This knife is Benchmade. It’s a foundation stone in their lineup, and it’s shaped the direction of countless models that came after. You don’t get a Bugout or Bailout without the Osborne paving the way first. And here I am in 2025, still talking about a design that refuses to fade away. That's saying something.

 

 

Handle & Ergonomics — Slim Comfort, Modern Refinement

 

I’ve handled a lot of knives over the years. Some feel great in photos but awkward in hand. The 940 has never had that problem — and this latest version with the burnt copper aluminum handles is no exception. Benchmade knows not to mess with a good thing.

 

 

It’s still slim — almost deceptively so — but it fills the hand better than you'd think for such a svelte design. The hard-anodized aluminum is smooth and refined, without any aggressive texture or bite. This is a knife that disappears in the pocket but stays secure when you need it. The move to an open-back construction is a smart update for modern users — easier to clean, lighter in the pocket, and gives the knife a more open, airy feel compared to the older titanium backspacer models.

 

The burnt copper finish gives it a bold, striking look without being over-the-top. It’s not flashy or color-shifting — just a deep, rich copper tone that looks fantastic in person and adds a little character without sacrificing the clean lines the 940 is known for.

 

 

 

Axis Lock — Benchmade’s Signature Move

 

It wouldn’t be a 940 without the Axis Lock — a mechanism that’s practically inseparable from Benchmade’s identity. When the 940 launched, the Axis Lock was still a relatively new innovation, but it’s what helped set this knife apart from everything else on the market. It’s ambidextrous, fast, and has that satisfying snap when the blade locks into place. This latest version is no different — smooth on the open, confident on the close, and rock solid in use. There’s a reason so many companies have tried to recreate or license a version of this lock — it works. And after years of use across countless Benchmade models, it still feels right at home on the 940. It’s a lock that encourages fidgeting but backs it up with real-world reliability.

 

 

Blade & Performance — The Classic Reverse Tanto, Reborn

 

There’s a reason the reverse tanto blade on the 940 has become so iconic — it just works. It offers a robust tip for piercing tasks without sacrificing slicing performance along the edge. The blade shape has always walked that line between utility and style, and that holds true here.

 

 

Benchmade’s move to CPM MagnaCut steel is exactly what I wanted to see. It’s a steel that balances edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness in a way that fits this knife’s intended use perfectly. In daily tasks — opening boxes, breaking down packaging, food prep, or the occasional outdoor chore — the 940 with MagnaCut feels like it was built for real-world cutting. It sharpens easily enough and holds a fine working edge for a long time.

 

For me, this is the 940 stepping confidently into the modern materials race without losing what made it special.

 

 

 

Closing Thoughts

 

The Benchmade 940 Osborne isn’t just another knife — it’s a piece of knife history that still earns its spot in pockets today. Benchmade didn’t reinvent the wheel here — they didn’t need to. They refined a classic, updated it for today’s users, and proved once again why the 940 is a design that stands the test of time.