EDIT: Photo in post 10.
So I was looking for a Benchmade 940 at a good price for quite some time when I came across the 943. I never paid much attention to the 943 since I like the looks of the 940 much better, but I found a retailer who only had the 943s in stock and was running a 20% off discount code. Well I couldn't say no to a 943 at 20% off so I jumped on it. I'm glad I did. Turns out I love this knife! I have been carrying it non-stop for about 5-6 weeks now. I use it for everything. From food prep in the kitchen, tasks at work, and to simply opening the mail. This thing is with me all the time. The 943 has quickly become my favorite modern pocket knife to carry because it is so light and slender in the pocket, yet still inspires confidence when in use. The feel, the look, the deployment, its all fantastic. I honestly don't see myself replacing this knife any time soon, unless of coarse I come across the 940 at an equally good price. This knife is just a real pleasure to use and carry.
All that good being said, I am glad i didnt and I never will pay full price for a Benchmade. The quality control and material just isn't worth it. The grind on my knife was good, but not great. It was pretty sharp out of the box but I had to put it to my Worksharp to get a nice fine edge on it. The pivot screw kept backing out daily until i took it out and put a drop of blue locktite on it. Blade centering was off until I fixed it. The aluminum scales are milled slightly off so the left side doesnt meet up flush with the spacer but the right side does. This wasnt just a problem with the knife I ordered, sight unseen. I was able to play with Benchmade 940s at 4 different brick and mortar stores, all of which had issues of some sort. On top of all of that S30V is becoming a standard now and quality aluminum handles can be found on USA knives 1/2 or 1/3 the cost of a 943. The value just isn't there to warrant the $200 price tag. Now I know alot of people wont agree with me, but I judge the quality of most knives by my Buck 110s. I have 8 of them. All but 1 of them were near perfect out of the box. If Buck can produce a beautifully crafted 420HC/wood/brass knife for $50 or a S30V/nickel/G10 knife for $100, I would fully expect a $200 knife to surpass Bucks QC and craftsmanship. In my limited experience with Benchmades, you really are just buying a name and nice design, not quality of craftsmanship. Don't get me wrong, I do love my 943. I enjoy all three of my Benchmades(943, Grip, Mini-Grip). I would gladly buy and recommend another Benchmade, but only if it were on sale like all the rest of mine were. I know others have different opinions and experiences. Just thought I would share mine. Have a great day!
So I was looking for a Benchmade 940 at a good price for quite some time when I came across the 943. I never paid much attention to the 943 since I like the looks of the 940 much better, but I found a retailer who only had the 943s in stock and was running a 20% off discount code. Well I couldn't say no to a 943 at 20% off so I jumped on it. I'm glad I did. Turns out I love this knife! I have been carrying it non-stop for about 5-6 weeks now. I use it for everything. From food prep in the kitchen, tasks at work, and to simply opening the mail. This thing is with me all the time. The 943 has quickly become my favorite modern pocket knife to carry because it is so light and slender in the pocket, yet still inspires confidence when in use. The feel, the look, the deployment, its all fantastic. I honestly don't see myself replacing this knife any time soon, unless of coarse I come across the 940 at an equally good price. This knife is just a real pleasure to use and carry.
All that good being said, I am glad i didnt and I never will pay full price for a Benchmade. The quality control and material just isn't worth it. The grind on my knife was good, but not great. It was pretty sharp out of the box but I had to put it to my Worksharp to get a nice fine edge on it. The pivot screw kept backing out daily until i took it out and put a drop of blue locktite on it. Blade centering was off until I fixed it. The aluminum scales are milled slightly off so the left side doesnt meet up flush with the spacer but the right side does. This wasnt just a problem with the knife I ordered, sight unseen. I was able to play with Benchmade 940s at 4 different brick and mortar stores, all of which had issues of some sort. On top of all of that S30V is becoming a standard now and quality aluminum handles can be found on USA knives 1/2 or 1/3 the cost of a 943. The value just isn't there to warrant the $200 price tag. Now I know alot of people wont agree with me, but I judge the quality of most knives by my Buck 110s. I have 8 of them. All but 1 of them were near perfect out of the box. If Buck can produce a beautifully crafted 420HC/wood/brass knife for $50 or a S30V/nickel/G10 knife for $100, I would fully expect a $200 knife to surpass Bucks QC and craftsmanship. In my limited experience with Benchmades, you really are just buying a name and nice design, not quality of craftsmanship. Don't get me wrong, I do love my 943. I enjoy all three of my Benchmades(943, Grip, Mini-Grip). I would gladly buy and recommend another Benchmade, but only if it were on sale like all the rest of mine were. I know others have different opinions and experiences. Just thought I would share mine. Have a great day!
Last edited:
