Benchmade 940-2 Black G10 Axis Lock Folding Knife

The Benchmade 940-2 is an improvement on a blade that has already stood as an industry standard for quite a while: the Benchmade 940. Designed by knife-maker Warren Osborne, who passed away in 2016, leaving a legacy of world-renowned knives, the 940 family of knives is a testament to a lifetime of genius. The Benchmade 940-2 hails from a strong pedigree of knives which have appealed to decades of knife enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, fishermen, and the Every Day Carry culture.

The 940-2 is an improvement to the 940. With the 940-2, you get CPM (Particle Metal Steel) and composite fiberglass G10 scales, rather than anodized aluminum. Compared to the 940-1, the 940-2 is an excellent knife, and ounce for ounce, definitely worth a comparison for the value. Regardless of steel, the 940-2 is better balanced, and the slight difference in weight also gives is a slight bit more heft at 2.6oz. The unique blade shape is the reverse tanto style familiar with other 940s, however the cutting edge is along the whole edge, sharpened by hand at a razor-sharp 15 degrees on each side. The cutting length of the 940-2 is the entirety of the blade, uninterrupted by serrations (as seen on other variants of the 940 series). What you get is a consistent cutting edge, flat ground to a razor's edge, strong enough to handle heavy work, yet with a durable enough edge that you can expect it to hold that edge for a long time.

With an overall length of 7.87" and a closed length of 4.47", combined with its lightweight design and 3D milled G10 scales, the 940-2 is the perfect Everyday Carry Knife. The 3.4" blade is tough and ready to go to work with just a flick on the milled thumb-stud set in the blade. The ambidextrous AXIS lock is designed to keep the blade locked in place until you want it closed. The G10 scales allow for comfort and a warmth that isn't seen a lot in EDC knives these days, which usually go for all steel or aluminum designs. This is the kind of knife that fits comfortably in your hand when you are using it, and not abrasive in your pocket or a knuckle-banger when clipped to your belt. The G10 allows for a tight grip that isn't going anywhere in all sorts of conditions, from water, sweat, or even oil. The clip allows for point-up carry and is reversible for right or left-hand use. And at .44" of an inch thick, you might even forget this knife there!

With greater ergonomics, quick deployment, and the AXIS locking mechanism, the simple-yet-effective design and utilitarian no-frills styling make this an attractive and hard-working addition to your EDC collection. As with any Benchmade knife, its reputation as a tough, well-made knife has preceded it. And it does not disappoint! Made in the USA in Oregon City, OR like they have been for the last three decades, Benchmade knives set the bar for other higher-end EDC and tactical carry knives. They carry with them a reputation backed by a liftetime warranty. The Lifesharp program also means you can send in your Benchmade for a tune up or whenever the blade gets dull.

Benchmade knives come from a tradition of knifemaking that relies on superior, functional design, attention to detail, rigorous standards, and a level of craftmanship that many competitors are seriously lacking: the human element. Laser cut steel blanks are hand-hammered out of each sheet by hand, cut and measured, surface-ground and measured until the blanks begin to take on the form of a blade. Each blade is milled by hand, beveled, and then stone washed in a ceramic bath to remove burrs and imperfections, leaving it with a gorgeous satin finish. A master sharpener takes the edge to a 15 degree edge on each side. As per Benchmade standards, the knife isn't a Benchmade until it can pass the cutting test, which is to slice through phonebook paper without tearing.

The 940 family is a strong line of blades, each with the same rugged durability, strength and comfort synonymous with the Benchmade name. The 940, an impressive knife in its own right served as the basis for a legacy of blades, with each variant being an improvement over the last. The 940-2 is an improvement over the 940, with better steel and an improved G10 handle. Though it lacks the S90V steel of the 940-1, it keeps the heft many are more comfortable with in an EDC. It also offers a slightly better balance than the more premium steel successor 940-1, allowing for more comfort and control as well. The 940-1 is an excellent knife, with premium steel and a carbon fiber handle, but maybe not worth the higher price tag for everyone.

With improvements on the G10 grips over the 940 to improve ergonomics and blade deployment and closing, these subtle differences might mean the world to someone who relies on the knife they carry with them every day. G10 is created by layering fiberglass and resin, then sculpting it with 3D milling technology in a pattern that just fits. The toxic green barrel spacers of the 940-2 just look cool, while preventing buildup of dirt and debris between the scales and the blade. It's just an impressive knife all around.

Whichever Benchmade you choose, you can be assured of its quality in craftsmanship, attention to detail, dedication to comfort and reliability of design that Warren Osborne helped to create with his mastery of the craft. Once you hold one of these 940-2's in your hand, you'll see why so many people love their Benchmade knives!