AllOutdoor Review: Benchmade 940 Osborne – “A True Classic”
Patrik Orcutt 08.22.23
The origin of Benchmade can be traced back to California in 1979, when Les de Asis, the founder, was inspired to create a better quality knife than those he had used during his childhood. Dissatisfied with the poorly made butterfly knives available at the time, Les aimed to leverage the latest materials and manufacturing techniques to revolutionize this market. The initial focus was on crafting high-quality butterfly knives, known as Bali-Songs, as reflected in the company’s logo and name at the time. Using his skills from high school shop classes, Les developed a prototype of his improved knife design. Encouraged by the positive response he received from a local gun store owner who saw the prototype, Les embarked on the journey of creating more knives. This marked the humble beginnings of the company, which initially operated under the name Bali-Song. So, today we are going to take a look at a true classic in the Benchmade 940 Osborne.
Benchmade Coverage on AllOutdoor
- AllOutdoor 1 Year Review: Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Fixed Blade
- Benchmade 318 Proper Review
- AllOutdoor Review: Benchmade Casbah AutoKnife
- Introducing the 430BK and 430SBK Redoubt EDC Benchmade Knives
As time progressed, the company expanded its offerings beyond butterfly knives, embracing a wider range of knife types. This evolution prompted a name change to the Pacific Cutlery Corporation, signifying the company’s commitment to producing high-quality knives across different styles. Benchmade’s legacy endures with its ongoing production of the patented Bali-Song butterfly knives and a dedication to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and diverse knife offerings. Today we will be looking at a true modern classic of theirs, the 940 Osborne.
The 940 Osborne was purchased by myself and Benchmade has not been allowed to preview this review prior to publishing.
I have been carrying this particular 940 Osborne for the better part of 5 years at this point. It has accompanied me all over the United States and much of Europe and remains one of my favorite knives I have ever owned. One time when I was in a rush to get to the airport in Germany, I forgot to put my 940 in my checked baggage and realized my mistake at the security gate. I then hid my 940 on top of a low-hanging I-Beam in the airport. This was an act of desperation and I figured my know was as good as gone. Much to my surprise on my return to the airport at the end of my trip, my 940 was waiting for me there! (Don’t show the German Airport security this review)
Specs – Benchmade 940 Osborne
- Action: Manual-Opening
- Blade Steel: S90V
- Blade Length: 3.4″
- Blade Thickness: 0.115″
- Open Length: 7.87″
- Closed Length: 4.47″
- Handle Thickness: 0.44″
- Weight: 2.44 Ounces
- MSRP: $240
- Made in the U.S.A.
Blade – Benchmade 940 Osborne
The blade’s grind and shape gives significant strength to its tip, quelling any apprehension when using it as a mini pry bar. The reverse-tanto shape offers an advantage, featuring a curved edge suitable for slicing while retaining the structural integrity and keeping it a good option for piercing boxes and such. Also the pivot mechanism and handle is engineered for sturdiness, making this a workhorse of a blade for its size.
When I first bought this blade, I think I cut myself about three times in the first week as the blade was so sharp from the factory. The S30V S30V is a high-carbon stainless steel with 1.45% of carbon. This is more than double the carbon content of what qualifies high carbon steel, making it extremely hard and strong. The 14% chromium makes it high carbon stainless steel, but it isn’t the only one that enables the steel to resist corrosion and rust.
Although S30V is a tool steel according to Crucible Industries, an overwhelming majority of CPM S30V steel is used for making knives. S30V is considered by many to be premium steel, so this affects the price tag. If you’re planning on purchasing a kitchen knife made from S30V steel, expect to spend a little more than usual.
In my experience, this blade holds its edge for a long time but that also means that sharpening it can be a bit of a pain. Over the I have tried to hand sharpen the 940 back to its factory edge but have never been able to get it there. I will be sending this blade back to Benchmade under their LifeSharp program so it can be restored to its former glory, stay tuned for a review on that process.
The Feels – Benchmade 940 Osborne
The feel of a knife is incredibly important as the handle is how you interface with it and accomplish cutting or preying tasks. The 940 uses the proven Axis lock that makes it easy to open and close with one hand, even if you’re wearing gloves. It works well for both right-handed and left-handed people. The handle is made of strong yet lightweight aluminum scales that give the knife a premium feel. I do with the scales had better traction but there is some recessed jimping for your finger near the blade. The handle is big enough for people with large hands, like those who wear XL gloves, but it’s also comfortable for people with smaller hands. The way the handle is shaped makes it comfy to hold in different ways with no hotspots.
What It Does Best – Benchmade 940 Osborne
The 940 is just awesome in many ways. It’s strong and stays sharp for a really long time. If you’re not good at sharpening, no worries – you can send it to Benchmade, and they’ll sharpen it for free when it’s not sharp anymore. This knife works great for tough jobs, no matter what you’re cutting. It’s perfect for use every day, whether you’re at work or out in nature. The way it looks is really cool too, with its green handle scale and purple spacer accents. If you like nice things and don’t mind paying a bit more for top-notch materials, great craftsmanship, and a good warranty, this knife is a great choice.
What It Struggles With – Benchmade 940 Osborne
While I really enjoy using the 940 but, it’s not without its downsides. I like how sturdy the blade is towards the tip, but the way it’s shaped means there are knives out there that can slice things more efficiently. For instance, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 has a broader blade with a taper towards the tip, making it breeze through apples with no trouble. On the flip side, the 940-1 knife might cut apples into chunks and need more effort. Still, the advantage is that I’ve had to fix many broken tips on Spyderco knives, but only once on the Benchmade 940. The S30V steel is excellent at keeping its edge, but it’s prone to chipping during heavy use. Sharpening it also takes more time compared to softer steels.
Wrap Up – Benchmade 940 Osborne
The 940 truly excels as a knife that combines comfort in hand with robust durability. Its lightweight and slim profile make it easy to carry in my pocket without hindering my phone. Yet, when I take it out, I’m confident that it’s more than capable for any task at hand. The S30V blade steel impressively retains its sharpness far longer than a typical budget folder. While it may require a bit more attention when sharpening, the effort is well worth the exceptional edge retention it offers. I highly recommend this knife!
