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Benchmade 940
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Benchmade 940 Review Facts
Those obsessed with knives may be searching for the ideal everyday carry knife. It would carry like a dream, be beautifully designed, feature great materials, and be a perfect size. The ideal EDC gives beyond those characteristics.
A knife to be used on a rotation basis is one thing. A knife that passes the time test works on a different level. To read a review of the Benchmade 940, one would see the basic requirements for an excellent knife.
The 940 has something more. This knife has been in production for more than ten years. It remains among the most popular designs. A knife represents the passion and personality of the person who carries it. Ritzy details and tasteful design are also of importance.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable
- Excellent folder
- High-quality
- Non-assisted AXIS-lock
- Super build
- Versatile
- Well-designed
Cons
- Aluminum handle scratches easily
Primary Use
The knife has a generous blade and handle. It can be easily used for self-defense. It is also an elegant and beautiful knife. The 940 is exemplary of a modern gentleman’s folder.
It fits in a suit jacket and can be carried on special occasions. It is quite versatile. Often manufacturers release a knife for a definite purpose. The 940 is a knife that fits the role needed at any given time.
Some knives are pocketable slicers and other tough beaters. The 940 is a lightweight knife carrying more blade than imaginable with a grind that is relatively lean. It has a reinforced tip that is capable of handling abuse.
A knife with solid but discrete scales and a lightweight but strong lock is at home on the battlefield or inside a church. The blade is fancy enough to be an upscale EDC, yet has the bite to be considered as an option for self-defense.
It fits large to extra-large hands perfectly with sufficient traction and balance along the thumb ramp. People with smaller hands have no complaints. No tester experienced significant discomfort or hot spots when performing cut tests.
Depressing the AXIS-lock drops the blade closed. The knife is a slicer. It performs any conceivable EDC task. The deployment speed is much like that of an automatic knife if the user practices.
It is fun to learn how. The clip is secure and tight, but not a deep carry option. Matte dark green scales coupled with the blocked out design means it is relatively discreet for everyday carry use. It is a reversible right or left clip with tip up only.
The thin handle of the 940 will impact comfort. It is not a utility blade to be used for strenuous slicing for three hours. It is the type to whip out and cut whatever needs to be cut and then returned to the pocket.
The thin edge of the blade goes a long way to increase its versatility. The 940 is a lightweight knife carrying more blade than imaginable with a grind that is relatively lean. It has a reinforced tip that is capable of handling abuse. A knife with solid but discrete scales and a lightweight but strong lock is at home on the battlefield and inside a church.
The longer a person owns and carries the Benchmade 940, the more it is appreciated. It is a quintessential EDC tool combining unmatched function and simplicity regardless of the application. It is perfect for nearly everything.
S30V is thought to be among the best high-end steels found on production knives. Properly heat treated S30V has a high level of strong, relatively easy sharpening, high corrosion resistance, and excellent edge retention.
The heat treating of the blade is 58-60 HRC, which is a Rockwell C Hardness measure. There is no exception to the 940. An excellent amount of grip is provided by rows of jumping on the choil and thumb ramp.
The knife is extremely sharp. When taken to the Edge Pro Apex, a beautiful mirror edge is achieved in under ten minutes. The process takes much longer on other steels. The blade folds discreetly into the scales much like a compact folder.
It fits in a suit jacket and can be carried on special occasions. It is quite versatile. Often manufacturers release a knife for a definite purpose. The 940 is a knife that fits the role needed at any given time.
Some knives are pocketable slicers and other tough beaters. The 940 is a lightweight knife carrying more blade than imaginable with a grind that is relatively lean. It has a reinforced tip that is capable of handling abuse.
A knife with solid but discrete scales and a lightweight but strong lock is at home on the battlefield or inside a church. The blade is fancy enough to be an upscale EDC, yet has the bite to be considered as an option for self-defense.
It fits large to extra-large hands perfectly with sufficient traction and balance along the thumb ramp. People with smaller hands have no complaints. No tester experienced significant discomfort or hot spots when performing cut tests.
Depressing the AXIS-lock drops the blade closed. The knife is a slicer. It performs any conceivable EDC task. The deployment speed is much like that of an automatic knife if the user practices.
It is fun to learn how. The clip is secure and tight, but not a deep carry option. Matte dark green scales coupled with the blocked out design means it is relatively discreet for everyday carry use. It is a reversible right or left clip with tip up only.
The thin handle of the 940 will impact comfort. It is not a utility blade to be used for strenuous slicing for three hours. It is the type to whip out and cut whatever needs to be cut and then returned to the pocket.
