Since its release in 2017, Benchmade’s Bugout has enjoyed almost never-ending praise — for good reason. It’s a strong, lightweight folder with premium materials and, as we’ve stated ourselves, “a tremendous amount of utility along with practicality and portability.”

But the Bugout isn’t for everyone — and Benchmade’s extensive catalog houses some other impressive designs that don’t get as much public love. One in particular has captured my attention and devotion, causing me to bench my Bugout and carry another folder every day: the 940 Osborne.

Released way back in 2000, the original 940 Osborne has stuck around with quiet competence. It features anodized green aluminum handles and a purple ridged backspacer, CPM-S30V blade steel (in satin or black finish), and a plain edge or partially serrated blade.

Late last year, Benchmade added the 940 Osborne — as well as the 945 Mini Osborne — to its Customizer Tool, which opened up a wide array of blade steels and finishes, hardware options, handle choices and more. The addition re-ignited interest in the Osborne series, and convinced me I needed to try one for myself.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Photo by Scott Seiver

The Benchmade 940 Osborne: What We Think

The 940 Osborne is an ideal knife in many ways. The handle is comfortable, and although it lacks finger grips or any meaningful indication of where to put your fingers, it easily accommodates a four-finger grip and can be used left or right-handed with ease. The 940 Osborne isn’t the lightest or the heaviest knife on the market; it sits somewhere comfortably in the middle.

The blade is longer than other knives but still proves itself to be as nimble for slicing and small jobs as any other knife I’ve used. It’s hard to find something not to love. Granted, like many of Benchmade’s knives, the price is prohibitive, but as many a Reddit thread has pointed out, this is a knife that will last through the years — and although the initial investment stings, it’s worth it.

Benchmade

Benchmade 940 Osborne

Pros

• Legendary design from a legendary designer
• High-end materials and construction

Cons

• Very expensive for casual usage

• 
  $350 at Benchmade

Testing Notes: The Benchmade 940 Osborne

Customizing the 940 Osborne can get pricey, fast

I decided my first Osborne would be a custom one; I wanted the full experience of designing it from the ground up. For my build spec, I chose to outfit my 940 Osborne in all black hardware, with a black S90V blade, black liners, an orange thumb stud and spacers and carbon fiber scales. This brought the price up from the $250 starting point to $390 — a hefty investment for anyone, even if this is the knife you’ll be using every day.

It’s worth noting, I did add some of the more premium options to my design. When designing your own, you can get away with forgoing the super steel and carbon fiber for something a little more down to earth, if you’re trying to keep the price point within a certain range. But any way you slice it, you’ll be spending $250-plus.

Photo by Scott Seiver

The feel of the 940 Osborne is like no other knife

From the moment I took my 940 Osborne out of the box, I knew I was experiencing something different than I ever had in a pocket knife. They say the best tool for the job is the one you want to use, even if it’s not the fanciest or most premium. In this case, the 940 Osborne is high-end and my favorite knife to bring along for the day.

The plain reverse tanto blade is excellent at chopping — the key difference between a reverse tanto and standard is the reverse tanto has a more robust tip, which can handle more difficult tasks. The shape allows it to retain stock thickness almost all the way to the tip, lending strength. Yes, the blade is slightly heavier than more traditional options, but my 940 Osborne still only weighs in at 2.44 ounces — less than a deck of cards.

Pair the plain reverse tanto blade with the carbon fiber handle like I did — with the stock anodized aluminum handle, it weigh 2.9 ounces — and you’ve got yourself a pocket knife that’s simultaneously light and strong, with a pleasant handfeel and excellent balance. The Axis lock was smooth from the get-go, and one-handed opening and closing is breezy. The combination of premium materials and functional design make for a knife you know is high-end, but feels approachable — just the kind I want to carry on the daily.

The 940 Osborne is steeped in heritage, but continues to feel modern

Designed by storied knife maker (and Texan by way of Australia) Warren Osborne and released 24 years ago, the 940 Osborne has stood the test of time thanks to its elegant-yet-modern aesthetics — and of course, its functionality.

Although he was known for his high-end custom knives, Osborne did some of his most well-regarded work in his frequent collaborations with Benchmade, and the 940 Osborne includes some of his signature details, including the plain reverse tanto blade. The 940 Osborne may be over two decades old, but it continues to please and fascinate those who discover it. An exercise in restraint and quality, it features no unnecessary design detail.

Photo by Scott Seiver

The 940 Osborne is a knife enthusiast’s knife

When it comes to the 940 Osborne, IYKYK. Yes, the Bugout continues to hog the spotlight, but any serious knife enthusiast will have an appreciation for the Osborne. The Bugout is made for everyday tasks, and does well at them. Weighing a tiny 1.85 ounces, it’s undeniably lighter than the Osborne — but if you’re interested in the Osborne, that spec won’t be the deciding factor.

What will clinch your conclusion between the Bugout and the Osborne, if you’re forced to choose, will be the robustness and overall usefulness — and the Osborne wins in both categories. If you need proof that the Osborne is stouter, sturdier and better qualified to take on difficult tasks, just remember: There are decades-old Osbornes out there still going strong.

The 940 Osborne, at a Glance

Blade Length: 3.4 inches

Blade Material: CPM-S90V Super Premium Stainless Steel (59-61HRC)

Overall Length: 7.87 inches

Handle Material: Carbon fiber

Related Topics