Being “upset” that your Osborne isn’t slicey is like being “upset” at a gorilla for not being a chimpanzee. Yes, I do agree that they are both apes; but a gorilla was not meant to be a chimp.
Sorry, I have to disagree with you on this one. I would much rather spend my money on the iconic American made 940 over a drop bear. Just my humble opinion !
@@doodysdaggersI like Spyderco, and their designs are appealing, but I don’t like to pocket them. My 940 is way more comfortable to carry and the slight disparity in blade thickness over a Spyderco doesn’t make a difference. The overall thickness of the knife profile does though. I see these cut tests, which are good tests, but if I’m in a job or doing home improvements and cutting that much, I’m using an Olfa. My pocket knife is just that, a pocket knife. For odd jobs and emergencies. At work I carry both a leatherman charge Ti and a Kershaw Blur in M4 on my body armour. I use my Charge blades daily whereas I don’t know if I’ve ever used the Blur for anything. I just wanted a second blade just in case. My 940 rides in my pocket all the time on and off duty, and other than “dad tasks” it doesn’t get a ton of use. But I do prefer the stout tip over anything Spyderco makes. This is the same reason I will carry my XM-18 too, but that’s reserved for outdoor hikes and such. Then I’m usually wearing clothing that allows for carrying a larger knife in comfort. I think I’ve owned just about every popular Spyderco model, with the Military being my favourite. I have sold or traded them all though because after carrying them they just don’t fit my needs. It’s all personal preference.
@@LanningKann Yep exactly. It all depends on what you like in a knife, and what you use a knife for. I don’t need thicker tips, so I prefer something slicier. Good thing there are a ton of options so we can get exactly the knife we need! 🤠🤘
I much prefer i narrow blade to a wide one. They are more nimble/menuverable in the cut. The 940 is an incredibly versatile pocket knife, i think that's why people will always gravitate towards it. It's not unbelievable at any one thing, but it will do anything you need a pocket knife to do and honestly more. I prefer the og, in the green aluminum.
My 940-2 with flytanium purple g10 scales is my favorite knife. Not the sliciest but cuts great and carries like a dream. Personally i think its one of the greatest looking knives of all time. Ive tried thinner/slicier blades and got sick of them rolling, not a problem on the 940 even with mine at 16⁰ per side. I hate what benchmade has become but i absolutely love the 940 (over my spydercos zt's etc). Not every knife is for everybody.
I carried a 940 for 4 to 5 years. It's bigest problem is that it is not slicy enough. I ended up putting an 11 degree per side bevel on the blade to thin it out. This was followed by a 15 degree per side microbevel using a Spyderco Sharpmaker. This worked great for the knife! About 5 years ago our laws changes and there is no longer a 3.5" blade limit. I haven't carried the 940 since! Today I would much rather carry a Manix 2, 2XL, Cold Steel Recon 1 or similar tall flat ground slicy knife. I always carry a leatherman so I don't need my knife to be a poor substitute for a tool like the 940 is. I am an IT guy and lets face it cardboard is a very common thing for me to have to cut. Slicy is what works for me. The final nail in the coffin for the 940 is Benchmades current pricing!
The 940 was designed to be a prybar knife. OSBOURNE WORKED WITH HORSES. The knife was designed by him to help remove horse shoes. If you want the knife to be slicy put a 15dps edge on it.
The knife is still a great cutter people who say it’s not are liars sure it’s not as slicy as something like a pm2 but it’s by no means a bad slicer and the trade off is u get a much more robust blade
It’s an iconic design: slender, pocketable, hard user. That’s the lure. Most other hard use folders are bulky in the pocket. I love the comment, “it’s the best slotted screw driver in my collection”😂🤣😂 That exact knife in S30V is $207. Which, to be fair, in comparing other comparable USA made knives, is not that crazy of a price. However, overall I’m not a BM fan. Especially what they’re doing with “upgraded” models and the pricing.
Definitely wanting to get a reblade done with upgraded washers and I think the knife will perform better, I have the m4 edition which is very robust and somewhat sharp but definitely would like a sliceier option to switch it up.
Definitely agree with your assessment doood! That was probably the first "premium" pocket knife I bought, the next was a Paramilitary 2, after that it was alll spydies for me!
@@rommelthedesertfox3089 agree but I love the Manix 2, leaf blade and all. If every Spyderco was a ball lock I’d own them all. Still absolutely love the 940-1 Osborne
@@rommelthedesertfox3089 Ugly, pocket like complete 💩 for the blade size, less convenient locking mechanisms. I honestly tried to like Spydercos, they just don’t compete as an EDC
@@R4lNG3R commenting 940 has a thick point is ridiculous. It’s a feature. If you want a thin for slicing blade bring the kitchen paring blade. Use a Scandi Mora or 940 for working EDC. Any kitchen knife would pass these cutting tasks with flying colors.
This knife will always have a special place in my heart. I bought one in 2016 and took it on a deployment. That being said I don’t think I would buy another one these days, I’d rather have a para3
It's a good design for doing stuff you aren't supposed to do with a knife and it disappears in the pocket. This is a one and done knife for a lot of people. BM's sharpening and reblade services further facilitate this. I carried a 940-1 for a few years but almost never carry it anymore. I find a slicey folder and a beefy fixed blade combo works out better for me in the long run. Lately it's been a Pyrite daily driver and an ESEE 4 with g10 scales. Serves all my needs and the combined cost is less than a 940.
The 940 was a great knife in its time, but there are better options like a trm shadow. Although my shadow is almost 30 thou bte with a 15° per side edge, thin blade but not thin enough for me. I still own a 940 because it's still great in its own way and maybe one day I'll get a reblade for it.
I've mentioned before that TRM should grind their blades thinner bte. It's ridiculous for a tall, full-flat blade with .9" stock to come in at 30 thou at 15°. Even inexpensive knives like the Civi Conspirator and the Vosteed Racoon are coming in at 0.14-16" bte AT 15°.
I think I got a mini version around 13 years ago. I still have it somewhere but never really liked it. Not much for slicing for sure. My favorite from that era of Benchmade was the McHenry & Williams Sequel 707. Hate that they discontinued those.
I have the 940-1 in CF and sv90 steel. It’s one of my favorite knives. It blows the bug out out of the water. Blade is perfectly centered, great action, perfect gorgeous scales and very light. It’s almost a gentleman’s knife. When I don’t want to carry my similar CF Freek or Ritter RSK or Manix 2, it’s the Osborne
This design will always be iconic to me. I started in knives in college over in Oregon, so Benchmade factory was nearby (KAI/Kershaw/ZT as well). I think my friend had a few BM, including this 940. But, times have changed, Axis locks have become accessible, and the butterfly tax is (like the regular tax code) more of a turnoff than ever. It is what it is...
To each there own, they sell a whole bunch of them,have a great unheard of warranty thats right here in the states,800 # that you can call and speak to a real person, dont like dont buy, curious to see if some of those exact Chinese knives are around in 25 years, a choil can be added to almost any knife, Spyderco father and son are not advocates of a choil, this knife doesn't need a finger choil ,dont understand all the need to choke up,I'm a semi retired carpenter I swing hammers use long bladed screw drivers hold on to the thing, thats my one complaint with spyderco, unnecessary finger choils and i have way more spyderco s than benvhmades,console in my truck theres a sorta worn out 940 and a tenacious, so regardless of what's in my pocket there's other options ,atb
I felt compelled to get a 940 because of its reputation & status, but I couldn’t get the one with green aluminum handles so I ended up with black G10 handles. I’m disappointed & discouraged. I have a lot of pocket knives that I like more…!!
It fills a void and there isn’t much else like it: robust, small footprint, and lightweight. The price of the 940, especially the 940-2, isn’t absurd for a US-made knife. It definitely isn’t very slicey, but it’s a good knife nonetheless-however I don’t find myself carrying it that much. For me it was the Kapara that kinda killed the 940-but the Kapara needs to be redesigned to shed about an ounce to be a truly spectacular knife (very doable with a smaller and inset compression lock and omitting the show side liner altogether).
This was the first premium pocket knife i ever bought. I used it for 2 years and i loved it so much i just bought a custom one with white g10 grips, with black and red accents in s90v with my name lasered on the blade. I just dont like the short fat thin blades that spyderco has on most of their knives.
The 940 you gotta rock it back and forth to really cut well with it, Personally, mine cuts great with a toothy edge. Its called an AXIS Lock and Benchmade invented that type of lock for their knives, the only reason you said crossbar lock is because Benchmades patents on the lock expired otherwise your favorite knives wouldn't have that type of lock. Really trash talking the knife that changed the whole knife industry in one knife.
The most carried pocket knife in history and still to this day is outdated? 😂 Thick blade is good for us daily users. Rust proof, holds an edge, cuts anything from radiator hose to cardboard. I use mine every day and maybe sharpen it 1 or 2 times a year. That's with the s30v.
