Specifications
- Overall Length:7.87"
- Blade Length:3.40"
- Blade Thickness:0.12"
- Blade Material:CPM S30V
- Hardness:58-60 RC
- Blade Style:Reverse Tanto
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Satin
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.47"
- Handle Thickness:0.41"
- Handle Material:Aluminum
- Color:Green
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:2.90 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:Bar Lock
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:940
- Model Number:940
- Designer:Osborne
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
Specifications
- Overall Length:7.87"
- Blade Length:3.40"
- Blade Thickness:0.12"
- Blade Material:CPM S30V
- Hardness:58-60 RC
- Blade Style:Reverse Tanto
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Satin
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.47"
- Handle Thickness:0.41"
- Handle Material:Aluminum
- Color:Green
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:2.90 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:Bar Lock
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:940
- Model Number:940
- Designer:Osborne
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
Features:
- Satin-finished reverse tanto blade made from CPM S30V.
- Dual thumb stud openers.
- Green-anodized aluminum handle.
- Secure AXIS lock.
- Reversible tip-up pocket clip.
Description:
The Warren Osborne designed Benchmade 940 is a popular pocket knife for good reason. It's a comfortable everyday carry knife with a slim design, great ergonomics and a lightweight build. The 940 Osborne has an S30V steel blade with a plain edge and a satin finish. The 6061-T6 aluminum handle is anodized green with 410 stainless steel liners and a purple titanium spacer on the handle back with custom ridges. The AXIS lock and reversible pocket clip make the pocket knife usable for right and left handers.
For an in-depth look and test of the 940, check out our Benchmade 940 Review.
Customer Reviews
One might ask - “How is it holding up after 11 years?” And I’d answer AMAZING!! The lockup is just as firm as day one. The blade is perfectly centered and has zero play. At 10 years, I had to replace the springs for the axis lock.
Clean annually, lubricant the pivot, maintain your edge, and you’ll have a knife to last you a lifetime.
I purchased this knife back when it first came out, I was working in a sporting goods store and the first time I seen it in the display case I was in love, the green handles, purple spine and the feel in the hand, I just had to have it… Took me about a month or so of going back and forth to actually buy it since I was in school and working part time, that was a lot of money… Actually, it still is a lot of money!  But to be honest it’s worth every penny. Been in love with a good knife since I was a kid and had a pretty good collection going, but they all had been collecting dust since I purchased the 940… Then the unthinkable happened, my everyday companion for the last 15+ years or so disappeared while packing to move… I was heartbroken, hoping to find it while unpacking and settling into our new home I went back carrying some of my knives that had been collecting dust and even looked at some new ones, but have to be honest, I just wish I had my old 940 Osborne back… Well now that it’s been a year and I’ve been through every box, bag and pack I own a few times hoping it would show up, and not finding one I like better I guess it’s time to pull the trigger and buy a new one… If you are looking for something to carry with you every day you cannot go wrong with this knife!
The Blade. It is super sharp, solid finish, great lockup, grabby retention, and with a legend of a Wharncliffe blade. Often copied, rarely replicated.
The Action. The tried and true AXIS lock can take a good knife and make it great. Smooth and easy, the Osborne can be drop close after just a few seconds of adjustment. I must have opened and closed this knife three hundred times already, it is most enjoyable to manipulate.
The Handle. Comfortable, tough, and simple. Jimping at the thumb and down the spacer. The handle also sports a quality pocket clip. The Osborne is made to be gripped down upon, and heavy cutting tasks do not hurt your hands badly.
If I were to pick two details about the Osborne that I don't really like, it would be that the handle shows wear and tear very easily. The green is coming off and I am not even trying. Also the price. Even though the knife is almost worth it...190 is a bunch. The butterfly tax is very real.
In conclusion, I really like the Osborne. I wasn't expecting the backspacer to be pink, so it technically is my most girly knife. That's okay, it reminds me of a dragon. I totally dig the slim dragon look, I like the rugged feel, and I love the legendary status. 91/100
I sold off my PM2 to get this and I am so glad I did. This knife is the perfect blend of toughness with the aluminum scales, thicker blade and AXIS lock yet remains thin, light and carries a lot smaller than most knives with a 3.4" blade. What sold me on the 940 was the YouTube reviews of this knife after 5-10 years worth of ownership. 940s age beautifully as the edges wear and the fact that I can send it back to Benchmade and they will put a new blade on it when this one no longer has any life left in it, makes this 100% a user and not a safe queen.
