Flat Wood Handle
If the Opinel handle were flatter, carrying it would be a whole lot easier.
I got an EKA Swede-88 for my birthday last fall. It is mechanically just about as simple as the Opinel, though it's a lockback.
The handle is linerless Masur birch. It is thinner and flatter and significantly wider than the Opinel, but every bit as light. It pockets effortlessly. It doesn't
look like it ought to pocket easily, but it just about disappears in a front pocket.
Swede 88 Masur (World Knives) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Opinel #6
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The blade is Sandvik stainless (12c27 or related) and quite thin. It's broader near the handle than the Opinel, but the curved edge tapers to a very useful point.
Swede 88 Masur (Ragweed Forge)
It gives me the essence of what I want from an Opinel (simple, light, warm wood handle, easy to carry, sharp, generally useful, kitchen friendly) in a compact, flat package.
Some pics I took of mine: -
(Full spread here.)
http://noisyroom.net/pix/thr/2009_1024-Knife/Smaller/2009_1024-Knife018.jpg
http://noisyroom.net/pix/thr/2009_1024-Knife/Smaller/2009_1024-Knife019.jpg
http://noisyroom.net/pix/thr/2009_1024-Knife/Smaller/2009_1024-Knife021.jpg
http://noisyroom.net/pix/thr/2009_1024-Knife/Smaller/2009_1024-Knife022.jpg
http://noisyroom.net/pix/thr/2009_1024-Knife/Smaller/2009_1024-Knife023.jpg
http://noisyroom.net/pix/thr/2009_1024-Knife/Smaller/2009_1024-Knife025.jpg
http://noisyroom.net/pix/thr/2009_1024-Knife/Smaller/2009_1024-Knife026.jpg
http://noisyroom.net/pix/thr/2009_1024-Knife/Smaller/2009_1024-Knife027.jpg
Yes, it's stainless, but I'd be equally happy with a carbon steel version if they made one.
There is, of course, a down side. Darn thing costs four times what a same-sized Opinel does.
Oh, well.
Maybe some day Opinel will find a way to make a flat, broad handled version of the #6, with a modified flattened locking ring. That would be awesome.
Carl: You have got to post a picture of that "reworked" #12 with pouch. The #12 is a monster. If you have found a practical way to carry one, please, by all means, I would love to see that.