[Cosmoline]

The good news is, after extensive searching, I have finally found the antidote to the infinite array of mil-spec "combat" knives, overpriced hunting knives, and impractical fantasy knives.

The only bad news is, it's made in France! The knives are by Opinel, and they are the only knives I have seen that remind me of the old-time lockblade my grandfather carried with him. I have been using them for a while now, and have found their carbon steel knives to have the best blades of any knife this side of a premium $300 hunting knife. They will take a RAZOR sharp edge. They cut through trough pig skin like it was butter. I can't wait to take them hunting. They do need to be oiled, of course.

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-CustomListProducts?Opinel%20Products,2,16,=,op

The best part is the price. $20 and under.

[pytron]

How do these things fold & lock? Maybe it's just me, but I don't know what the "locking-ring" is referring to. I like the price. Heck, I like all sorts of "cheap" stuff!

-Pytron

[CWL]

Don't like them, aside from decent steel, the overall fit & finish of Opinels are loose -made by drunk & disgruntled Frenchmen and not improved upon since the Napoleonic Wars.

I relegate them to picnic baskets and light camping use. Not for hard use or defensive purposes.

The locking-ring is that silver stamped metal ring where the guard should be. It is slotted on the bottom so that the blade can fold/unfold. When unfolded, you slide the ring upwards, along the blade so that it catches and wedges the blade in an open position. It is not really locked into place. Not the best or safest design, which is why no on eelse uses this besides the French.

[Kjay]

Opinals are great utility knives. You might also want to look at blades made by the Norwegians, Swedes, and Finns (check out Ragweed Forge). They also make great using knives for hunting or utility work. In a pinch they'll do for "social" work. ;)

[Soap]

They are indeed great beater knives.

[El Tejon]

Used to sell them as popcorn knives many moons ago. The boss called them "hilljack knives.":D

I always thought that hilljacks would have more practical experience with them so if you wanted an expert's opinion . . .

[Cosmoline]

"Ragweed Forge"

Thanks for that tip! I really like the look of their Finn blades.

Maybe it's just me, but I dislike handguards or anything remotely complex on a utility knive. I like to keep them very simple, with high carbon steel blades and an absolutely razor sharp edge.

For defensive blades, I've got a Turkish Mauser bayonet that the Turks cut down into a lethal stabbing dagger. Throws nicely, too.

[makdaddy03]

You would have to have "No Sense" to buy them. I wouldnt have one.:)

[Don Gwinn]

I love the Opinels. Cold Steel used to make a copy called a "Twist Lock" for people who just had to have plastic--maybe they still do. The lock is super strong and positive, and the knives are feather-light.

The only downside is the slow opening--but if you master the art of rapping it on a hard surface and then using the surface to open it against, it's a one-handed opener. Not as fast or secure to open one-handed as a "tactical" folder, but pretty good.

I've never had a problem with Opinel fit and finish.

[hso]

Opinel makes excellent inexpensive knives. They are safe to use and have a long tradition. I've had several, and ya'll know what type of knife snob I am, and they keep being permanently loaned to friends. They do take 2 hands to open and lock and 2 hands to unlock and close, but they are not designed as one hand openers.

[Pawcatch]

Okapi is another great folder.They're known as a working man's knife and they take a great edge.The only downside is that they don't come with an edge,but they're easy to sharpen.

[Dave Markowitz]

I have an Opinel that I keep in my toolbox for utility use around the house. Opinels are easy to put a very keen edge on, but their design isn't all that strong, IMO. For light duty use, they work just fine, though.