@diezelvh4133 , I will say I did get what appeared to be rust around my thumbstud, I called Benchmade, and they sent me new thumbstuds and told me to use some Simichrome metal polish to clean it up. It worked great, and I didn't even need the backup thumbstuds they gave me for my 940 with the S30V blade. I still am not sure if it was actually rust or just a sticky brownish orange material on it.
The Axis lock is a “cross bar lock”. Axis is the name Benchmade gave it. Regardless of the name, “cross bar” is the type of lock it is, regardless of who is making it. It’s just like the Reeve Integral Lock or “RIV”. It’s a Frame Lock, regardless of who’s making it. Chris Reeve invented it, and calls it the Reeve Integral Lock. It’s still a frame lock.
In 2023 Benchmade’s prices are a running joke. Too many choices, quality choices at lower and/or comparable prices, while BM’s quality control has seemed to get worse since I’ve been buying knives. Which, as you said, feels like a slap in the face…
It definitely is showing it’s age, I think it’s a little pricey considering what you can get nowadays (like the kizer dropbear) However It’s just one of those special knives. Just like the buck 110 or spyderco pm2, or CRK Sebenza. It’s their stories that makes them fun to carry.
This is one of those knives I have the urge to get just because of its history, but I know I won’t enjoy it so I am able to hold off. I know a lot of people who swear by it though.
I have a 940-1 and it's in my rotation. I really like it, it's S90V slim in the pocket. Is it worth the the asking price of over $300 bucks...hell no better options out there. I got mine new never carried from a friend at a great price. Very good knife but not at Benchmade's over inflated pricing!
For a knife I will use in the garden, feeding the animals. Making holes, cutting string and yarn, craft tasks, it is an awesome knife. Can I use it for food prep and really slicey tasks? Sure, but it not my first choice. It a hard use knife with a really strong point, but still has that belly to give it some slicing abilities. If you wanrca dedicated fine slicer though, go elsewhere and for edc I prefer other blade geometry. Right now it is. Chris Reeves with an insingo blade shape, but I am keeping the 940 as it is just too handy for what I need.
Not a good option in 2023? Or 2024 now. Benchmade is hands down my favorite. I have The 940-2, Bugout, Mediator, and the Claymore OTF. I will agree that their pricing is getting out of hand but I still am partial to Benchmade. I also have a Spyderco Para2 and Para3. Like how slicey they are just hate how bulky they are in the pocket. I can’t get my hand in and out of my pocket with either of them. Also have a cheap Spyderco tenacious. Same thing. I guess it all comes down to personal preference
They're great knives but in my honest opinion, even thought i love mine, i think my Kershaw Iridium does the exact same job with just as good quality for a fraction of the price, only thing I'd say I'll give the Benchmade over the Kershaw is the blade steel
As a real electrician knives are in your hand constantly. Mostly a $10 razor blade knife. But you still use your knife occasionally every day. I don’t care about rope or zip ties or anything that these testers put their knives through. Honestly it’s just a joke work actually work with the knife. The 940 has been a good emergency knife.
I have one and I like it except that it doesn't slice well. I have heard that if you reprofile the edge to 15 degrees per side it makes a big difference. I hope to get someone to do that for me in the future as I'm not that far along on my sharpening skills. I like it way more than my bugout. That was the worst waste of money I have spent on a knife.
I changed the edge on mine for the very reason that it just could not slice with the factory edge. It slices better now, but it's still too thick of a blade for a general pocket knife. Agreed somewhat on the bugout, it's a great slicer, but it's far too flimsy
The 940 will always be top dog. It will never be outdated. That reverse tanto is the sexist blade ever imo. The reinforced tip sets it off for how I use my knives. Only knife been able to hold up thru hardest tasks. Designed by a rancher. Enough said. I’ve broken my pm2 tips trying to get out of a pinch. 940 would never have broken.
Bench made prices are crazy but when I can find a high end model on Gov-X and can get them at 25% off, I pull the trigger. Bench made has the best carbon fiber scales.
Unpopular opinion….and I share it as well. I’ll keep both of mine but I never have a scenario where I need it more than another. Iconic, sure….the best, hardly.
Don't need a choil on a knife that gets sharpened 1 or 2 times a year max. And that's with daily use cutting anything from radiator hose to cardboard. I love me some Delica in k390, but here in the PNW rain, keeps the 940 in my pocket. Hose it off, and put it in my pocket. 20+ years and still going. After the burnt factory edge is sharpened away, s30v is my favorite edc steel. The skinny height of the blade works great for gutting a fish or skinning my yearly buck.
