Are you a real fan of the famous American Knife Brand Benchmade? You should know the names of the best-selling or most favorable series of Benchmade. Yes! You are guessing, right. The series is Benchmade 940 and 943.
However, it becomes a little confusing when you are choosing one between them. Keep the confusion aside and flip through our in-depth review of Benchmade 940 Vs. 943 to overcome the conflict of choosing one between the two famous EDC knives.
For years, these two series have got appreciation from the everyday carry knife aficionados and achieved iconic status. People use these great tools for many purposes, such as hunting and everyday use.
The EDC folding knives are great to use. However, regarding Benchmade 940 Vs 943 both knives belong to the same family. These two knives hold many similarities. Despite having some similarities, they are also different in some aspects.
Benchmade 940 vs 943: A Quick Comparison Table
A quick comparison table for the Benchmade 940 and Benchmade 943 knives, considering various aspects:
| Feature | Benchmade 940 | Benchmade 943 |
| Blade steel | CPM-S30V | CPM-S90V |
| Blade length | 3.4 inches | 3.4 inches |
| Blade thickness | 0.098 inches | 0.106 inches |
| Blade grind | Hollow grind | Full flat grind |
| Handle material | G10 | Carbon fiber |
| Handle thickness | 0.5 inches | 0.46 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 ounces | 3.3 ounces |
| Opening mechanism | Axis lock | Axis lock |
| Price | Check Price Here | Check Price Here |
Related Article: Wusthof vs Global Knife: The Ultimate Blade Showdown – Unveiling 5 Key Facts
Benchmade 940: An Overall Synopsis
The Warren Osborne and Benchmade were an excellent combination. He designed the famous Benchmade series 940. It became popular widely among the knife enthusiastic with its robust design.
Though the materials of the benchmark 940 lines are not significantly different in the contemporary period and the designs don’t exactly break the appearance, however, the lines have something exceptional that will express your elegance. Moreover, the speciality of the knives may be the handle’s uniqueness or the distinctive shape of the blades.
The Benchmade 940 is very compact and slim enough to carry in everyday life. In fact, you will feel amazed by the lightness of the series due to its compactness. Besides, the tiny handle of the knife line can maintain various demanding tasks than the others.
Blade Steel
Benchmade 940 is very elegant and made with very high-quality materials. You will see three versions of the 940. They are the original 940, 940-1, and the 940-2. Typically, The original 940 along with the 940-2 use a CPM S30V blade steel that is used for high-end EDC knives, but the 940-1 Benchmade line uses CPM S90V blade steel.
You should know that CPM S90V is ultra-premium blade steel with a hardness of 59-61 and can provide extreme sharpness resisting corrosion. The 940-1 knife with the CPM S90V steel is an excellent knife like the 940 with a little difference. You may face a bit difficulty to sharpen it. The CPM-S30V has the hardness of 58-60 due to the vanadium carbides.
So, it’s edge retention is excellent and can resist corrosion effortlessly. Moreover, it is much popular among knife lovers for its optimal balance of edge retention, hardness, and toughness.
Axis Lock
Osborne set a knife locking mechanism for Benchmade 940 that is AXIS® technology. This AXIS lock system of the Benchmade 940 has become popular over the years. However, A steel bar is the central part of an AXIS lock that follows the spring tension principle. The bar can move ups and downs in a track.
Moreover, a flat spot connects both the blade and the steel bar of the lock very securely. As a result, the bar stays in place safely. You can close the blade pulling the bar back.
The Axis lock is handy for the knife aficionados even with only one hand. Besides, it is incredibly comfortable for ambidextrous people.
Blade Shape
The 940 knife line of Benchmade has a very robust blade shape, and the shape is a reverse tanto blade. Do you know what a tanto is? You can call the short swords of Japan as the tantos if their blades are curving down to the tip, and the spine gets nearly as wide as the entire length of the blade. You will get two different sharpening angles down to the blades.
