I found the review slightly biased toward the PM2. Not purposely, I think you compared them in a more so tactical and outdoor way but it was supposed to be an EDC review. In any preference you went with the PM2, for example Ergos,Clip and blade shape. In the ones where the 940 won you said but that doesn't matter to much, like the weight and size. Lock strength I think the axis is stronger which you said otherwise. You said the G10 was more durable which I don't think is true they both are very durable they just age differently the aluminum and clip on the 940 may scratch and maybe dent slightly but that's more so the paint not the knife itself. Obviously Blade steel is the same. Speed I think is equal in opening speed, and the 940 is faster to close and easier with one hand. Not hate or anything just my opinions totally agree on that price though when it comes down to price PM2 would win. In all accounts other then cost I would say 940 (probably my bias) maybe equal. When you throw price and Benchmades warranty its a very good fight. Size 940 Weight 940 Steel Tie Blade Shape Preference Speed Tie Lock Strength 940 Handle Material PM2 (Grip Ergos Preference Clip Preference Durrability PM2(Maybe) Price PM2 Warranty 940 Sorry for long comment
The 940's elegant design puts it in another league above the PM2. They have similar functionality, but the 940 does it with 30% less size and weight, and looks way better at the same time. Besides, who wants an EDC blade that's all belly.
I have both the PM2 and 940. I didn’t like the 940 very much until I started doing construction. I’ve heard the 940 being called a sharpened pry bar. I love both but they are very different knives
Yea the 940 axis lock is definitely stronger than the para military 2 ur definitely a bit bias towards the spiderco in this review the 940 is generally regarded as the best edc ever made and I don’t even have one
The fit and finish, build quality is pristine on both. For me the 940 is just more usable in day to day tasks. It sits will deep in the pocket, if I don't want to use the clip, which is out of the question for the PM2. They both loose their shaving sharpness quick but they retain a working edge for a silly amount of time. I don't "beat" on my knives. The worst they get is when I cut wire or screw in a screw head, but the PM2 is not going to standup to most "in door" tasks. When I'm going to be out of doors for any period of time I take my PM2. I can clean game, make feather sticks, strike ferro rods and I've even battoned some kindling. So it is just a matter of what you want your knife to do. If I could only have one I'd pick the 940 everyday.
Old video i know but i have to say ive owned both and the only thing the pm2 does better is cutting veggies and fruits. Its like a folding kitchen knife. The 940 is an all arounder for sure, and is absolutely the king if you want a pocket knife that will do it all and you already have decent kitchen knives lol
I've had the 940 for about six years now and the pm2 for about a year. I've been carrying the pm2 more but it feels like I'm cheating on the 940. The pm2 is more fun to play with and use but the 940 is the knife I'd trust my life with. The PM2 is the knife I want, the 940 is the knife I NEED.
I'd double check your strength test information. Benchmade has a video series where they strength test their models, and I think the 940 came in close to 700 inch lbs before it gave. I would be surprised if the PM 2 or any iteration of a liner lock knife could match that. Additionally one thing you ought to cover is customer service. BMs customer service blows Spyderco's out of the water. Sure they both sharpen their knives, but Benchmade will send you parts, clips etc for free, they get there service done fast. If you bust a blade, they'll replace it for next to nothing. It's a major consideration that belongs in a thorough review. Otherwise, great job! (Oh also don't discount the cheaper 940-2)
In Benchmade's 940 test the lock failed at 698 INCH pounds...698/12 = 58lbs. In blade HQ's "Lock Strength II" video, the PM2 failed at 109lbs of force. In 2016 Spyderco's QC blows Benchmade out of the water....I prefer to support a knife company that builds better knives, than a knife company that focuses on customer service. And don't think that all of those "free" clips, and screws are really free.....you are paying for all of that when you buy a new Benchmade knife...their prices are very inflated. Ever buy a BMW with a "free 2yr maintenance plan" ? Benchmade's blade replacement program is very nice, I wish Spyderco would offer something similar.
From what I've heard that Blade HQ test used the wrong unit of measurement. They used pounds as a measure of mass and they should have used ft-lbs or inch-lbs as a measure of torque. I'm pretty sure lbs and ft-lbs cannot be used interchangeably. I'm not going to claim to be right, but just reading the comments on that video seem to suggest that their units were not correct. Second, I think you're incorrect on BM prices being THAT inflated. You're not comparing apples to apples (seems to be a theme in this comment sorry). The PM2 while a great knife is made of some cheaper materials than the 940. G10 scales are far cheaper than anodized aluminum and titanium, which is why I suggested looking at the new 940-2 w/ G10 scales. Yes the MAP is $170 but you can find them out there for $140-$150. In that regard a difference of $20 is not that significant (and worth it with all the free clips and superior customer service). Finally, and this is a personal preference thing for me, but all of Benchmade's knives are make in the U.S., while Spyderco has gone overseas for many of their knives. This also explains a good part of their price difference. I believe the PM2 is made in CO, but regardless, I prefer to support a company that keeps it in the U.S. Not that Spyderco is bad in quality it's just a preference thing (also you want to talk over inflated price, the Spyderco Southard?!?! $250 for a Taiwanese-made knife!) Anyway, I'm not critiquing you by any means, you did a great review. Clearly we have a personal preference difference which is ok. Another thing to note is these two knives have very different purposes (again apples to apples). I've always seen Spydercos as excellent slicers whereas BM's in particular the 940 as a more rounded tool. That thick tip and all, the 940 doubles as a mini crowbar. I have opened paint cans, screwed in wood screws, hammered it tip first into plywood. In general beat the hell out of that knife and it works like the day I got it. The PM2 would lose the tip in a hot second if you put it through that ringer.