I've been carrying the 940 daily for about 8 years now, and I've put a lot of use and wear on it. Everything that people generally dislike about it are the attributes that make it a really good, all around, hard working folder. The original edge angle was a bit obtuse for me, so I re-contoured it to 18° per side, and now it slices very well. It handles like a small fixed blade. The 940 isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for those who want a very durable folder, it is a good option.
while the osborne was made for barn work you gotta keep in mind, jesus that choil is ass maybe you gotta make a choil yourself, while the pricing is nuts the only way to justify their price is getting into discount which happen a lot most of the is 30% off so its that big slap i nthe face
It's a good knife. Got mine in 2020 for $187. A little high but I like it. Now I'm sure the price is ridiculous. I rarely carry it. I have better budget knives.
You’re breaking my heart man! Although I agree, if I had to buy the same knife today I don’t think I could especially with Benchmade’s prices going through the roof. I do love the 940 though, I like the way it carries in pocket and that it is beefy. I’m glad I got mine (3) before the crazy price hikes. If they put a compression lock on the Native 5, I would be sold for life!
I think the spyderhole griptilians are the only benchmade I feel is still worth it… idk kind of over the company in general… if they start looking into their QC and pricing I may consider them again… thank you for not being another benchmade fanboy praising their stuff stuff just because they are benchmade!
Had 2 940s. Gave one to my friend, my other was a cabelas exlusive. Just sold it for about 500$. I never liked how long and thin the knife was. It's a cool idea but my hand is just too big. Personally i prefer to EDC a single edge OTF, just got the combat troodon 3. Paired with a lil native. If I had to pry I'd do so with my troodon.
I've personally found the 940 to look hideous and never wanted one. I own 1 Benchmade, the knifeworks exclusive grizzly ridge, and I'm honestly so disappointed by it's quality. Granted I got it at $86 on a sale so it's not terrible but still. I much prefer my manix 2, and I'll probably get the crucarta one when it comes out. Debating on the rex 45 too but I don't think I'll really need it. The only spyderco I'm not in love with is my 20cv pm2. Man what a really over hyped knife...
I completely agree with you Doody. It's one of my two only Benchmade knives. While I like it and the way it carries, there are many better options out there for "me". I like slicey blades because that's what I use my knives for. If I need something to pry with, I'd use the appropriate tool.
I agree with you across the board. If I want a knife that cuts definitely Spyderco, if I want a "strong" geometry and I add super block Cold steel. Furthermore, Benchmade's prices are too high for the product and the terrible sharpening.
Can get better slicers for $30 too . Think like buck u gotta buy it for name sake n tradition now a days. Or if ur wanna those I don't buy China knives guys
Benchmade are expensive junk. I purchased the Benchmade Hidden Cannyon Hunter @ $235.00,...its was so cheaply built I returned it the same day. In place of the Benchmade, I purchased an ESEE Xancudo, and i LOVE IT!!! Loved it so much I also ordered the Izula in s35vn and ordered gorgeous scales in woodgrain neon green @ $40.00 from The Knife Conection. ESEE and Spyderco are my two favorite knife manufacturers, and for good reason. Great honest video Bro,...i gotta say you're correct on all points, IMO🗡🗡
@@doodysdaggers sorry to disagree that knife you’re trying to compare would never compare to the legendary 940 because if you’re a real knife, enthusiast and collector, you will collect legendary and rare knives knives that has made a impact in the community now yeah I agree bench made are expensive but I disagree with people who say it’s just expensive trashy knives at least they’re still made in America so I don’t know why you would say trash when American made knives are hard to come by nowadays because other brands go and sell their knives overseas Although some knives I do like our German made Japanese made and Taiwan made, but that’s just me. Everybody has an opinion right but I’ve never heard of the knife that you’re trying to compare it to right there in the video. It may be a good knife, but I just never heard of it before.
I agree with you on one thing, my friend, the Esee Zancudo is indeed a good knife. I just ordered one two weeks ago with carbon fiber G-10 handle and D2 steel I enjoy carrying it
Had a 940-1 since they came out in 2014, so almost a decade, and I've modded the knife to suit my needs, including regrinding the blade (eliminating the butterfly) adding a sharpening choil, acid-washing and stonewashing, yadda, yadda. Everybody's entitled to an opinion, and -- after a quarter century -- just about any design (in any industry) is gonna be a little "dated," by definition. There are times I'm packing a lotta crap in my front right pocket, and the narrow profile just works. Retrieving it was a pain, so I removed the rear backspacer and added a lanyard. Telling somebody their opinion is "wrong" is just dumb: It's completely subjective, and we're entitled to like what we like in knives, cars, people, whatever...
