Home / Knives / Benchmade Releases Automatic Version of the 940

Benchmade Releases Automatic Version of the 940

May 27, 2020

The legendary Benchmade 940 is getting a major new line extension in the form of an automatic variant. Dubbed the 9400 Auto Osborne, this model brings the well-loved design into a new genre of knife.

The key dimensions on the 9400 are all the same as they are on the 940. First and foremost that means the same super slender (but still highly capable) 3.4-inch reverse tanto blade shape. This utilitarian and stylish blade has been an EDC staple for lots of users for years. Benchmade is sticking to to the same steel they use on the standard 940: S30V stainless, a reliable and well-rounded choice.

A single action auto, the 9400 opens with the press of a button. This button is situated in about the same place as the Axis lock mechanism would be on a manual 940; the knurling on the button itself even replicates the tiered look of the 940’s Axis lock bar. As has been standard with other Benchmade autos, the 9400 benefits from a blade safety toggle situated on its spine: sliding this into place prevents accidental opening in the pocket or hand.

All is familiar on the handle too, for the most part. The pivot hardware is larger, presumably to accommodate the automatic spring mechanism. Sometimes an automatic construction can add weight to a knife, but in this case the 9400 actually weighs less than its manual predecessor, with a listed weight of 2.65 oz. compared to 2.9 oz. It has long been the practice of Benchmade fans to swap out the default clip included with their 940 for other options, and it looks like Benchmade has taken note: the 9400 comes with a Parkerized split arrow clip by default.

The Benchmade 940 has stood the test of time, remaining a key part of the company’s lineup for two decades. An automatic variation of the 940 makes perfect sense; the Mediator model shares a blade shape with the 940 and released earlier this year; maybe it was a shape of things to come.

The 9400 will be available later this year. It can be had with either a stonewash or a black coated blade.

Knife in Featured Image: Benchmade 9400

Related Items