Thank God this isn't the case, but if you held a gun to my head and forced me to choose one knife to carry for the rest of my life, I'm almost certain I'd pick this over my beloved Para 3. It's THAT good!
I had read that Benchmade has had a few QC problems over the years and that some of their knives were showing up dull, uncentered, stiff access locks and some with uneven grinds etc. Needless to say I was a tad hesitant buying this knife online without seeing it first. I sent an email to Blade HQ customer service asking if they would be willing to inspect the knife before sending it to me to make sure it was perfect.
I'm happy to report that it showed up centred and sharp, with no play in any direction, with a smooth access lock and with what appears to be an even blade grind. I couldn't be happier with the knife and my experience.
I also called Benchmade and ordered two deep carry pocket clips, a standard size and a short one.
I haven't had a lot of time with the 940 yet so will add to this review after I have a few weeks or months under my belt. However, my initial thoughts are that this is a wonderful EDC knife that looks amazing, feels amazing in the hands and the reverse tango blade shape can be used for a lot of different applications. Due to the thickness of the blade I'm not sure it will be the best slicer but can obviously get the job done. This knife handle will patina over time to show how you used the knife which is something I love!
If you are on the fence know that the 940 has been on the market for 20 years and form my understanding has be selling really well ever since its release. That should tell you something about how great this knife is.
Thanks for reading!
I love the weight and feel of flicking that blade out every single time!
This knife is a MUST have for any true knife lover.
I like the feel of the 940's aluminum scales just fine and I even like the purple backspacer. However given the knife's small size I wish the scales were just a bit grippier (I assume the G-10 and carbon fiber scales of the 940 variations are better in this regard). I also wish there was some jimping on the blade spine for finer thumb control. I wish it came with a deep-carry pocket clip but for $5 Benchmade sent me one and it arrived in three days...you can choose between long or short, black or satin. I got the long black one and it comes right to the end of the handle, the knife disappears in my pocket. I've been carrying it for a couple of weeks now and it continues to grow on me...it's small, light and surprisingly nearly as good a thin slicer as my Spyderco Para 2 (and it doesn't take up as much pocket real estate).
It's an excellent knife but I personally feel the price is $50 too high. It's a popular, well-reviewed knife that's achieved a certain cachet, nothing else quite fills its niche and they're trading on the Benchmade name. That said, I could have saved $26 purchasing it from Amazon but I've read about Chinese counterfeits and wanted the peace of mind and customer service I get from BladeHQ.
Overall, it's a well engineered knife except for some minor points and fits many of my EDC needs well...I'll rotate it with my Para 2 as the mood strikes me or to best perform the task at hand (the Para 2 is better at cutting down cardboard, as well as being more hand-filling for tougher jobs; for many everyday carry tasks, however, the 940 is easier to get along with). Is it worth the money? Some minor quibbles aside, I think it's worth spending a few extra pennies on something you'll be living with every day, hopefully for years to come.
-Easy to carry in the office, very slim and works as a gentlemen's folder, esp with the deep carry clip.
-Nice long blade, but still under 3.5 inches for legality. Sturdy tip and decent slicer for how narrow the blade is.
-AXIS lock on this just flips up and down. Barely slower than an auto knife. Thumb studs are a joy as well for slow open.
-Edge held up well. Sent it back after 5 years for lifesharp and came back good as new.
-I like the green and purple, but If I was getting one now I might get the G10 - greed spacer and save a bit of weight money.
Another cautionary point would be the omega springs. I likely just have bad luck with my 940 as I've not had any trouble with any of my other axis knives, but with this 940 I've gone through three sets of the springs, without using it any differently than my others. Like I said, it's probably just bad luck as there are just some duds bound to be found in any such fragile part production process. Overall, one of my favorite carry knives.
If you work hard and need a knife to keep up with you, this will quickly become your new best friend.
THIS is a knife I would trust to go anywhere. Nothing would stop this knife.
Straight out of the box it is smooth as oiled glass!!
Built like a sexy tank!
Very light!