There is also a little belly in the blade shape. In addition to that, the blade of the 940 lines has a straight edge. Again, the age may be a serrated edge. However, you can use this versatile blade for multi-purposes in everyday needs.
Pocket Clip
Bench made 940 comprises standard clip in all caps. You can have a deep carry pocket clip by contacting with Benchmade customer service. The blackish paint of the stock clip may get chips off with the passes of time. As a result, you will see the edges of the clip, and you may not like the outlook of the clip. On the other hand, the parkerized clip in the 940-1 Benchmade line is remarkably effective in resisting scraps.
The clip of the knife can enable the tip-up carry to switch the clip to your desired side. This reversible tip-up carry will help you whether you’re right or left-handed.
Testing
Testing is significant to understand the effectiveness of a knife. If you are using the EDC knife, then it should have the capability to complete some hard tasks when necessary. The Benchmade 940 can efficiently perform in cardboard. You can cut the taped boxes or envelop with the reverse tanto smoothly. The blades are sharp enough to peel the fruits like apple, tomato with ease. You can cut with your knives, different leather, rubber, and insulation without any difficulties.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent edge retention
- AXIS lock mechanism
- Compact size
- Aesthetic design
- Comfortable grip
- Include premium materials
Cons
- A little expensive
Benchmade 943: An Overall Synopsis
You can use the Benchmade 943 EDC Knife at home or outside the house easily, and it can perform with perfection. This small pocket hero from the Benchmade professionals has included an AXIS locking mechanism. This mechanism works on both sides of the knife. The ambidextrous AXIS lock system functions with a steel bar that goes upside and downside.
The 943 Tactical Knife uses premium materials for making its blade that protects its edge better than low-quality materials. The materials of the handles of this EDC knife are anodized aluminium with 410 stainless steel. This anodized handles will provide you with the perfect comfort in gripping in almost any environment. The knife model has been designed simple. Also, it aims at the extreme performance.
Blade Materials
The Benchmade 943, another excellent knife line of Benchmade, uses CPM S30V steel as its blade materials. Many consider the CPM-S30V as the ultimate EDC steel that poses very sharp edge retention, resistance against wear. Most of the manufacturers like S30V steel for its high performance and balance.
This steel contains a fair amount of vanadium carbides that offer the steel a very refined grain. It improves the sharpness and of the blades. The knives made with S30V steel are a bit expensive because this steel is expensive too. Besides, you will see the use of this steel in high-end production mostly. For many, it is an ultimate high-end stainless steel than the other steels in the category for its performance.
Blade Style
If you see the blade of a Benchmade 943, you will see the blade with a clip point. Clip point blades are clipped off at the tip. Nowadays, the popularity of a clip point blade is remarkable. Usually, The upper spine of the 943 blades shapes an extra-fine notch near the third or fourth of the blades creating a clip off. Then, the clip point turns and keeps going to the knife’s point.
The clipped area can be flat or concave depending on the knife’s use. However, the sharpness of the curved point is more than the straight point. Typically, you will find a large inverse belly in the blades that are effective for piercing or slicing. Moreover, the tip of the blades may be weak due to the narrow shape of blades.
Blade Finish
The Benchmade 943 knives apply the satin finish for its gorgeous look. This satin is one of the most outstanding and conventional finish on knives. In this finish, the bevels on the knives become transparent with the buffing lines. The transparent bevel happens due to the sanding of the blade in one direction with the abrasive like sandpaper. The look of the blades mostly depends on the abrasive you are using. If you use the finer abrasives, the blades will look more glossy.
However, you will need the help of an expert to accomplish the finish. Since the finish is achieved by hand, your knife will get an aesthetic look. This type of finish may be a little expensive because it takes a long time to complete the process.
