An Opinel saves the day

[jackknife]

The most important thing Mac had going for him was he had a knife. In the end, it doesn't really matter what kind of knife you have, just that it be sharp. Opinel, barlow, SAK, something. I can remember my old man and Mr. Van both telling us that three things should always be in your pocket when you go out the door. A sharp knife, a means to make fire, and a small flashlight. You never know what's gonna happen. Keep 'em sharp.

Carl.

 

[RDog]

Opinel has earned a right to be one of my most valuable knives period.

If you've not yet seen it, you might appreciate the short online video "The Story of Stuff"

It takes 20 minutes to watch. Suggest watching while holding a good value knife like the Opinel in hand before making other knife purchases.

...Thank you for this...now I want to move to a different planet.
But really, I'm glad I just watched that.

 

[davek14]

Nice story.

I got my first Opinel on a whim on a trade for bike parts. I had no expectation and was blown away.

While I find them ok out of the box, I think they go from good to great with some DIY Moxie. The blade can be polished out to remove the grind marks, the blade shape can be tweaked with a bit of file work, the lock ring can be filed to make it even more secure and the handle can be modified easily.

Here is my #10 drop point easy open. It's my back up knife an is with me every where I go pretty much. Exactly the same size as my Buck 110 but more versatile due to its low weight.

opinel #10 by Pinnah, on Flickr

In terms of toughness, a recent thread here revealed that they are as tough or tougher than any other.

I find there brutal, even crude simplicity to be good for my greedy materialistic soul. The grind is amazing for cutting wood and it simply performs. Any knife lust I have beyond this is just that - lust.

Johnny, keep the knife for heavens sake. It's earning it's keep, ain't it?!?!

How do you mod the ring?

 

[pinnah]

Pop off the ring. Google for several methods.

The top of the ring has ramps on it next to the split which allow the ring to spin to a locked position.

The idea is to extend one of this ramps further around the ring. When I finish, I want to be able to turn the lock from 6 oclock to 10 or 11 o'clock.

I use a good sharp flat file to work the ramp around the top of the ring. Usually I hold the ring in my left hand with my thumb inside the ring and "push" the file around the top of the ring. Trial and error will indicate how far to go.

Hope this helps

 

[ConBon]

... Having been late to leave the house, I decided to take my longboard instead of walking (longboarding, for all you who've never seen it, is like skateboarding, but very, very fast)...

It's always gravy too see someone else who rides the concrete wave, you now have my respect :untroubled:.
Anyways, Opinels seem to be the little engine that could of the knife world. Hope your ankle gets better!

 

[Paradiggum]

I often carry an Opinel. My Father and Grandfather both carried a #8 as an EDC. Dad gave me one years ago. I still have it but generally carry a #6. If I'm camping I use a #8 for cooking and camp chores.
Here's my #6. It was the first time I ever played with my wood burner. Not great but I wanted to see what it could do.

 

[davek14]

Pop off the ring. Google for several methods.

The top of the ring has ramps on it next to the split which allow the ring to spin to a locked position.

The idea is to extend one of this ramps further around the ring. When I finish, I want to be able to turn the lock from 6 oclock to 10 or 11 o'clock.

I use a good sharp flat file to work the ramp around the top of the ring. Usually I hold the ring in my left hand with my thumb inside the ring and "push" the file around the top of the ring. Trial and error will indicate how far to go.

Hope this helps

Thanks. Thinking of getting an(other) Opi and trying something like that on the cutout which holds it closed.

 

[banksy]

Another Opinel fan here. This is my No.8, modified to open easily in damp British weather.

 

[Nightshifter]

Great thread and posts! I have 3 Opinels, brand new in boxes in my desk. I just keep forgetting that they are there, but have been wanting to carry one.
Off to the desk I go, thanks for the push!

Paul