109 lbs ? the compression lock on the para 2 went to 900 lbs and the ball lock on the Manix 2 and others went to 1200 lbs. Or what was ur method of measurement ?
Well... I own a PM2, 2 940-1's, and a 943. The Spyderco has a fragile tip, and the 940 has a robust tip. Spyderco leaves you out in the cold if the blade breaks, and Benchmade will replace a blade for any reason for $25. The omega springs are covered under warranty, and their durability is an Internet urban myth. Lock stick on the PM2 is real. G10 will shred slacks like a cheese grater, while the 940 slides in and out without damaging fabric. Benchmade will send you any number of clips for free, and I just received 3 deep carry clips from them today. An ounce of weight is noticeable, and I handed a Benchmade 943 and 940-1 to my wife last week. I asked her what she thought of them, and her first response was the 940-1 felt much lighter (1/2 oz). Other than that, I enjoyed the video. :-) P.S. I'm Frank, and have no idea why my wife's name keeps showing on my posts....
I wouldn't say the the durability issues of the omega springs are a myth. The springs on the lock of my 746 have broken 3 times over the past 5 years I've owned it, from nothing more than light use and fondling.
This was a pretty biased review; should have stated that. You had a big dog in this fight. A couple things, speed? You state "super fast" and then show us your deployment of the blades. That is the slowest openings I have ever seen. Own both of these and the 940 could be opened and closed 5 times back and forth in the speed you opened each one of these. There is no comparison. As well, the Axis lock has been proven, over and over to have a stronger lock and a faster one. No matter what model it is. More tactical? Because it has camouflaged handles? I would not consider each of these very tactical. Tactical is thrown around too much these days. BM blows spyderco out of the water with their warranty. I own both brands, and love the Salt series for diving and utility stuff. I as well have some time tested BM's. I like both companies but at the end of the day lets be unbiased in a review.
I agree. I bought my pm2 first. And I find myself carrying 2 or 3 knives bc I want the pm2 on me but I don’t wonna use it for working. I wonna use it for ........ getting zombies off me . I would however work with the bench made. The thickness of the blade on the 940 gives me confidence that it’s a work horse. I’m a fabricator and have to cut a lot of banding off metal and I never use my pm2 for that but 940 I do
2 of my fave blades, though I wouldnt call them comparable. The 940 is over priced but so elegant. I like the thicker tip for light prying tasks and its SO carryable, a real good bang for the realestate it takes in the pocket. I have 5 versions of the PM2 and honestly, dont even want to rack my brain thinking which I like best. Both great blades but if I had to recommend one itd be the PM simply based on bang for the buck if nothing else.Great vid!
+RealBushMonkey I picked these two because they are very (maybe the most) popular EDC models from both companies. Seems like they are often mentioned in the same sentence. The 940 does have a certain charm about it...but the price kills it for me. If they were around 150....I would be more interested.
I love the leverage you can get with your thumb with the PM2. I like the 940 a little better. The point is more sturdy on the 940. The action on both are great.
+brent hensley On Benchmade's RU-vid channel, they report the lock strength of a 940 as 698 inch pounds, which is 58 ft/lbs. Blade Hq reports the failing point of the PM2 at 109 lbs. Different tests, yes, but I would believe that the compression lock is stronger.
+glotzy924 oh i didnt see Benchmades lock stength test i was going off what would be closest to an axis lock in bladehqs test. thank you for letting me know about it i will have to check it out. im definitely not saying anything about the pm 2 i love both knives very much.
You have no idea what your talking about. Stick the tips into some wood and try to bend them ..watch how fast the paramilitary breaks off. Then watch the 940 peel back wood without breaking. It's in the blade shape. The paramilitary is too thin at the tip. Both locks are about equal. The Benchmade is smaller in the pocket. With same sized blade. Spyderco is no warrenty on blade. Benchmade will replace if you break it. Hmmmm. Benchmade wins.
Laughably biased. I’ve carried both and love both. Saying axis isn’t as strong or fast as PM2 shows you either aren’t good with a 940 or are a bit much of a homer. You hype every little thing about the PM2 then downplay all the ways the BM is better. Try to be a bit more objective if you want more subs.
I own both and I definitely like the benchmade more I'm afraid of breaking my tip on my spyderco I have no fear of breaking the tip on my bench made and if some how I would I can get a new blade put on for like $40 so let get honest here or atleast go buy one for yourself before you put out bullshit reviews pal !!!
