Benchmade’s 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife – Review

in Gear Reviews, Knives
Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
The 945BK-1 Mini Osborne from Benchmade (Photo: Benchmade)

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!

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
Not a large knife but tough as nails.

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. 

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
The perfect pocket for the 945.

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. 

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
The knife came sharp right out of the box. As any knife owner knows, sometimes the manufacturer’s edge is less than ideal.

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.

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
Day to day, most tasks I need a blade for are pretty mundane. But it’s great to have a quality tool on hand when I need more knife.

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. 

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
Thumb studs on both sides of the blade, a great feature for south paws.

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. 

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
The handle is smartly designed and well made.

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.

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
The belt clip is extremely stiff. You don’t have to worry about the 945 falling out of your 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).

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
It’s a little small for my liking. Hence the name “mini” Osborne. In hindsight, maybe I should’ve opted for the 945’s big brother the uber-popular Osborne 940… Nah, I think I’ll keep it.

Overall, the 945 is a much-improved option over my previous EDC blade. It’s more compact, lightweight, and durable.

Benchmade's 945BK-1 Mini Osborne Knife - Review
With an MSRP of $205, the 945 is a solid deal. You get premium materials from a renowned manufacturer without having to sell a kidney.

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.

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About the author: Kevin Patrick Kevin Patrick is a federal LEO with over 15 years of service. He has worked in multiple locations, both here in the U.S. and abroad.

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  • BCS April 23, 2021, 7:36 am

    That little pocket is called a watch pocket.

    • Correction April 23, 2021, 8:54 am

      Fact Check: Mostly False.
      That’s where you put your paycheck, after taxes.

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