What does Benchmade think about the 940? 6 Questions w/ Vance Collver
Patrik Orcutt 11.09.23
This week Benchmade was nice enough to let me ask their Director of Product Line Management, Vance Collver , a few questions about their iconic 940 series. Vance started out as product finisher for Benchmade almost 30 years ago so he definitely has some longevity with the company and was definitely the right man for my questions. All of these questions were thought up by yours truly, but if anyone has a boring question they want to ask, write them in the comments and maybe we can get Vance to sit down with us for a second time.
Benchmade Coverage on AllOutdoor
- AllOutdoor Review: Mini Barrage Blue Canyon Richlite – “Sustainably Cool”
- AllOutdoor Review – Benchmade Proper “Old School Cool”
- AllOutdoor Historical Review – A Brief History of Benchmade Knives
- AllOutdoor Review: Benchmade 940 Osborne – “A True Classic”
Question #1 – The Osborne 940 was based on a ranch knife of Warrens’s design, how difficult was it to translate his design into something that Benchmade could produce and sell?
“It wasn’t too difficult as back then, we worked closely together with our designers. They understood our capabilities and limitations and would collaborate with our team to adapt designs to meet their original intent but in materials, finishes and with the AXIS® lock that were specific to our capabilities. By the time we started working with Warren, he was producing more highly decorative “art” knives. Warren brought us a design concept based on one of his old knives and provided sketches and hand-written notes explaining the details. We’d then bring him out to the factory to sit with our engineers as we designed the final product.” -Vance Collver
“In case you’ve never seen any of Warren’s actual custom knives, here are a few pics to show off his skill.”
Question #2 – With the 940 Osborne being as popular as ever almost 20 years after its introduction, why do you think it has stuck around as long as it has?
“It’s the perfect size for an EDC. It carries well in the pocket. It’s light but durable. It’s comfortable in the hand when in use. The reverse tanto is tough enough for just about any task, but still slices well. The overall aesthetic is unique both in profile and in the colorway. It also features a nice detail in the anodized titanium spacers.”
Question #3 – What is your favorite variation of the Osborne?
“I’m a fan of the original 940: satin blade, green aluminum handles, purple spacer. While the other variations (G10, Carbon Fiber, etc.) are great, I love the overall look to the classic 940 and I like the feel of the aluminum in that thin profile.”
Question #4 – What knife defines Benchmade knives as a brand, better, the 940 or the Bugout? (With these being your two most popular knives.)
“Neither. Both. Our brand is broader than a specific niche. Early on Benchmade recognized that the custom knife community was producing amazing products that no one knew about or could ever get their hands on. Our vision was to provide custom quality production variants of these Custom Maker’s one-offs so that people could enjoy these cool designs even if they could never get a true custom. The 940 is true to that original vision.”
“However, we also want to produce products that solve problems for our consumers; that are designed with intentionality and have strong stories. The Bugout checks all those boxes.”
“Both knives represent Benchmade’s application of design, engineering, materials, and variety to meet the specific needs of our customers.”
Question #5 – What inspired you guys to come out with the mini and auto variations of the Osborne?
“Minis are always popular variants. While the 940 is a fairly compact size the 945 family is preferred by people that want more of a minimalist package. You can almost think of the 945 family as competing with traditional pocketknives (small, slip-joints without pocket clips that people tend to associate with grandpa). Most EDC tasks do not require much of a blade (think opening boxes) and the 945 excels at all those tasks. It also carries well in lighter clothing, like office-wear (it’s a great suit knife).”
“Autos are just fun. While autos are traditionally thought of as “tactical” knives, they make great EDCs due to their convenience. Now that many states allow Autos, we wanted to make variants that were less tactical and more EDC and the 940 is the perfect platform for that.”
Question #6 – If you work at Benchmade and don’t carry a Benchmade knife, is that grounds for termination?
“LOL! We’ve had many people come to work at Benchmade that weren’t knife people and some that were even uncomfortable around knives. But eventually, the all become knife-enthusiasts and EVERYONE eventually finds a knife they can’t live without.”
Interested? Grab your own 940 via this link: 940 Osbourne | Green Aluminum
