Opinel's, What's not to love!?

This thread prompted me to search Amazon again, and, unlike a couple months ago, they have several Opinels prime eligible in the $12 to $15 range. I'm not convinced I'm going to like an Opinel better than a $20 Byrd that has a pocket clip, a one hand opening hole, and a lock that automatically engages; but for $12 we shall soon see.

I agree completely.

My Opinel 12 is fun to carry and I love it, but practicality falls a little behind when compared to reaching down with one hand and flipping open my Tenacious.

If I were retired and had more time to play at working instead of actually working I think it'd be different. Can't wait to test my theory.

[I agree completely.

My Opinel 12 is fun to carry and I love it, but practicality falls a little behind when compared to reaching down with one hand and flipping open my Tenacious.

If I were retired and had more time to play at working instead of actually working I think it'd be different. Can't wait to test my theory.]

In one part your theory is correct. Having been retired since 2001, I can vouch that an Opinel makes a very nice edc pocket knife. But having been a fan of Opinel's since 1982, I can say they make a good edc working knife. I was a machinist and a knife was needed everyday. Getting a piece of round stock for a lathe job sometimes needed a knife to cut the greasy filthy plastic tape that held the bundles of stock together. The Opinel and slip joints gave you a little moment to slow down, think about what you're doing, and enjoy the knife.

Kind of like finding a little moment of zen in the middle of a chaotic day.

To me, the Opinel makes a fine working knife to save the edge on my Endura for "serious" use.
When I was young and stupid, I did suffer a nasty cut finger from my Opinel, which had been used for slicing a watermelon at a picnic. Now, I know better, but back then, it wasn't well known that the wood handles swelled when wet. Still have a scar on the top of my left forefinger.
Now, I keep my Opinel handle pretty soaked with Ballistol.

i have one of those plastic handled ones.

Unfortunately those are single edged - sailing knives - for cutting rope they re great i guess. But as a pocket knife - no good.

With a straight carbon blade - anytime!

The Garden Knife seems more to my liking, but I can only seem to find it in a #8 - I wouldn't want anything larger than a #6. Do they come in other sizes?
I also see there's a Garden Knife 3 set, which includes the #8 garden knife, one with a hook blade, and that nice foldable saw, but it's not available on Amazon.

tiamat said:

Do they come in other sizes?

Click to expand...

Nope. Only one size for the Garden Knife.



http://www.opinel.com/uk/nature/jardinage


http://www.opinel-usa.com/collections/opinel-garden-knives#.UxC0KvldXeE

I've got a stainless #8 that I use a lot. Don't carry it very often but it sees a lot of use in the kitchen and such. For the price they're hard to beat.

Nope. Only one size for the Garden Knife.

Click to expand...

well shoot....

Great knives

I really like Opinels. I have a 12,8,and 6. Great slicers.

Good steak knives too. I've owned a set of twelve for several years and they still cut like new.

Chris Reeve Helix Locks, Opinels style 26 and 27 of 27

Little off subject, two very rare customs, I used to have. I like sharing them.

Wow. Those are super nice

Y'all are enablers. A week ago I didn't know these existed and had no need for need for them. I've just ordered a carbon no 8 to use and a stainless no.8 Luxe with Burbinga handle to admire.

I love Opinels - I carry a No. 8 with me just about everywhere. The same is true for the Mora HD Companion when I am out in the boonies. Neither knife is expensive but they both hold a razor sharp edge.

What's interesting about the Opinel, that it was a strait friction folder until 1955, when they added the locking ring. Before 1955, you had to be a bit careful when using. But apparently friction folders in Europe were much more common place than they ever were here.

The fives and smaller are still sans Vibroloc.

Bummer, since the Five is my favorite whittler.

Well I ordered a pair for me and Dad.

I've been using my number 8 stainless Opinel a lot alongside my Sardinian resolza, and they both have many of the same qualities, like the effortless slicing and lightness in hand.

You could go a very long way with an Opinel as your only pocket knife and not be wanting.

Well, let's see... "Opinel's, What's not to love!?"

Blades that are too thin for the way that I use knives.
Hinge pins... see above.
Handles thicker than needed and prone to absorption.
Weak and not particularly confidence inspiring blade locks.

Nah, for me, they're over-praised peasant knives.

Don't even get me started on the Cult-of-Mora around here.

Anyhow, you asked.

Based on this thread, I just had to see what all the fuss was about, so.....

I ordered and received both an Opinel #12 and a new (really) Cold Steel Twistmaster.

While I haven't had the opportunity to put either of them through any sort of use or testing yet, I really prefer the overall feel, etc. of the Twistmaster.

While the Twistmaster came pretty darn sharp out of the box, using my Wicked Edge sharpener (what a GREAT piece of hardware) I put a new really, really sharp edge on it. Will almost cut your eyeball from across the room if you look at it too intently.

Again, just first and casual impressions, with nothing objective yet to go on. We'll see.

Everytime someone mentions the Twistmaster I die a little bit inside. Of all the products that Cold Steel has contracted for, I liked the Twistmaster the best and miss it the most*.








*The LTC sorta-Khukuri being #2.

I got my pair of #6's In this week and I will give Dad his when they visit on Easter.

Just used my out of the box No.8 to carve a roast. I'm ashamed to say I've just realized how blunt my kitchen knives are. So I have a Spyderco sharpmaker on the way.