appreciate it. 945 is a good small knife as well.

[gingebrien]

The Benchmade 940 Osborne is truly an amazing knife. I did not get it in the beginning. But once you hold it and play with it, the genus becomes clear.

[sloanNYC]

The 940 is my favorite for sure. Blade shape, handle, locking mechanism... it's a great combo. Really like it with CPM-M4 steel too.

[davidcooke]

“And last but not least, this sharpened stick reflects the design influence of the 940 . . .”

[Gavin]

I have both 940s featured here and wouldn't trade them for any of the knives you compared. They have been my EDC for over a decade.

[tehwulf]

I want a 10 minute B-roll montage of DCA just flubbing front flippers!! We need it. the people need it!

[AR-pmnv]

Trying to remember how long I’ve had my 940. Been a while. Still love it.

[rocknrollguitar]

I love this series, cant wait to see what you do with the Victorinox❤

[chrisallan]

Since my "first production" 940 in 2000, I've owned 13 various versions, selling all but 2 to friends... friends that begged for them. IMHO... 940s are the perfect medium duty knife and have been for 23 years.

[moilh]

Let me tell you about my experience with the 940 as an urban edc with s30v steel:
Pros
1- Easy to deploy and close
2- Strong for its size
3- Lightweight
4- Good pocket clip
Cons
1- The edge chipped slightly while doing basic cutting of zip ties
2- Came kind of doll from factory
3- It needs to be re sharpened more than other knifes with the same steel
4- It never gets really sharp, unless you really know what you’re doing