Benchmade is undeniably one of the most respected knife brands in existence, with an illustrious line-up comprised of numerous iconic blades. And for more than 20 years, the brand’s Osborne 940 model has become a staple in the EDC space, though Benchmade has now revealed that the Warren Osborne-designed offering will soon be available in a push-button automatic version known as the 9400 Auto Osborne Knife.
Replacing the original 940’s Axis locking mechanism is an automatic button lock, also located just above the pivot (which is now just slightly larger). Available in black or with a stonewashed finish, made from CPM-S30V steel, and offering a 58-60 HRC rating, the 9400 Auto retains the non-auto-spec’s ultra-slim 3.4” reverse tanto blade, in all its 0.115”-thick glory. Aside from the deployment button, the anodized 6061 aluminum handle ((and Parkerized split arrow clip) on the knife also goes unchanged, and despite the addition of the auto function, the 9400 actually tips the scales at 2.65oz — 0.25oz less than the regular 940. Slated for a release later in the year, the Benchmade 9400 Auto Osborne Knife will start at $270.
