Opinel?

[JayFramer]

Guys I just ordered an Opinel No. 8 carbon steel folder like this one:

$15 on Amazon Prime. I hear this is a historic and well regarded knife that is very common in Europe.

Anyone have any experience or thoughts on the Opinels? Thanks!

 

[S&W Rover]

A great old-school camp knife. Not special stainless steel, but old fashioned carbon steel that will take an edge. Not special composite G10/nylon/micarta handles, just wood. A very basic locking mechanism to keep it open.

Just a traditional European peasant's knife for preparing food and basic camp chores. (Incidentally, these have sold in the past for much higher prices). We had some Dutch friends with access to whatever high-tech culinary tools they might want, and preferred the Opinel for use while camping.

 

[Mule Packer]

One of my sons gave me one about 20 years ago that he brought back from France. He said that most of the old Basque sheepherders in the rural areas of southwestern France always carried Opinels.

It's definitely not what one would call a fancy knife, but as S&W Rover said, the high carbon steel blade takes one heck of an edge.

 

[eveled]

First I heard of it was from my dad. He worked with a guy who kept one in his lunch box.

It impressed my dad as a nice knife. Years later he was shocked when he found out how cheap they are.

I have a complete set, but have never used them.

They have a comically large version that I use to cut watermelon on picnics. A lot safer to have a folding knife than a chefs knife.

I have two of their folding saws, and consider them to be the best saws I've ever used. I like that they lock open and closed.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Nothing fancy...but a great utility knife...

 

[bulletslap]

I have carried a No 8 for about 10 years, very handy little knife.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

They are an excellent knife for the money.

I have owned several of them over the years. As a professional Mariner I can speak of their utility with a bit of authority. They also will float.

 

[Alk8944]

Cabelas carries the #8, same price as OP.

 

[shouldazagged]

They also offer a line of strainless steel kknives, but the carbon line is much better in my opinion. The steel is 1090, not 1095; but like the 1095, it takes and holds a good edge and is easy to sharpen.

They are one hell of a bargain

 

[Kurusu]

Good, no frills knives. I have a few of them.

 

[Redcoat3340]

I've had one or another since 1985 or so and they are everything folks say they are....simple, quality, take a good edge, and lightweight. Sure I've got a Damascus blade "gentleman's knife," and a clip, assisted opening Kershaw...but utility and nostalgia keeps me hanging on to my No. 6.

 

[Fuch]

My OPINELS

Opinel is a traditional French mountain knife made in Savoie with its crowned hand logo, it is a real institution in France, they also manufacture the mod "ditched" to slice the sausages ("ahh these french !!), some craftsmen also buy bare blades with the "virolle" blocking and customize themselves the handles, as the smallest on the photo (laminated)

this mines

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[cbhsgh]

I recently purchased a Grand Way folding knife with a spring assisted opening. It costs $15.00 on Amazon, and I was surprised at the quality of the product. The spring assist really works well. You just have to hit a little lever and the blade comes flying open and locks in the open position. This is a great concealed carry weapon (depending on where you live). It is light, yet sturdy.


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[Arik]

Great general purpose pocket knives. My friend has been using one for years. It's his everything knife. It's taken a beating and stays sharp

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[chief38]

Guys I just ordered an Opinel No. 8 carbon steel folder like this one:

$15 on Amazon Prime. I hear this is a historic and well regarded knife that is very common in Europe.

Anyone have any experience or thoughts on the Opinels? Thanks!

Well if your goal was to buy a terrific cutter you have succeeded! The Carbon Steel blade will take and hold an edge well. Personally I own very few Stainless knife blades and much prefer the Carbon Steel.

Still it is a $15 knife and has some limitations because of the style of locking mechanism it has. So as long as it is not used for prying your Opinel should give you years of service!

 

[Marshwheeling]

There are about a dozen Opinels on my knife shelf. I have been using them for about 45 years, mostly in my motorcycle touring kits. They are a simple, elegant design, friction folders with a classically simple locking ring to keep them open, and on the more recent models, closed as well.

I had always considered them to be toolbox or glovebox knives, because the flared pommel made them a bit awkward in the pocket. The no. 7 and No. 8 were the sizes I used most. Once I found out how easy thy are to modify, I started carrying one regularly. Mostly I carry the 6, but the 8 with flattened sides and a trimmed pommel also rides nicely in the pocket. The also have a garden knife with a slimmer handle. If you look online, You can find a wide variety of modified Opinels, many of which are works of art.

If used as intended, as a cutting tool, Opinels are hard to beat, especially as slicers. When you consider the price, in the range of $10-20 for the basic beechwood-handled models, they can't be beat.

 

[Inusuit]

Don't recall when I bought my first #8, but the second was in Whitehorse in 2006 after I left a cheap off-brand folder in the hotel room in Dawson City and I wanted a carry knife to serve until I made it home.. Opinels are great inexpensive knives right along with Mora fixed blades.

 

[Erich]

I like my carbone Opinels (the only kind I own) and use them in cooking. Bought one for Dad to keep in the kitchen drawer of his pop-up.

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[crazyphil]

There are a buzillion of them on ebay. All models & sizes. Low prices.

 

[Walkingwolf]

Guys I just ordered an Opinel No. 8 carbon steel folder like this one:

$15 on Amazon Prime. I hear this is a historic and well regarded knife that is very common in Europe.

Anyone have any experience or thoughts on the Opinels? Thanks!

I have three two number 10's, one number 8. They are great all around knives, especially for light duty. The are NOT a self defense knife, too slow, and the blade is too thin. They are a good camping knife when combined with a stout heavy fixed blade knife. French use them as kitchen knives, which suits them well.