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View Full Version : Review: Benchmade 943BK Osborne w/pics



Irish
05-06-10, 18:06
I'll preface this mini-review with the fact that I am not a knife "expert" by any means. If I mess up any terminology or miss any important facts please feel free to let me know and I'll correct it.

I've carried a Benchmade AFCK for quite a few years now and have gotten lots of great use out of it from opening envelopes and boxes to cutting rope and other everyday kind of stuff. Now that I've hit my mid-30's I've come to the conclusion that it's a little bit big for me to be stuffing in my pocket every day considering what it's designed to do, I don't see myself getting in a knife fight anytime too soon, fingers crossed and knock on wood.

Prior to purchasing the 943 I was looking for more of a "gentleman's knife" for EDC that would not scare old ladies when using it and still fill the bill of an oh shit last resort type of knife if needed for my, hopefully will never happen, need to defend myself with a knife day. I did a bit of research and came to the conclusion that a realistic budget for a knife for me would be about $150'ish and I didn't see a need to buy a uber expensive custom made pocket Rolex knife with a clip that I might lose or break. Although I still really like the looks of Chris Reeve's knives and a few others.

After setting my budget and doing my research I found the 943 and liked the look, size and the fact that it had the Axis Lock which I really like. It was designed by http://www.osborneknives.com/ for Benchmade and is made of S30V. It comes in a blue box, a knife bag and super duper sharp! Not much else to say other than I thought I'd throw up some pictures along with my AFCK and a Jackson for some size reference.

From Benchmade's website at http://www.benchmade.com/products/943
Simply designed and built for extreme performance, the machined aircraft grade aluminum handles and S30V stainless steel make this knife a true workhorse.

AXIS® locking mechanism

Straight clip-point blade with ambidextrous dual thumb-stud opener

S30V premium stainless steel blade (58-60HRC)

Black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handles with 410 stainless steel liners, color anodized titanium back spacer and a reversible steel carry-clip

Blade Length: 3.40"

Blade Thickness: 0.115"

Handle Thickness: 0.410"

Blade Material: S30V Premium Steel

Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC

Blade Style: Clip-Point; Ambidextrous Thumb-Studs

Weight: 2.90oz.
Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up

Lock Mechanism: AXIS

Overall Length: 7.87"

Closed Length: 4.47"

Sheath Material: Sold Separately

Class: Blue

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4827/knife003.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4617/knife006.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/8891/knife012.jpg
Cool blue aesthetic ridge down the back... attention to detail.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8149/knife007.jpg

newyork
05-06-10, 18:09
Very nice!

Irish
05-06-10, 18:16
Also, thank you LockenLoad for your help and advice. I ordered the knife through www.knifeworks.com and can't say enough good things about how quick and professional they were in shipping out my order, I would highly recommend them. Remember to use their discount codes listed on their site. ;)

LockenLoad
05-06-10, 18:31
glad I could give back to a forum member instead of just taking, Thx Irish glad your happy, if you ever want any more knives I know a few more good spots , knifeworks is about the best, for production knives, as far as price and service. I am what many on this board would call a knife geek.:eek:

SeriousStudent
05-06-10, 20:14
Very nice!

I have always thought that was one of the best collaborations out there, between Osbourne and Benchmade.

CAP
05-07-10, 20:32
I have a pre=production 943 = #0617/1000 the wife gave me some years ago that goes pretty much everywhere with me.

Great knife. I love the Axis locking mechanism.