Antonini Old Bear XL vs. Opinel 10

[el gigantor]

To those who have experience with both brands, which do you prefer and why?

 

[euroken]

I have the smaller versions of both knives (medium Antonini and Opinel 7). Both are fantastic but if I have to give a grade, I would lean slightly more towards Antonini because of the 'tab' that you can use your thumb with to unlock/lock the knife. Opinel is much tougher to lock/unlock one handed.

That's about it in my opinion.

Here is a comparison video for ya. Not exactly the same knives you are comparing but I assume same idea for different versions of both knives.

 

[el gigantor]

I have the smaller versions of both knives (medium Antonini and Opinel 7). Both are fantastic but if I have to give a grade, I would lean slightly more towards Antonini because of the 'tab' that you can use your thumb with to unlock/lock the knife. Opinel is much tougher to lock/unlock one handed.

That's about it in my opinion.

Here is a comparison video for ya. Not exactly the same knives you are comparing but I assume same idea for different versions of both knives.

Thanks for the quick reply! I’m about to click play on that video but I wanted to ask you about the lock tab. I’ve heard Antonini uses brass for the collar, but is the tab itself plastic? And if so…does it inspire confidence or is it somewhat flimsy?

 

[BrotherJim]

I think I would like the Antonini for the apparently flatter sides and perhaps a more ergonomic handle (?)
The tumb "tab" wouldn't be a consideration for me ... I'm left handed. The tab may even get in the way (?)

 

[euroken]

Thanks for the quick reply! I’m about to click play on that video but I wanted to ask you about the lock tab. I’ve heard Antonini uses brass for the collar, but is the tab itself plastic? And if so…does it inspire confidence or is it somewhat flimsy?

Tab is of steel. I think it's blackened steel and appears very durable.

 

[Side O'Beef]

To those who have experience with both brands, which do you prefer and why?

I like them both. But: in my rather large hands, I find that the contoured handle of the old bear gives it a more comfortable and more secure-feeling grip, especially at the point between the pointer and middle fingers. Besides that, as you know, they are incredibly similar experiences.
But in general, I should point out that this size is fantastic. Fairly similar scale to the Buck 110.

 

[rdg]

I recently bought an Antonini and I am left handed. The tab works fine and does not interfere with my grip at all. I had wondered if it would, but decided to give it a try. Really like the knife. I don't have an Opinel yet so can't make a direct comparison.
Bob

 

[Jack Black]

I also prefer the Antonini knives

 

[abcdef]

Any steel preference, Sandvik vs. 420? Whatever carbon?

 

[The Zieg]

Do Antoninis come in carbon?

 

[Side O'Beef]

Do Antoninis come in carbon?

Yup. If you notice in my picture a few posts ago, the Antonini is labelled carbon on the blade.

 

[The Zieg]

Yup. If you notice in my picture a few posts ago, the Antonini is labelled carbon on the blade.

I admit that was perhaps the laziest post I have ever made: I can easily go to their website, look up Antonini here on BFC, or just Google it.

 

[Side O'Beef]

I admit that was perhaps the laziest post I have ever made: I can easily go to their website, look up Antonini here on BFC, or just Google it.

You say "lazy"; I say "efficient".

 

[rishma]

Thanks for this question OP! I cannot help but I’m an opinel fan and had never seen an
Antonini. Very cool. As far as stainless goes, it’s hard for me to imagine liking something more than opinel stainless (I like SAK and Mora too) but I may have to try one. I need to replace my #8 stainless which was requisitioned by my son (happy to see him appreciate a knife that is not a modern design).