Opinel Box Set: might break down and buy the whole shebang...

[MatthewVanitas]

For the last week, I've been watching eBay for Opinel knives. Was kicking myself that I twice missed out on buying a lot of five used Opinels for $30-35 per lot.

Then, thanks to THR, I found out that Smoky Mountain Knife Works carries Opinels new for cheaper than they go used on eBay.

After agonizing over what size I want to get, I'm thinking I'll just break down and buy this:

​

Set of (10) carbon-steel Opinel knives for $59, sizes 2-12. I'll play with them a bit, then gift or sell the ones I don't want.

This is all y'alls fault. If I hadn't discovered THR, I'd have gone through life with a Norinco SKS, S&W 640, and Spyderco Delica, and been content.

It's probably a foregone conclusion that I will, someday, own a Sebenza because of you people. My price tolerance creeps ever higher. That's what makes it easy to justify the Opinel set: "heck, that's less than what ONE Benchmade costs!"

-MV (who loves his mini-Griptilian)

 

[cosine]

Better not take a peek into Bladeforums.

 

[sm]

MatthewVanitas,
Nice set. I do like their knives.

About this "blaming THR", and "budgets creeping upwards".

You need to step over to Shotguns , have a seat, and allow me to visit with you about 28ga shotguns.
Oh, there is no charge for being a member of the Blame Steve Club, Initiation can be son-of-gun though...

:innocent smile:

Steve

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Better not take a peek into Bladeforums.

I signed up last year. I already blame my Kershaw Chive and BM Mini-Griptilian on them.

To be fair, I did lose my Spyderco Delica, so I needed to buy a new knife anyway. Briefly had a Kershaw avalanche, but the assisted-opening was sluggish due to the heavy blade, and the checkering destroyed my pocket after a dozen draws. The BM, on the other hand, has been a constant delight.

I don't "blame" my ARC-AAA flashlight on this sub-forum, because I killed $40 worth of Innovas over 18 months, so figured the ARC would last at least as long for that price. That one is okay.

@sm: I'm immune to your siren call. I'm "not really into the whole shotgun thing". *grin*

BTW: what is a good small-frame, not extremely expensive, sXs 28ga?

-MV

 

[7ranquilcitizen]

If you have spare time ...
http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~opinel/opinel/opinelx/fopinel_x.htm

 

[hso]

Welcome to THR, 7ranquilcitizen.

Great first post!!! What a marvelous site! I never though about the opportunity for customization that Opinels represented. I feel stupid having now seen how obviously they're ideal for upgrading. Thanks!

 

[Fosbery]

I absolutely hate Opinels. Eugh, there must be something wrong with me because they just look so stupid to me, but everyone else seems to think they're pieces of art

 

[Brian Williams]

And when you are done in Shotguns, stop by Revolvers and we can show you a nice S&W model 10 or 15 may be a slick model 65 3"

 

[MatthewVanitas]

And when you are done in Shotguns, stop by Revolvers and we can show you a nice S&W model 10 or 15 may be a slick model 65 3"

In have far too many 10s and pre-10/M&Ps, and do have a 65. 65 is a 4" bull though, added Tyler T and pseudo-stag grips. Double action is smoother than any revo I've fired, and SA is practically telepathic.

@7ranquilcitizen: Really impressive page! I will admit that I like the one labelled "couple", but I can't really post it to THR...

-MV

 

[moxie]

Then you probably would have no interest in the

dive watch forum either:

http://65.181.166.146/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3

 

[ugaarguy]

Wow, those cutomized Opinels are beautiful. Amazing all the creative mods that are done to them beyond the handle carving/inlaying. Thumb studs - an Opinel "Tactical Knife" - who'd a thunk it? Very cool.

-"Uga", who sits here in the sandbox typing, Mini Griptillian in his DCU pocket.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Then you probably would have no interest in the
dive watch forum either:

You are correct: no interest.

My gadget geekery is restricted to guns, knives, and musical instruments. Jewelry and watches never really appealed to me.

Have a vague desire to own a good silver pocketwatch (with spring-loaded cover), but no point in that until I buy a 3-piece suit.

I wore the same Timex Expedition through OCS, TBS, Field Artillery school, and two Iraq deployments. The Expedition is the Timex with all of four buttons on it.

UPDATE: I placed my order for the Opinel box set. Will report back in a week or so.

-MV

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Opinel box set arrived in the mail today!

They're a little stiff, and not too sharp out of the box. But as I understand it, these suckers get wicked sharp with a little work.

The #12 is MASSIVE, the #2 is miniscule. The #7 is about the same size as my Benchmade Mini-Griptillian.

I'm thinking that a few of these will become gifts, especially sizes #2-#5. I might sell the massive #12. I'll keep a few of the middle-size ones. Vaguely considering doing some carving and refinishing on one of the mid-sized blades. I'm not too good at carving, but heck, I only have $7 or so into these, on average. Though considering how tiny the tiny ones are, the price is, one supposes, staggered by size.

Will post some pics as I get to messing with these. Will be carrying the #7 around for a few days. Will have to go buy some apples to carve up. Some French apples...

-MV

 

[sm]

#12 is big - huh?
Makes getting a watermelon cut in half a real easy chore. Try slicing a big brisket with one...

#2 - not minuscule , "more task specific" . Recall the adage "bring the work to you' meaning get braced to use a tool closer to you. You mentioned Pocket Watches above. A small sharp knife, held close to the body and being braced allows a watchmaker to open one, with or without a indention, without marring the case, slipping and hurting the movement inside.

These knives are just too handy, well made, safe, and priced such...
Now this carving and personalization adds to these even more.

Enjoying this thread, your review, and looking forward to reading more. Funny how the simple stuff can still provide so much.

 

[hso]

MT,

You're in Austin at UTex! I'd assume that there are any number of fine arts students that carve wood that would be able to craft wonderful unique gifts out of your simple wooden handled knives!!!