Insanely cool blade!
Worth every penny!
Blade HQ is a pleasure to deal with and I'll be a returning customer!
It's the design that makes it timeless.
Purple jigged (titanium?) on spacer.
The just keep making them over the years so it must be popular.
Features:
- Satin-finished reverse tanto blade made from CPM S30V.
- Dual thumb stud openers.
- Green-anodized aluminum handle.
- Secure AXIS lock.
- Reversible tip-up pocket clip.
Description:
The Warren Osborne designed Benchmade 940 is a popular pocket knife for good reason. It's a comfortable everyday carry knife with a slim design, great ergonomics and a lightweight build. The 940 Osborne has an S30V steel blade with a plain edge and a satin finish. The 6061-T6 aluminum handle is anodized green with 410 stainless steel liners and a purple titanium spacer on the handle back with custom ridges. The AXIS lock and reversible pocket clip make the pocket knife usable for right and left handers.
For an in-depth look and test of the 940, check out our Benchmade 940 Review.
Specifications
- Overall Length:7.87"
- Blade Length:3.40"
- Blade Thickness:0.12"
- Blade Material:CPM S30V
- Hardness:58-60 RC
- Blade Style:Reverse Tanto
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Satin
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.47"
- Handle Thickness:0.41"
- Handle Material:Aluminum
- Color:Green
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:2.90 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:Bar Lock
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:940
- Model Number:940
- Designer:Osborne
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
One might ask - “How is it holding up after 11 years?” And I’d answer AMAZING!! The lockup is just as firm as day one. The blade is perfectly centered and has zero play. At 10 years, I had to replace the springs for the axis lock.
Clean annually, lubricant the pivot, maintain your edge, and you’ll have a knife to last you a lifetime.
I purchased this knife back when it first came out, I was working in a sporting goods store and the first time I seen it in the display case I was in love, the green handles, purple spine and the feel in the hand, I just had to have it… Took me about a month or so of going back and forth to actually buy it since I was in school and working part time, that was a lot of money… Actually, it still is a lot of money!  But to be honest it’s worth every penny. Been in love with a good knife since I was a kid and had a pretty good collection going, but they all had been collecting dust since I purchased the 940… Then the unthinkable happened, my everyday companion for the last 15+ years or so disappeared while packing to move… I was heartbroken, hoping to find it while unpacking and settling into our new home I went back carrying some of my knives that had been collecting dust and even looked at some new ones, but have to be honest, I just wish I had my old 940 Osborne back… Well now that it’s been a year and I’ve been through every box, bag and pack I own a few times hoping it would show up, and not finding one I like better I guess it’s time to pull the trigger and buy a new one… If you are looking for something to carry with you every day you cannot go wrong with this knife!
The Blade. It is super sharp, solid finish, great lockup, grabby retention, and with a legend of a Wharncliffe blade. Often copied, rarely replicated.
The Action. The tried and true AXIS lock can take a good knife and make it great. Smooth and easy, the Osborne can be drop close after just a few seconds of adjustment. I must have opened and closed this knife three hundred times already, it is most enjoyable to manipulate.
The Handle. Comfortable, tough, and simple. Jimping at the thumb and down the spacer. The handle also sports a quality pocket clip. The Osborne is made to be gripped down upon, and heavy cutting tasks do not hurt your hands badly.
If I were to pick two details about the Osborne that I don't really like, it would be that the handle shows wear and tear very easily. The green is coming off and I am not even trying. Also the price. Even though the knife is almost worth it...190 is a bunch. The butterfly tax is very real.
In conclusion, I really like the Osborne. I wasn't expecting the backspacer to be pink, so it technically is my most girly knife. That's okay, it reminds me of a dragon. I totally dig the slim dragon look, I like the rugged feel, and I love the legendary status. 91/100
I sold off my PM2 to get this and I am so glad I did. This knife is the perfect blend of toughness with the aluminum scales, thicker blade and AXIS lock yet remains thin, light and carries a lot smaller than most knives with a 3.4" blade. What sold me on the 940 was the YouTube reviews of this knife after 5-10 years worth of ownership. 940s age beautifully as the edges wear and the fact that I can send it back to Benchmade and they will put a new blade on it when this one no longer has any life left in it, makes this 100% a user and not a safe queen.