Sorry Mr Doody, it might not be the greatest apple slicer or whatever, but it’s served me well in law enforcement since 2013. Followed the crowd with a PM2 originally but it couldnt hold up to unconventional usage on the job. After EASILY breaking 2 PM2 blade tips, switched to the 940 and not once has it failed me. Sometimes you need to pry/separate something, used it to jimmy open quite a few storm doors during emergency calls. That extra thickness goes a long way so it’s not as obsolete as you think. And god damn, the utter disrespect for the blade that fathered every “superior” knife you mentioned is hilarious…shame on you sir lol. All jokes aside, hope you can at least see it’s value for someone in my position, bc most other knives cant hold up
Haha yeah if you gotta pry things, I can see it being useful. But for what I use my knives for, it was too thick. I carry a Leatherman for prying or twisting or jimmying. I’m glad it served you well for so long! It’s a tough workhorse, that’s for sure. Thanks for watching man 🤠
@@doodysdaggers This thing has been used for things (out of necessity) a typical knife is 100% not supposed to be used for, but that's kind of why I love it. In an insane emergency situation, I don't even have to think about it, just go right for my 940 and it gets the job done. Don't want to leave here without saying I absolutely appreciate all of your points about it's shortcomings compared to other knives and much better geometry for typical edc tasks, all well taken brother. Def earned another sub bc this was great content and I look forward to watching more
@@skorzeny7377 you’ve got some really solid points as well! What a great example of two people with different opinions getting along despite our differences! The rest of the world could learn from this 😁
The green version is beautiful I think with the purple backspacer. Is it worth €270 euros in my country? I don’t think so. Many better offers and materials from other brands. Osborne was a rancher so I think it has its purpose in tasks a as rancher I think but for me it was to skinny and thick for edc cutting task. It did disappear in the pocket with a deep carry clip. For half the price a perfectly great knife if you like the looks but for the current price i would skip it. My grind was ugly and for the money that was a bummer. And the end I sold it. Benchmade is really ruining themselves in my opinion. Got my TRM Shadow today and that’s a different cookie holy shit the fit and finish is 100 times better than Benchmade. And I really agree that the native 5 is way better as an edc and same steel anyway with the best Spyderco heat treatment
I’ve been offered a trade on a 940-2 and everything looks good excepts everywhere I look the benchmade name on the blade is slightly above the grind line but the one offered is like urs, right under. What do you think?
DCA from kc is always saying that the 940 was the first knife to actually be called a reverse tanto. To me it has too much belly and is more like a spey blade but what the hell do I know, I don’t have a channel lol
I bought the 940 with black g10 and green accents. I bought it because of all the praise it received and liked the way it looked. It's okay, but i don't use it often.
I agree with u 200%, i stopped carry this 940 just because of it, so thick this is not a knife blade, this like a screw driver 👎 look at Vosteed raccoon blade is awesome clean look,
That black model is the exact same as mine. If I'm honest, I bought it due to it's popularity (perhaps slightly cringe on my part). I couldn't really get on with it mostly, until i decided to start using it as my work beater and then I found i respected it more, albeit mine is now very beat up due to heavy work use. Cool review.
They have just always been to thicccccc. The blades grind is to short to keep the knife skinny in pocket and that just gives it the cutting geometry of a cheap axe. If you are someone that really uses your pocket knife to do whatever tasks arise and you don't Care about slicing then it can be a serviceable knife. The 940 imo is only good if you want a skinny profile knife and want to get a reblade. Why this knife has the popularity it has I'll never know. The question do I think this is still a good knife in 2023 and you saying no is facts, imho it wasn't a good knife to buy many years ago when I got on to knives...
It’s one of my favorites. Disappears in the pocket. I will say however, I prefer the 945 for my edc, and the mini-presidio when I know I will need a larger knife. I’ve always liked Benchmade, too bad they’ve become so expensive.
945 is a miniature version. It’s small and carries we’ll, and I think it looks more proportional than the 940. Still not the best slicer, but I’ve never found that a problem. They both cut what need cut.
I've never liked the 940. I could'nt understand all the hype either. Also Im not a benchmade fan. Mostly because there prices are to high for what you are getting.
I would take any Kershaw assisted flipper over Benchmade all day. I am not taking away the good stuff Benchmade has done over the years but as you said, are they good options for 2023? Most cases they are not.
