At first glance, Benchmade’s 945BK-1 Mini Osborne made me a little skeptical as to whether it would be able to stand up to the rigorous work I regularly put my knives through. After weeks of use, however, I have found that it is a fantastic everyday carry knife!
Specifications:
- Blade Length: 2.92 inches
- Blade Thickness: 0.104 inches
- Length Open: 6.76 inches
- Length Closed: 3.84 inches
- Weight: 2.19 oz
- Handle Thickness: 0.41 inches
- MSRP: $205
The overall measurement comes in at just under 7-inches with a blade just shy of the 3-inch limit, making it legal in most places. The knife fits perfectly in almost any pocket but is ideal for that small pocket in your jeans that normally goes unused, especially when trying to discreetly carry.
The blade has a nice cutting length in what Benchmade calls their “reverse tanto” design. The S30V steel blade is more than adequate for repeated daily use, holds an edge very well, and was sharp right out of the box.
During weeks of repetitive use, the blade has been resistant to corrosion and held up well through a multitude of different tasks, including opening mail, breaking down boxes, cutting hockey tape, and even cutting up lunch at my desk.
The action opens and closes effortlessly and there has been no play in the blade. It is also easy to deploy the blade with either hand using the manual ambidextrous thumb stud.
The handle is made from G10, glass fiber and epoxy which are compressed under extremely high pressure and heat cured to provide an extremely tough and durable material. The handle was comfortable, slip-resistant, and made the knife easy to control.
The belt clip is extremely stiff, which in my case is a welcomed feature. After losing knives over the years due to the clip becoming loose, the 945 has made it through some interesting situations, as well as going through the laundry multiple times, and has remained seated in the pocket.
The only downside I’ve found is that the knife is a little small for my liking. Occasionally I need to adjust my grip, so I don’t cut my fingers on the blade. The handle feels small in my large hands. In hindsight, maybe I should have opted for the original Osborne 940, which sports an overall length of 7.87 inches (compared to the mini’s 6.76’s inches).
Overall, the 945 is a much-improved option over my previous EDC blade. It’s more compact, lightweight, and durable.
This knife is a winner and well worth the $205 price tag (MSRP). It can be used day in and day out in a number of different scenarios without the need to constantly sharpen.
If you’re in the market for a new EDC knife, give Benchmade’s Osborne lineup a look.