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Opinel.

Hey guys, a good friend of mine from another forum sent me an Opinel to try out. He knows I'm a big GEC fan, but he wanted me to experience an Opinel. They are a different bread of knife, but they have earned their spot in the knife world.

Tags: opinel

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on May 20, 2012 at 20:02

So far I have enjoyed mine. I envision and old french farmer pulling a beat up Opinel out of his pocket to peal an apple, or to complete some simple cutting chore.

If you have one, please share it.

Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on May 20, 2012 at 20:21

Here's mine. I modified it into a carving knife.

Permalink Reply by Billy Oneale on May 20, 2012 at 21:15

Johnny, The company I use to insulate the motels we build use these for cutting the insulation. They also carry sharpening stones with them to keep them razor sharp. It only takes a few strokes for the knife to be sharpened. They are sold on those knives.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 21, 2012 at 17:03

Seems to be to be quiet a nitch they have. People that use them seem to love them but not too many people use them. I don't know if it is the old fashioned look they have or what. Donnie is in the group that loves 'em and I really enjoy the look (I have to admit )I have never used one :(

Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on May 21, 2012 at 18:10

Got to be careful using them, Jan. With the handle the way it is, if it gets wet, it'll swell, and the carbon blade turns very easily.

It's a super knife to be able to drop in your pocket though. Very light and sharpens up great.

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on May 21, 2012 at 18:55

JJ, that is for sure.

The blade will take a wicked edge with a just a little care involved. It's a great, affordable working knife. I think it would last for me, but I'm not sure how long I'll use it over another knife. I love that they have so many to choose from, so picking the perfect model wouldn't be so hard.

Billy, the steel seems to cut and cut and when it's time to renew that edge, it takes but a few seconds of care.

Jan, does Donnie have one now?

I'd love to see it if he does.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 22, 2012 at 20:04

Johnny,

We don't own one now, or if we do it's in the work trailer somewhere! I am thinking of getting one for the gardening work though. They do make a great pruner type that is not as expensive as a traditional pruner.

JJ,

Thanks for the heads up, I will consider that when I am looking at them

Permalink Reply by Michael Squier on April 2, 2015 at 21:16

Here are mine, a no. 8 from the mid 1980's and a no. 6 from this year. Some things just dont change.

Permalink Reply by John Bamford on April 3, 2015 at 1:06

JJ mentioned the fact that the handle swells when wet and this is true , also it shrinks when dry and the blade swings out very easily , too easily on mine as it doesn't lock shut . I am trying to ease the problem by having soaked the knife for a month , yes four weeks I am obsessive I admit , in Danish Oil to try to fill the wood up a bit like stabilising I guess . So far so good only a couple of weeks later but the knife seems less volatile in it's reaction to dampness , and I do live in a damp climate .

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on April 3, 2015 at 1:23