The thin edge of the blade goes a long way to increase its versatility. The 940 is a lightweight knife carrying more blade than imaginable with a grind that is relatively lean. It has a reinforced tip that is capable of handling abuse. A knife with solid but discrete scales and a lightweight but strong lock is at home on the battlefield and inside a church.
The longer a person owns and carries the Benchmade 940, the more it is appreciated. It is a quintessential EDC tool combining unmatched function and simplicity regardless of the application. It is perfect for nearly everything.
S30V is thought to be among the best high-end steels found on production knives. Properly heat treated S30V has a high level of strong, relatively easy sharpening, high corrosion resistance, and excellent edge retention.
The heat treating of the blade is 58-60 HRC, which is a Rockwell C Hardness measure. There is no exception to the 940. An excellent amount of grip is provided by rows of jumping on the choil and thumb ramp.
The knife is extremely sharp. When taken to the Edge Pro Apex, a beautiful mirror edge is achieved in under ten minutes. The process takes much longer on other steels. The blade folds discreetly into the scales much like a compact folder.
Blade
The blade is capable of all daily tasks. The handle is rather thin, yet the 940 is surprisingly capable. It is long enough to accept a large hand comfortably. It is comfortable in forwarding grip and works well in the closed position and reverse grip also.
The thin profile of a closed 940 is an excellent option as a kubotan - a nifty choice to have. Deployment on the 940 is smooth and fast. An AXIS-lock and two ambidextrous thumb studs are put to use.
Easy access to the thumb studs allows the blade to be flicked out with minimal effort and alarming speed. The net result of using phosphor bronze washers is reliable deployment under any condition.
One tester felt the thumb studs are functional but do not naturally deploy the blade. He feels they ride too near the scales. The examiner pulls the AXIS-lock down to eliminate the detent. The AXIS-lock has been done well also. There is no blade play in the tight lockup, yet it is easy to disengage.
It requires using only one hand. The blade freely rotates into the closed position. For those who feel one-hand operation is of importance, the combination of an AXIS-lock and thumb studs is h
The thin profile of a closed 940 is an excellent option as a kubotan - a nifty choice to have. Deployment on the 940 is smooth and fast. An AXIS-lock and two ambidextrous thumb studs are put to use.
Easy access to the thumb studs allows the blade to be flicked out with minimal effort and alarming speed. The net result of using phosphor bronze washers is reliable deployment under any condition.
One tester felt the thumb studs are functional but do not naturally deploy the blade. He feels they ride too near the scales. The examiner pulls the AXIS-lock down to eliminate the detent. The AXIS-lock has been done well also. There is no blade play in the tight lockup, yet it is easy to disengage.
It requires using only one hand. The blade freely rotates into the closed position. For those who feel one-hand operation is of importance, the combination of an AXIS-lock and thumb studs is h
Accessory
A clip point blade is available, but testers recommend sticking to the reverse tanto. It is unbelievably versatile. It retains more strength than the clip point version.
Durability
The 940 weighs 2.90 ounces. It has a blade of 3.4 inches and a 7.87-inch overall length. Those statistics bode well for an EDC knife. The knife carries wonderfully in the pocket.
Cut tests are about more than pushing a knife to the point of failure or use as a pry bar. People use the knife to open boxes and mail, slice fruit, and process cardboard. It is critical to have a blade that can cut a seatbelt in an emergency.
Ideally, a knife can stand up to hard use tasks. The 940 blade is scary sharp out of the box. It dances through cardboard like butter. It can break down thick shipping boxes and mince jute rope to shreds.
Taped up envelopes and boxes are easily cut open with the reverse tanto tip. A whole apple was peeled in one long strip. Clean segments were cut from the exterior to the core. Soft tomatoes, past their prime, have defeated many an excellent knife, but not the 940.
After cutting installation, rubber, pleather, leather, and seatbelts, the 940 kept its edge. The knife is made of premium materials. The S30V conquers all challenges without a whimper or a whine.
There are tougher and harder steel options on the market, but the S30V works well. S30V is high-grade steel. It is corrosion resistant and has excellent edge retention. After more than a month of consistent use, the blade is sharp enough to cut through phone book paper.
The shape of the tanto blade increases durability. It adds material to the area of the tip. The spine swedge out takes away unnecessary metal. The AXIS-lock has been overshadowed in toughness by the TRI-AD lock but is still impressive.
Axis locks are a solid lightweight solution option. Despite relying on small omega springs, the lockup is tight. Lockup and deployment are so smooth a child can disengage it. The lockup is intuitive and impressive.
The edge retention of the 940 is excellent. A knife with a price point of this knife should retain an edge. The zero defects or flaws of the 940 are also expected qualities. A tester feels the top swedge is only cosmetic because it does not taper to the tip.
