Opinel Pocket Knife

[Kevin]

I've had this one for many, many years. I might lose an expensive knife, but this one keeps showing up in the sock drawer or various desk drawers. I really love the black lock mechanism. It's simple and effective. The blade can be locked either open or closed. It isn't very heavy, and if I remember correctly, only cost $8 or $10 back in the day.

And I have no idea why, but I've never thought about going to their website until this very minute. Hmmm. I don't really know much about their other knives at all.

I imagine this handle is made from European Beech. It's very nicely finished and smooth.

the locking mechanism. Here the blade is locked closed.

 

[Kevin]

And Holy Cow! Just went to their website. Had no idea. They have a line of Carbon Steel knives, chef knives, etc. You can even order one and whittle your own handle.

Opinel Knives Web Site

 

[JStacy]

I like them also ! I usually buy 1/2 a dozen to give away as Christmas presents! Basically, a good knife and being thin bladed you can get them as sharp as a razor.

 

[ned]

thanks, just ordered a Tour de France model for a friend...

 

[noahmercy]

One of the best values in a pocketknife. Not flashy. No exotic materials. Just a solid, simple design, with a blade that takes and holds a fine edge. Outperforms quite a few blades that cost over ten times as much.

 

[Ride1949]

I had never heard of them before. They have some interesting knives. I can easily see a couple of these in my hunting/survival packs. Thanks for the heads up on this company.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Been around for a zillion years. I own several. They are basic knives, work fairly well and can be had in carbon or stainless. I have mostly carbon steel one, I just use cold blue on the blades, takes two mins, and it helps protect them. They get very sharp, are relatively strong and cheap enough that you can buy a few to keep in packs, bags, cars etc. (IMHO) The #6 & #8 are the most popular.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

I was told that while the Opinel blade lock has its own patent, it was originally developed by the Romans! Anyone know who actually developed this, one of the first "non-floppy" folding knives?

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

I had never heard of these until I saw this thread, then today I was at my son's house and saw this on his kitchen counter:

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I had never heard of these until I saw this thread, then today I was at my son's house and saw this on his kitchen counter:

View attachment 3903

Yup, many people use them in the kitchen!

 

[Kevin]

Yup, many people use them in the kitchen!

Well in fact, on their websi
Te they have a line of kitchen chef’s knives. Forged tangs and everything.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Well in fact, on their websi
Te they have a line of kitchen chef’s knives. Forged tangs and everything.

Also, these "folders" come in about 20 sizes from very small to very large!

 

[eveled]

My Dad was a chef and a knife guy. Not a collector but a user. He had and appreciated nice knives.

Usually my knives did not impress him. Until he saw my humble Opinel.

Turns out he had a co worker who kept one in his lunch box and my Dad always admired it. But never found out the name or how to get one.

So to me Opinels will always be lunchbox knives.

Except for the mighty number 13. It is a picnic knife. Hands down the best watermelon knife ever made.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

My Dad was a chef and a knife guy. Not a collector but a user. He had and appreciated nice knives.

Usually my knives did not impress him. Until he saw my humble Opinel.

Turns out he had a co worker who kept one in his lunch box and my Dad always admired it. But never found out the name or how to get one.

Yes, sometimes the most simple is the best. I have at least 5-6 of them stashed in various backpacks etc, the car where ever. You can buy them for $10-15 bucks. How can you go wrong? I usually have them in my packs with a Mora MG fixed blade ($15). I have never had either of these types of knives fail!

 

[whymhot]

Not bad for a traditional knife. Would be nice to hunt and skin rabbit with it.

 

[Tensaw]

Kevin, I received my Opinel (No. 8) knife yesterday. A neat little knife. Thanks for your post.

 

[arfmel]

 

[RSIno1]

Ya gotta love a company that offers knives for kids.
https://www.opinel-usa.com/pages/kids-folding-knives

 

[timjulius1122]

I like them also ! I usually buy 1/2 a dozen to give away as Christmas presents! Basically, a good knife and being thin bladed you can get them as sharp as a razor.

Yes you are right it was very sharp, it has cut my finger very deep and that was very painful.

 

[sharpblade7777]

 

[Watertender]

My well used and carried Opinel #8 Garden Knife. It's INOX stainless and the green on the handle is from it living in my pocket. A couple of strokes on my great grandpa's knife steel and it's as sharp as new.I always keep a few of them around incase I lose one. I must use it at least 10 times a day for anything you can do with a knife.

 

[RC44Mag]

Last time I saw one of those was probably in the late 60’s in one of my grandfathers tackle boxes. Brings back good memories.

 

[settup6]

Very good lunch box knife, I carry mine daily. Buddy of mine bought me and a coworker each one and we tried different fruits to stab and they give them a nice patina and mine has never started to rust.

 

[Watertender]

Here are 4 great Opinel knives. The top is a new #8 Garden Knife, next is my well worn #8 Garden Knife, 2nd from the bottom is a #9 & the bottom one is a #12.

All are in stainless steel and are sharp! I have given many Opinel knives as gifts and anyone who has one says they are the best knives they have for every day carry.

One friend of mine is in charge of a food pantry and he uses his to break down boxes several times a week. I use my Opinel Garden Knife at work almost every day and only sharpen it occasionally.

The only thing that has been changed since 1890 is the addition of the locking collar in the 1950s. Most have beechwood handles and the waste from making the handles is burned in the plant for heating.

The company is also still run by descendants of Joseph Opinel. I hope they are in business for many years to come.

 

[bedfordboy]

I had a hand made saw blade paring knife for years but apparently the better half accidentally tossed it in the trash
After I saw this thread last fall I ordered a new paring knife and liked it so much I ordered a #10 Knife and Corkscrew Set for the camper and the Essential Small Kitchen Knife Set for home and have not been disappointed with either. Definitely a quality product that will last a lifetime.

 

[sfhogman]

I have four of them (I think) scattered about the house and in the picnic basket.
My Greek wife loves the olivewood version I got her...

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I've never owned Opinel, but they have a great reputation and following. Probably a toss up as to whether Opinels or Moras are the most knife you can get for the money. I have a $10 Mora that may be the sharpest knife I own.

 

[JohnL]

Loved mine. Prefer the carbon steel to stainless. Easier to sharpen and these knives can be made very sharp.

 

[Watertender]

I've never owned Opinel, but they have a great reputation and following. Probably a toss up as to whether Opinels or Moras are the most knife you can get for the money. I have a $10 Mora that may be the sharpest knife I own.

I have both and they are plenty of value for the money. My wife has found out how good an Opinel knife is and has appropriated a brand new #8 Garden Knife from my stash. I will sharpen it for her as needed. She uses a Mora to cut up the boxes from her online shopping deliveries and I keep it sharp for her

 

[bykerhd]

I have an Opinel I use as a household utility knife.
I can't seem to get a decent edge on the thing though. Frustrating.