I have both of these (well, the 940-1501 and a stock PM2) and love them both. They see more pocket time than any of my other knives, but the 940-1501. To me, they're mirror images: the PM2 is a knife built for all-star capability that also carries pretty well, and the 940 is a knife built for all-star versatile carryability that is also very capable. The 940-1501 gets a lot more pocket time for me because I work in an office and frequently wear suits, while the PM2 gets most of my weekend use. Get both!
Clearly you are a spyderco fanboy because there is very little if anything that the P2 has over the 940. First off BM's quality is far better right out the box, coming shaving sharp in every one that I have owned which is 10 now (I own 8 spyderco's) and if there is any problem the BM staff are top notch and have fixed every issue I have ever had, most due to my own hard use. Spyderco's have almost never come sharp enough that I haven't needed to work on them before I carried it other than my Southard which would be a much closer knife to compare to the 940 btw. Esthetics is a personal thing but for me most spyderco knives look boringly similar to each other The leaf shape is meh! As for durability I have broke the tip on 2 PM2 because they are so dam thin. The 940 is much more stout tipped and can be used harder. The lock is no comparison The axis lock wins hands down as it is durable and trust worthy. Compression locks are not that consistent to me as I have had a failure that nearly cost me serious injury. I had a spring break on me once but was my stupidity and i took it diving in salt water for about 4 days straight and didn't clean it afterwards and it gave out. Now grip clearly the spyderco wins there due to the g10 and the gimping but for me the gimping is not important and the g10 tears the crap out of pants pockets. As for the cost it is well justified point that the PM2 is cheaper but I think that not only is the 940 a superior knife the fact that I got my 940 11 years ago and just a couple years ago i sent it in fora servicing and not only did they fix the few issues I had with it they saw that I had used the blade well and put in a brand new blade in s30v from my cpm154 that came with it. That more then covers the extra few dollars. I am currently selling most of my collection including all my Spyderco's and all but my 940 and the rest of my production knives save my first ever knife my buck 110 which i got nearly 30 years ago. I'm also keeping my 2 customs. Ok, I really went on a rant there and hope you don't take offense as none was intended. Just wanted to give a differing view point from my experience.
I'm not a spyderco fan boy - I'm a fan of well made knives that are a good value. I own both brands, and i much prefer a grip to a 940. I'm sorry, but saying that Benchmade is better quality out of the box in 2016 is simply not true...and there are many other knife reviewers on RU-vid that side with me on this. Maybe their quality was better 10+ years ago, but not now. Thanks for watching.
I was being sarcastic with the fanboy line, sorry I tend to forget sarcasm doesn't translate well in text, lol. For me in my experience there is no comparison in quality as I said. From the knives I have owned from both brands the Benchmade's have simply been better, and there customer service is top notch.
ApexKnives Sounds like you prefer larger knives. I bought a 940 and Grip, the 940 ended up in my pocket and I gave the Grip to my Dad. The 940 is simply a better all around knife than the Grip or PM2 for EDC, and it doesn’t even give up blade length despite a much smaller package (closed width of PM2 is damn near twice that of the 940, in spite of you stating that pocket profile was similar in the vid).
Late to this video. I have a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 on order which should be here in a few days, but I have owned a Benchmade 940-2 for a little over a year now, and it has been my EDC knife since I got it. The 940-2 has G10 scales instead of anodized aluminum, and MSRP is a little less than the 940, but it is otherwise the same knife. I would classify it as a “gentleman’s folder”. I also own a couple of other Benchmade folders - a 570 Presidio II, and a 485 Valet - but the 940-2 nicely splits the difference between those two and makes for a great EDC knife. The last Spyderco I owned was a little tiny thing - almost a novelty - and that was many years ago. I have no idea where it is today. But I am looking forward to getting my hands on my new Paramilitary 2. My son has one, and I was duly impressed with it.
Thanks for the comparison, I have two PM2's and am trying to justify, spending all that money on getting a 940 ! I think I'll stick with the Spyderco's and use the £200 for something else,, (law is changing very soon here in the UK, so it'll be a total pain to get hold of ANY knife) ,,, thanks again,, I've just subbed,,,
Both of these knives are in my edc rotation, along with a 710 and de-assisted 585. The 940 finds itself in my pocket 80% of the time. In my opinion it is hands down a more utilitarian type/user knife and able to be beat on more than the PM2. I own an automotive repair shop and literally beat the crap out of my 940 but in the PM2s defense, I don't feel it was made for what I use the 940 for. The PM2 usually finds itself in my pocket to act as a self defense weapon when I can't carry my firearm and when I have to dress nice since it is a better looking knife. Spyderco's S30V is definitely much better than Benchmades though. I like Benchmades 154CM better than their S30V. BM's D2 is epic though.
Hey I appreciate the thoughtful comment. I agree that the 940 has a more durable tip, but I think the PM2 would be just as durable, otherwise. Both are great knives, and I might have to make an update video, now that the 940-2 has been released. Thanks for watching!
This is a super biased review towards the para 2. The Benchmade is far and away a better edc knife. The para is huge in comparison. The para is a good knife to throw in a backpack not a pocket.
Aditionally i went with the 940-2 for my first expensive knife even though the pm2 is probably a better value simply for the esthetics and fidgitability the axis lock