Not tapering makes the 940 very tough and adds to its appearance. It may not be a beater knife, but its reverse tanto is among the tougher, lightweight blade shapes as far as tactical knives go. The knife can take some abuse.
Cut tests are about more than pushing a knife to the point of failure or use as a pry bar. People use the knife to open boxes and mail, slice fruit, and process cardboard. It is critical to have a blade that can cut a seatbelt in an emergency.
Ideally, a knife can stand up to hard use tasks. The 940 blade is scary sharp out of the box. It dances through cardboard like butter. It can break down thick shipping boxes and mince jute rope to shreds.
Taped up envelopes and boxes are easily cut open with the reverse tanto tip. A whole apple was peeled in one long strip. Clean segments were cut from the exterior to the core. Soft tomatoes, past their prime, have defeated many an excellent knife, but not the 940.
After cutting installation, rubber, pleather, leather, and seatbelts, the 940 kept its edge. The knife is made of premium materials. The S30V conquers all challenges without a whimper or a whine.
There are tougher and harder steel options on the market, but the S30V works well. S30V is high-grade steel. It is corrosion resistant and has excellent edge retention. After more than a month of consistent use, the blade is sharp enough to cut through phone book paper.
The shape of the tanto blade increases durability. It adds material to the area of the tip. The spine swedge out takes away unnecessary metal. The AXIS-lock has been overshadowed in toughness by the TRI-AD lock but is still impressive.
Axis locks are a solid lightweight solution option. Despite relying on small omega springs, the lockup is tight. Lockup and deployment are so smooth a child can disengage it. The lockup is intuitive and impressive.
The edge retention of the 940 is excellent. A knife with a price point of this knife should retain an edge. The zero defects or flaws of the 940 are also expected qualities. A tester feels the top swedge is only cosmetic because it does not taper to the tip.
Not tapering makes the 940 very tough and adds to its appearance. It may not be a beater knife, but its reverse tanto is among the tougher, lightweight blade shapes as far as tactical knives go. The knife can take some abuse.
Weight
The 940 weighs 2.90 ounces. It has a blade of 3.4 inches and a 7.87-inch overall length. Those statistics bode well for an EDC knife. The knife carries wonderfully in the pocket.
It is so lightweight and thin. People forget they are carrying it. The knife is invisible and lightweight in the pocket. It unobtrusively packs a punch. While the knife is not a featherweight folder, it is on the light side of EDC knives.
It is so lightweight and thin. People forget they are carrying it. The knife is invisible and lightweight in the pocket. It unobtrusively packs a punch. While the knife is not a featherweight folder, it is on the light side of EDC knives.
Finish
The main draw of the knife might be the unique aesthetics. Aesthetically, the Benchmade 940 has a brutish appearance. Another draw is the pocket-ability for its cutting prowess. It is a knife with a tiny footprint while being completely full-sized.
The durable anodized green scales have limited scuffing if handled roughly. The aluminum scales are attractive in an unconventional way. The knife has a quasi bolstered lookalike detail that has sides with deeply sculpted swoops.
It is a bead-blasted, sober matte green anodized color. The unique design is unlike the typical EDC knife. The handles of the 940 are striking aluminum. They are bead-blasted to obtain an attractive matte finish. It is anodized to a deep green.
The texture of the handle is not particularly aggressive, neither is it slippery. It has a superior balance. A single, purple piece of anodized titanium is sandwiched between aluminum handles. The backspacer nicely complements the green handles.
It provides visual interest. The construction of the 940 handle is top notch. Polished partial stainless steel liners have a lustrous shine. The liners have a reflection of the titanium backspacer when looking inside the knife.
Such small details are intriguing. Black hardware screws everything together. All the pieces are perfectly aligned. The overall finish and fit of the knife are exceptional.
The knife has a standard Benchmade clip. The sturdy, simple clip works quite well. It has been drilled and tapped to be an ambidextrous tip up carry. The black painted stock clip develops scratches over time. One tester rated the fit and finish as nine out of ten because the ground was not even across the top.
The Osborne boomerang and Benchmade butterfly logos peek out of the scales in the handle. The utilitarian, balanced, eye-catching details scream to the senses. The unique reverse tanto blade, purple lithium anodized backspacer, and dark green scales are a weird combination that many find appealing.
A tester described the ergonomics as decent, not excellent, because the scales ‘hand filling’ capabilities go against the rule of sound ergonomics. The reinforced tip and narrow design make it look somewhat like a dagger.
The durable anodized green scales have limited scuffing if handled roughly. The aluminum scales are attractive in an unconventional way. The knife has a quasi bolstered lookalike detail that has sides with deeply sculpted swoops.