Locking Mechanism
Like the Benchmade 940, Benchmade uses the Axis lock mechanism in 943 lines also. The Axis lock of the 943 exists in the rear of the blade. It engages the blade’s ascending tang part when it opens up. Two springs in the liners provide passivity to the locking bar to engage full tang, which helps to complete lock-up.
The Axis lock of the Benchmade 943 will allow you for ambidextrous operation effortlessly and rapidly due to the integrated built system. Across-the-board, it will enable the blade’s rapid and safe deployment with this construction.
Pros
- Impressive lock-up mechanism
- Quick blade deployment
- Sharp edge
- Reversible clip
- Gorgeous shape
- Incredible ergonomics
Cons
- The price is a little high
- The pocket clip may be oversized for some users
Comparative Analysis Between Benchmade 940 and 943
Overall, both the Benchmade 940 and 943 are great knives that you can carry with you. Benchmade has set a standard for all of its users for providing the best materials and services. These two series of Benchmade have a little difference, although they give almost the same outputs.
The main difference between these two series is their design. Some facts you should consider before you are ready to select one between these two.
Blade Materials
The quality of a knife mostly depends on the materials it is using. So, the materials of a knife should maintain a standard quality. Benchmade also uses some excellent high-quality steels to manufacture it’s 940 and 943 series.
Benchmade 940 Materials
It is the most popular knife design of the renowned American Benchmade company that uses quality steel for its blades for years. Usually, Benchmade uses two different high-quality sheets of steel in its three 940 lines. You can see the CPM-S30V high-quality steel in the 940 original and 940-2 lines. On the other hand, the CPM-S90V makes the blades of 940-1 more resistant and sharp with its premium quality.
Benchmade 943 Materials
In contrast to the Benchmade 940, The 943 comes with very high-quality CPM-S30V steels. The steel is good enough to resist corrosion and to maintain a sharp edge. Besides, it is quite lenient to sharpen. However, Benchmade will provide you with a life-Sharp service like the 940. The step to give the life-sharp service indicates Benchmade’s additional care to its customers.
Overall, the materials of both Benchmade series Benchmade 940 Vs. 943 are of high quality that will impress you for sure.
| Name | Benchmade 940 | Benchmade 943 |
| Blade materials | CPM-S30V and CPM-S30V | CPM-S30V |
Blade Design
If you are a new user in the world of Benchmade, you have to be clear about the blade style of the Benchmade series. Usually, Benchmade designs its series with two main blade styles; reverse tanto and clip point. You may have a prior choice if you are an experienced user.
Benchmade 940 Blade Style
The blades of Benchmade 940 have a reverse tanto design. In this design, the upside of the blades gets curved down to the tip. As an effect, there is an angular point in the upside. You can use the blades with this design for various purposes. The cutting edge of these tanto designed blades is ideal for slicing and chopping. Besides, the pointy tip of the blades can pierce or stab something very smoothly.
Benchmade 943 Blade Style
You will find the Benchmade 943 blades with a clip point. The blades get narrow to the tip gradually. As a result, the end of the blades is more pointed than the Benchmade 940 and the cutting edge is a bit angled.
You can make a variety of use of this blade also. You may not be happy with the slicing and cutting ability of the 943 blades because these are more suitable for stabbing or piercing due to the narrower shape.
| Name | Benchmade 940 | Benchmade 943 |
| Blade Design | Reverse Tanto | Clip point |
Handles
Handles are an integral part of a knife. It ensures comfort when you are working. So, the handles should be made with high materials. Benchmade also uses some essential materials for its different knife lines..
Benchmade 940 Handles
The three versions of the Benchmade 940 series use three different materials for their handles. Such as titanium handles for 940 original, carbon fibreglass for 940-1, and G-10 handles for 940-2. The handles are ergonomically designed. So, you can feel the comfort. However, you will see a few colour options for the handles such as black and green.
Benchmade 943 Handles
On the contrary, the handle of the Benchmade 943 is made with aluminium like the 940. The ergonomic design and Comfortability of the 943 handles won’t disappoint you. Benchmade offers only black colour for the handle of 943.