Thank God this isn't the case, but if you held a gun to my head and forced me to choose one knife to carry for the rest of my life, I'm almost certain I'd pick this over my beloved Para 3. It's THAT good!
I had read that Benchmade has had a few QC problems over the years and that some of their knives were showing up dull, uncentered, stiff access locks and some with uneven grinds etc. Needless to say I was a tad hesitant buying this knife online without seeing it first. I sent an email to Blade HQ customer service asking if they would be willing to inspect the knife before sending it to me to make sure it was perfect.
I'm happy to report that it showed up centred and sharp, with no play in any direction, with a smooth access lock and with what appears to be an even blade grind. I couldn't be happier with the knife and my experience.
I also called Benchmade and ordered two deep carry pocket clips, a standard size and a short one.
I haven't had a lot of time with the 940 yet so will add to this review after I have a few weeks or months under my belt. However, my initial thoughts are that this is a wonderful EDC knife that looks amazing, feels amazing in the hands and the reverse tango blade shape can be used for a lot of different applications. Due to the thickness of the blade I'm not sure it will be the best slicer but can obviously get the job done. This knife handle will patina over time to show how you used the knife which is something I love!
If you are on the fence know that the 940 has been on the market for 20 years and form my understanding has be selling really well ever since its release. That should tell you something about how great this knife is.
Thanks for reading!
I love the weight and feel of flicking that blade out every single time!
This knife is a MUST have for any true knife lover.
I like the feel of the 940's aluminum scales just fine and I even like the purple backspacer. However given the knife's small size I wish the scales were just a bit grippier (I assume the G-10 and carbon fiber scales of the 940 variations are better in this regard). I also wish there was some jimping on the blade spine for finer thumb control. I wish it came with a deep-carry pocket clip but for $5 Benchmade sent me one and it arrived in three days...you can choose between long or short, black or satin. I got the long black one and it comes right to the end of the handle, the knife disappears in my pocket. I've been carrying it for a couple of weeks now and it continues to grow on me...it's small, light and surprisingly nearly as good a thin slicer as my Spyderco Para 2 (and it doesn't take up as much pocket real estate).
It's an excellent knife but I personally feel the price is $50 too high. It's a popular, well-reviewed knife that's achieved a certain cachet, nothing else quite fills its niche and they're trading on the Benchmade name. That said, I could have saved $26 purchasing it from Amazon but I've read about Chinese counterfeits and wanted the peace of mind and customer service I get from BladeHQ.
Overall, it's a well engineered knife except for some minor points and fits many of my EDC needs well...I'll rotate it with my Para 2 as the mood strikes me or to best perform the task at hand (the Para 2 is better at cutting down cardboard, as well as being more hand-filling for tougher jobs; for many everyday carry tasks, however, the 940 is easier to get along with). Is it worth the money? Some minor quibbles aside, I think it's worth spending a few extra pennies on something you'll be living with every day, hopefully for years to come.
-Easy to carry in the office, very slim and works as a gentlemen's folder, esp with the deep carry clip.
-Nice long blade, but still under 3.5 inches for legality. Sturdy tip and decent slicer for how narrow the blade is.
-AXIS lock on this just flips up and down. Barely slower than an auto knife. Thumb studs are a joy as well for slow open.
-Edge held up well. Sent it back after 5 years for lifesharp and came back good as new.
-I like the green and purple, but If I was getting one now I might get the G10 - greed spacer and save a bit of weight money.
Another cautionary point would be the omega springs. I likely just have bad luck with my 940 as I've not had any trouble with any of my other axis knives, but with this 940 I've gone through three sets of the springs, without using it any differently than my others. Like I said, it's probably just bad luck as there are just some duds bound to be found in any such fragile part production process. Overall, one of my favorite carry knives.
If you work hard and need a knife to keep up with you, this will quickly become your new best friend.
THIS is a knife I would trust to go anywhere. Nothing would stop this knife.
Straight out of the box it is smooth as oiled glass!!
Built like a sexy tank!
Very light!
Insanely cool blade!
Worth every penny!
Blade HQ is a pleasure to deal with and I'll be a returning customer!
It's the design that makes it timeless.
Purple jigged (titanium?) on spacer.
The just keep making them over the years so it must be popular.