It is a bead-blasted, sober matte green anodized color. The unique design is unlike the typical EDC knife. The handles of the 940 are striking aluminum. They are bead-blasted to obtain an attractive matte finish. It is anodized to a deep green.
The texture of the handle is not particularly aggressive, neither is it slippery. It has a superior balance. A single, purple piece of anodized titanium is sandwiched between aluminum handles. The backspacer nicely complements the green handles.
It provides visual interest. The construction of the 940 handle is top notch. Polished partial stainless steel liners have a lustrous shine. The liners have a reflection of the titanium backspacer when looking inside the knife.
Such small details are intriguing. Black hardware screws everything together. All the pieces are perfectly aligned. The overall finish and fit of the knife are exceptional.
The knife has a standard Benchmade clip. The sturdy, simple clip works quite well. It has been drilled and tapped to be an ambidextrous tip up carry. The black painted stock clip develops scratches over time. One tester rated the fit and finish as nine out of ten because the ground was not even across the top.
The Osborne boomerang and Benchmade butterfly logos peek out of the scales in the handle. The utilitarian, balanced, eye-catching details scream to the senses. The unique reverse tanto blade, purple lithium anodized backspacer, and dark green scales are a weird combination that many find appealing.
A tester described the ergonomics as decent, not excellent, because the scales ‘hand filling’ capabilities go against the rule of sound ergonomics. The reinforced tip and narrow design make it look somewhat like a dagger.
Safety
Deployment and lockup received a ten out of then rating. No-nonsense implementation is offered every time. The opening is a breeze, even when a thick glove is worn. The AXIS-lock keeps the fingers out of the blade’s path and shuts faster than $1000 custom knives.
Price
The biggest downfall is the price. It is not particularly cheap. The price is reasonable for a folder made in the U.S. with the features the knife has. The Benchmade 940 has a $180 price tag. The AXIS-lock, perfect manufacturing, and unique performance and design from a renowned designer can be used to defend the price.
Benchmade sells the 940 by the truckloads which is indicative of its quality. Benchmade committed to keeping the knife outfitted with an edge that is factory quality for the life of the knife.
Send the Benchmade to the company. They will be re-sharpened to a razor-sharp edge as well as clean, oil, and adjust the knife. The biggest downfall is the price.
It is not particularly cheap. The price is reasonable for a folder made in the U.S. with the features the knife has. The Benchmade 940 has a $180 price tag. The AXIS-lock, perfect manufacturing, and unique performance and design from a renowned designer can be used to defend the price.
Benchmade sells the 940 by the truckloads which is indicative of its quality. Benchmade committed to keeping the knife outfitted with an edge that is factory quality for the life of the knife.
Benchmade sells the 940 by the truckloads which is indicative of its quality. Benchmade committed to keeping the knife outfitted with an edge that is factory quality for the life of the knife.
Send the Benchmade to the company. They will be re-sharpened to a razor-sharp edge as well as clean, oil, and adjust the knife. The biggest downfall is the price.
It is not particularly cheap. The price is reasonable for a folder made in the U.S. with the features the knife has. The Benchmade 940 has a $180 price tag. The AXIS-lock, perfect manufacturing, and unique performance and design from a renowned designer can be used to defend the price.
Benchmade sells the 940 by the truckloads which is indicative of its quality. Benchmade committed to keeping the knife outfitted with an edge that is factory quality for the life of the knife.
Key Features
* 2.60-ounce weight
* 3.40-inch blade
* 7.87-inch overall length
* AXIS-lock
* Blade has reverse tanto flat grind
* CPM-S30V steel
* Made in the U.S.
* Tip-up reversible pocket clip
* Warren Osborne design
* 3.40-inch blade
* 7.87-inch overall length
* AXIS-lock
* Blade has reverse tanto flat grind
* CPM-S30V steel
* Made in the U.S.
* Tip-up reversible pocket clip
* Warren Osborne design
Bottom Line
The 940 is a combination of a beautiful finish and fit, smart design, and excellent materials. It is an exceptional daily carry knife. The knife is as impressive in reality as it looks on paper. Everything works well.
The Benchmade 940 holds a unique place on the market. Many companies discontinue products. The 940 has been on the scene for many years. It is well-proportioned, attractive, and slim.
It is not a piece of pocket jewelry. Function and utilitarianism come first. Always craving for action and dripping with clout, the 940 is among history’s most popular knives that have achieved iconic status.
The Benchmade 940 holds a unique place on the market. Many companies discontinue products. The 940 has been on the scene for many years. It is well-proportioned, attractive, and slim.
It is not a piece of pocket jewelry. Function and utilitarianism come first. Always craving for action and dripping with clout, the 940 is among history’s most popular knives that have achieved iconic status.
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