Benchmade 940 Osborne Review (2026)

Name: Benchmade 940 Osborne
Brand: Benchmade
Price: 200.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 9.4 (1 reviews)

The Benchmade 940 Osborne, designed by custom knifemaker Warren Osborne, has been in continuous production since 2002 and is widely regarded as one of the defining designs of the modern EDC folder category. Its reverse tanto blade shape, deep finger choil, and AXIS lock combine to create a knife that handles confidently in the hand while keeping weight under 3 ounces. At $200 it costs more than every other knife in this roundup, but the fit, finish, and design pedigree are a significant part of what that price buys.

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$200 retail

9.4

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

Reverse tanto blade shape offers a fine, controlled point with above-average edge length for its size
AXIS lock carries over the same proven mechanism found across Benchmade's lineup
G10 handle with a deep finger choil provides secure, fatigue-resistant grip for extended use
Recognized as one of the most influential EDC designs of the last two decades
LifeSharp program covers sharpening and servicing for the life of the knife

Limitations

$200 price point puts it well above most knives in this roundup
3.4-inch blade exceeds common legal carry limits in some jurisdictions
Reverse tanto's straight cutting edge handles slicing tasks slightly less efficiently than a drop point's curved belly

Specifications

Weight2.98 oz / 84g

Blade Length3.4″

Closed Length4.475″

Overall Length7.875″

Blade SteelCPM-S30V

Lock TypeAXIS Lock

Blade ShapeReverse tanto, flat grind

Handle MaterialG10 (carbon fiber on premium 940-1 variant)

OriginMade in USA (Oregon)

WarrantyBenchmade LifeSharp lifetime service program

Score Breakdown

Blade Performance

9.3

Build Quality

9.6

Ergonomics & Carry

9.2

Lock Security

9.6

Value for Money

9.1

What Sets It Apart

The reverse tanto blade shape inverts the traditional tanto's design: instead of an angular tip created by an upward-sweeping edge meeting a straight spine, the 940's reverse tanto uses a straight cutting edge that meets a gently sloped, reinforced spine near the tip. This gives the blade a long, usable straight edge for push cuts while keeping the tip strong and controlled — a deliberate departure from the curved-belly drop points found on most of the other knives in this roundup.

The handle's deep finger choil — a curved cutout just forward of the handle scales — lets the index finger sit closer to the blade for more controlled detail work, a detail that has been widely copied across the custom and production knife industry since the 940's introduction. Combined with the AXIS lock's ambidextrous operation, the 940 was built around the idea that ergonomics and lock security shouldn't be separate considerations.

Warren Osborne's reverse-tanto design and a sub-3oz weight that have defined premium EDC folders for over two decades

Who This Is For

The 940 Osborne is right for: EDC enthusiasts and collectors who want a design with genuine industry influence, users who prioritize a refined, choil-equipped grip for detail-oriented cutting tasks, and buyers who have already owned a budget or mid-tier folder and are ready to invest in a knife regarded as a benchmark design.

A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of June 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

How It Compares

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All 20 pocket knives in this category ranked side by side.

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Common Questions

What makes the Benchmade 940 Osborne significant in knife design?

Designed by custom knifemaker Warren Osborne and introduced in 2002, the 940 popularized the reverse tanto blade shape and deep finger choil combination in production folders, both of which have since been widely adopted across the industry. It remains one of Benchmade's longest continuously produced designs.

Is the 940 Osborne worth $200 compared to cheaper AXIS lock knives?

The 940 uses the same AXIS lock and CPM-S30V steel found on cheaper Benchmade models like the Bugout and Griptilian. The price premium reflects the design pedigree, finish quality, and the reverse tanto geometry rather than a fundamentally different lock or steel.

What is the difference between the 940 and the 940-1?

The standard 940 uses G10 handle scales, while the 940-1 upgrades to carbon fiber scales, reducing weight slightly and adding a different aesthetic at a higher price point. Blade steel and the AXIS lock are the same across both versions.

Is the reverse tanto blade good for everyday tasks?

Yes, for most EDC tasks. The straight cutting edge handles push cuts and detail work very well, though it lacks the curved belly that makes slicing motions on a drop point blade slightly more efficient for tasks like food prep.