940 vs 940-1

T

thisismadness

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Apr 27, 2014
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Hey guys I'm looking at buying a new knife and I've narrowed it down to the 940. I just don't know whether the 940-1 is worth the extra 100 bucks? Any thoughts from anybody who owns both?
 
Depends on how much you like Carbon Fiber over Aluminum and S90V over S30V, besides that and the back spacers/pillar construction they're the same. Are the step up in materials (at least IMO, some don't like the extra sharpening difficulty in higher edge retention steel) worth the extra price?
 
I've also owned both. Got rid of the 940 because I don't like aluminum handles, they scratch too easily. And the ano on the 940 showed every mark every time it even came into contact with something. I wanted to have a set of cf scales made for it but no one I talked to could match the milling of the factory scales. So I sold it. Then comes the 940-1 with it's fantastic looking cf scales. Couldn't resist. And the upgraded blade steel and stand offs is just gravy. I haven't owned every BM folder so I can't say it is the best folder they've ever made, but it for sure is my favorite knife of theirs I've ever owned.

If you can afford it and live with what it costs, get the 940-1. If money is tight, hold out for a good deal on the exchange.
 
Hopefully Ankerson will chime in but the Benchmade materials chart states that their s90v is run very soft. Not sure why and whether it kills the edge retention potential of this steel. Benchmade website says 58-59 btw.
 
farokhsidhwa said:
Hopefully Ankerson will chime in but the Benchmade materials chart states that their s90v is run very soft. Not sure why and whether it kills the edge retention potential of this steel. Benchmade website says 58-59 btw.
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BM's product page for the 940 lists it as being 59-61, and I believe they've said elsewhere before that the 59-61 range is the correct one for the 940-1. Not sure why they haven't updated the materials page yet.

ETA: if you can find it for $200-220, I think the 940-1 is a good deal. I paid their MAP pricing for it and still like it quite a bit. What I'd really like to see is a 943-1 or 710-4 in the same materials (I prefer clip points over reverse tantos), but I'll enjoy the 940-1 until then.
 
I haven't handled a 940-1.

But, I REALLY like the 940.

The rough/fuzzy feel of the aluminum anodizing wasn't my thing, so I knocked it down to a smoother finish with scotchbrite -- much better.

The S30v takes a wicked edge and (so far with light use only) holds up well.

Weight? The 940 is so light to begin with, I wouldn't spend any extra money to save an ounce or two.
 
This is correct and confirmed by Benchmade, as I posted in another thread yesterday.

Skywalker31 said:
BM's product page for the 940 lists it as being 59-61, and I believe they've said elsewhere before that the 59-61 range is the correct one for the 940-1. Not sure why they haven't updated the materials page yet.

ETA: if you can find it for $200-220, I think the 940-1 is a good deal. I paid their MAP pricing for it and still like it quite a bit. What I'd really like to see is a 943-1 or 710-4 in the same materials (I prefer clip points over reverse tantos), but I'll enjoy the 940-1 until then.
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I've got a 943, a 940-1, and gave a 940 to my lady. I don't mind the Al handles, but the CF is other-worldly. The CF is never cold to the touch, provides a surprisingly positive grip, and is VERY light. I prefer the 943 blade shape, but the reverse-tanto doesn't really have any shortcomings. The differences between the 940 and the 940-1 almost make them different knives.

I like the 940/943, but LOVE the 940-1.

 
940-1 is fantastic with the CF & S90V but try to find a local store where you can examine the knife for blade grind, sharpness and centering plus negotiate a better price than MAP.
 
RamZar said:
940-1 is fantastic with the CF & S90V but try to find a local store where you can examine the knife for blade grind, sharpness and centering plus negotiate a better price than MAP.
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Neither of those should be necessary, but with Benchmade's current QC and MAP issues both are the best advice.
 
I have both the 940 and the 940-1 and I'm not sure if the 940 will ever find it's way back into my pocket. Worth is so subjective so you will have to make that determination. It was worth it to me.
 
Tiguy, is that a 943 blade with the 940-1 scales? Looks very nice whatever it is!
 
reeeeeever.jpg

Nice picture Cypress!! I'm really lusting after a 940-1; love my 940 but really not crazy about the aluminum handle or the purple spacer--wonder what color challenged person thought that looked good? Still it's a great shape all the way around.
 
I have both, the 940 & 940-1. I now carry the 940-1 all the time.

The question is if the -1 is worth the extra cash. Really a subjective question…yes and no. Yes if you prefer the s90v over the s30v and prefer the carbon fiber over the aluminum and can afforded the extra cash. No if the s30v is a steel that has held up for you and you like the aluminum. For me, s30v has disappointed me in chipping and I can’t understand why. I don’t abuse nor do I over-demand my knives. I have another s90v that has held up wonderfully in the same task that an s30v didn’t. No scientific test, just my individual experience. I personally like the green aluminum of the 940 but there’s just something special about the carbon fiber, how the subtle gray colors mesh together…one great package. I’m still keeping the 940. I love it too.

Oh! The tanto. I’m not a fan of tanto blades at all, but this reverse tanto isn’t like a tanto at all. It has personality.
 
thisismadness said:
Hey guys I'm looking at buying a new knife and I've narrowed it down to the 940. I just don't know whether the 940-1 is worth the extra 100 bucks? Any thoughts from anybody who owns both?
Click to expand...

I've had one of each. The 940-1 is easily worth the extra $80 (price difference at KnifeWorks) when you consider what you get for those extra dollars - cf scales and S90V steel. I got mine as part of a trade but I have also seen the 940-1 selling LNIB for as low as $200 so keep your eyes open and you can sometimes find a deal.

The 940-1 is one of my favorite 3 EDCs. The aluminum 940 never really turned my crank and almost never finds its way into my pocket.
 
NEITHER! That's right!

943 over both of those. Better yet, they should make a 943-1 (CF and S90v) already.
 
Thanks for starting this thread. I've narrowed it down to the same two. Probably go with the -1 now.

I'll have to hold it in my hand first to be sure I get a good one.
 
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