So, you have no other options for this line in your hand.
| Name | Benchmade 940 | Benchmade 943 |
| Handle material | Aluminium, fiberglass, G-10 | Aluminium |
| Handle color | Black and green | Black |
Price
The price of a knife is one of the significant facts that can influence the buying procedure. It can vary depending on the materials. However, the prices of Benchmade knives may change at different times due to the current market position.
Benchmade 940 price
Since the Benchmade 940 has three versions, the price may vary on different versions. The average price of Benchmade 940 is over 200 USD. The price is little more than the Benchmade 943..
Benchmade 943 price
Benchmade 943’s price is close to the 940, but 943 is a little less expensive than the 940 in some cases. However, the average cost of 943 is near about 200 USD.
You have to be ready to pay a bit more if you intend to get the high-quality steel.
| Name | Benchmade 940 | Benchmade 943 |
| Price | Over 200$ (Avg) | Near 200$ (Avg) |
Benchmade 940 vs 943: Which is The Best and Why
The Benchmade 940 appears with CPM S30V and CPM S90V blade steels. Many consider the S90V steel as premium steel. On the other hand, the blade materials of the 943 are CPM S30V blade steels. However, Both steel will serve your purposes, but the CPM S90V will serve you a bit more than the S30V steel by maintaining its edge.
If you are a reverse tanto lover, you can go with the Benchmade 940. This reverse tanto helps the user to get the slicing and chopping tasks done quickly. In contrast, the traditional clip point of 943 is much famous for stabbing and piercing tasks.
In Benchmade 940, you will find some excellent handle materials that make the handle more durable and comfortable. The G-10 handles are preferable to many peoples. However, Benchmade 943 appears with anodized aluminum that serves a bit less than the materials used in the grips of the 940.
Finally, if you have no problem with your investments, you can go with Benchmade 940. These series are a little pricey than the 943. So, it depends entirely upon you that which knife will you choose.
Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
Haven’t you made your decision yet? So, we can help you to pick your EDC knife. In general, we recommend Benchmade 940 more than the Benchmade 943. You can see some variations in its lines. Again, the reverse tanto is quite versatile. However, you may choose the 943 if you have an interest in clip point blades. Moreover, The blades of the 940 are little more practical than the 943.
Picking up of the Benchmade 940 doesn’t ignore the 943. The design of the Benchmade 943 is also excellent. The size of the 943 is very compact. So, it will help you carry the knife easily. The price of the knife is also a little less than the 940.
Finally, we hope that your confusion of Benchmade 940 Vs. 943 is quite clear now. However, your investment will not be wasted if you buy any of these two knife lines. Both series can serve you with the best materials and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benchmade 940 Vs. 943
This FAQ section is going to answer some of the basic questions that are arising all over the online world regarding this matter of Benchmade. And our expert team on their best to solve that confusion in the light of real-life experience and researching by chef’s choices. so what are you waiting for! let’s jump right into it!
What Is The Main Difference Between Benchmark 940 and 943 Series?
The 940 has a “reverse tanto” point that is sufficient for cutting or slicing. On the other hand, The 943 has a clip point that is effective for stabbing or piercing needs. Besides, the 940 comes with three different types of handle materials, while 943 comes with one.
Does The Price of Benchmade Worth It?
the price of the Benchmade is comparatively high than any other knives, but the price worth it. They provide high-quality titanium steel. Besides, they are very ergonomic and perform very well. So the price of the Benchmade is relatively standard for the services they provide.
Why Is The Benchmade 940 So Prominent?
Benchmade 940 is relatively more popular than the other knife lines of Benchmade. People like the Axis lock and the aesthetic looks of the knife very much. Besides, it is ambidextrous, durable, sturdy, and very smooth to use. So every knife enthusiast likes the knife immensely.
Thanks for reading!
