Antonini old bear vs opinel ?

Hickory n steel · Nov 5, 2016

Anyone ever seen these ? If so what are your thoughts ?
They seem to pretty much he their version of an opinel except for a modified locking mechanism, stainless Steel only, a chisel grind, and maybe 40% more expensive.
They're interesting but not sure if I'd rather just get an opinel instead ( if I wanted one as they're kinda fat for pocket carry )

rarreola · Nov 5, 2016

The steel on Antonini is 420 versus opinel's 12c27.

Henry Beige · Nov 5, 2016

I would be inclined to try the Antonioni just because it is something a little different.

As for the Opinel, they carry much better in the pocket if you trim the flared pommel and flatten the sides. Even a No.8 can be unobtrusive with half an hour's work to slim it down.

Henry Beige · Jun 27, 2017

I got the Old Bear, size medium. It is pretty close to an Opinel 8 in size. The handle is flattened a bit on the sides so it carries a little easier, but it is still a lump in the pocket. With Baryonyx special grade, it is about as sharp a knife as I own, much sharper than I could get it myself. At least I have an idea what I should be shooting for.

The existence of a medium size implies the existence of a small, but Benjamin does not list it. Something the size of a 6 would be nicer to carry.

Lapedog · Jun 27, 2017

Neat. I haven't heard of these old bear knives before. Always good to have options

Henry Beige · Jun 27, 2017

Antonioni has a small Old Bear, in olive or walnut. Blades are 420 stainless. Handle is 4", blade is 2.75". OAL is about the same as an Opinel 6, which has a handle at 3.75" and a 3" blade.

deltaboy · Jun 27, 2017

I need to get one.

kev atkinson · Oct 19, 2017

I've been looking for an Antonini medium, I'm English but live in the Philippines, does anyone know where I can get one that the supplier is OK shipping to the Philippines at a realistic price? Most either don't ship or want to charge three times the original buying price.

Henry Beige · Oct 19, 2017

Who have you tried so far? The only vendor I could quote you from memory is Baryonyx, and his domestic shipping is not particularly cheap; I have no idea whether he would ship to the Phillipines, or at what price.