308win
Member
I just bought my first Opinel - #7, beechwood handle/body, carbon steel blade. I can see how these can be the blade equivalent of salted peanuts - you can't have just one.
My First Opinel
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Carl Levitian
member
They are indeed addicting.
I got my first one in 1982, and it's been a love affair ever since. Once in a while I'll carry another knife, like my old Case sodbuster, but it's just flirtation. In the end I always go back to the Opinel. I like to sand off that horrible finish they put on them and stain and seal them with better stuff. You can even reshape the handle to suit you. I find the number 8 handy for a EDC.
You can seal the wood handle off with helmsman spar urethane, and it will stand up to water much much better. Also keep the pivot area lubed with something for moisture resistance. I have a friend, Pascal, who was born and raised in France. His family was visiting a while back, and we had a get together, and his father and brothers all carry Opinels. They tear a match out of a book, and take some Vaseline jelly and smear it around in the pivot area, then wipe out the excess. They have water proof Opinels. I started to do that, and it really works very well.
Opinels are different. but few other knives will cut with them. Plus they're just old world cool, which I like.
I got my first one in 1982, and it's been a love affair ever since. Once in a while I'll carry another knife, like my old Case sodbuster, but it's just flirtation. In the end I always go back to the Opinel. I like to sand off that horrible finish they put on them and stain and seal them with better stuff. You can even reshape the handle to suit you. I find the number 8 handy for a EDC.
You can seal the wood handle off with helmsman spar urethane, and it will stand up to water much much better. Also keep the pivot area lubed with something for moisture resistance. I have a friend, Pascal, who was born and raised in France. His family was visiting a while back, and we had a get together, and his father and brothers all carry Opinels. They tear a match out of a book, and take some Vaseline jelly and smear it around in the pivot area, then wipe out the excess. They have water proof Opinels. I started to do that, and it really works very well.
Opinels are different. but few other knives will cut with them. Plus they're just old world cool, which I like.
308win
Member
Thanks for the tips. Any others?
PRM
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Enjoy simplicity. I bought my first Opinel close to 20 years ago. It was a #6, I went back the next day and bought a #8. Still have and use both. The #6 is great when you don't want a big knife in your pocket - I like the #8 for everyday use. I recently bought a new Inox (SS) #8 with the olive wood handles. Great addition. See Post: "Done It Again - Opinel"
I own and carry other knives from time to time - some of them expensive, some cheaper. Bottom line is that the Opinel is a high quality, very affordable, easy to use knife that has its place. They hold a razor's edge and are easily replaced (won't break the bank) if something happens to them.
I agree they are kind of like salted peanuts, and they make great gifts at Christmas.
Like others, I have sealed my Opinels with polyurethane. On my original #8, I put a darker finish on the wood, and cold blued the carbon blade for a nice dark patina. If you use the cold blue, you can take .0000 steel wool and buff it from a darker to lighter color. Gives it a warm vintage look. Lots of options
I own and carry other knives from time to time - some of them expensive, some cheaper. Bottom line is that the Opinel is a high quality, very affordable, easy to use knife that has its place. They hold a razor's edge and are easily replaced (won't break the bank) if something happens to them.
I agree they are kind of like salted peanuts, and they make great gifts at Christmas.
Like others, I have sealed my Opinels with polyurethane. On my original #8, I put a darker finish on the wood, and cold blued the carbon blade for a nice dark patina. If you use the cold blue, you can take .0000 steel wool and buff it from a darker to lighter color. Gives it a warm vintage look. Lots of options
Last edited:
spyder1911
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- Mar 27, 2008
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- 204
I carry an Opinel No. 8 with me everywhere. I love having such a cheap knife because I am not afraid to use it. A friend broke the very tip of mine trying to pry open a jar, so I just sanded it down a bit and now the last 1/8" or so is spear point.
To me a knife is a tool, and when I carry an expensive (for me) knife I am afraid to use it.
That being said I carry my Spyderco Delica all the time too, but the Opinel is a really winner.
To me a knife is a tool, and when I carry an expensive (for me) knife I am afraid to use it.
That being said I carry my Spyderco Delica all the time too, but the Opinel is a really winner.
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