Bargain Knives

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UnknownVT

Joined
Feb 15, 2003
Messages
2,575
One of the recognized bargain knives is the legendary Opinel #8
Opinel8_S.jpg


I happen to prefer the stainless (inox) steel versions - but they have always been available in plain carbon (non-stainless) steel too.

The #8 is the most popular size at about 4 1/4" closed.
The standard handle is time-proven beech but they even come in a variety of handles

The blade is full convex ground and can be truly scary sharp.....

All for about $8! Bargain!

I've posted more pics in the Knife Reviews & Testing section - please see -
Opinel #8

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
 
Very good review, and excellent photos. Thank you.

Opinels have got to be the best knife for the least money. It is my first choice for breaking down cardboard boxes.

The ONLY thing that bugs me about them is the way they get when a little moisture gets into the pivot area. The wood swells up and the blade gets real difficult to move.

Everyone should have an Opinel.

Chris
 
cmd said:
The ONLY thing that bugs me about them is the way they get when a little moisture gets into the pivot area. The wood swells up and the blade gets real difficult to move.
Click to expand...
Drip some oil into the pivot area and let it soak in. This will keep some of the subsequent moisture out and protect the tang from rusting, too.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Drip some oil into the pivot area and let it soak in. This will keep some of the subsequent moisture out and protect the tang from rusting, too.
Click to expand...

The advice from Opinel -

http://www.opinel-musee.com/uk/idx_couteau-uk.htm
QUOTE:
5. If the blade is difficult to open inspite of "le coup du savoyard" (knocking the end of the handle on the edge of the table), without doubt this is due to humidity; dry the knife on a radiator and lubricate the main joint with liquid wax or vaseline oil.
UNQUOTE

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
 
Damp wood + Rapid Drying = Cracks

I'd stay away from uber hot radiators... It would put some nasty stress on the handles at the least. Then again, they're $8 knives!
 
madhaha said:
Damp wood + Rapid Drying = Cracks
I'd stay away from uber hot radiators... It would put some nasty stress on the handles at the least.
Click to expand...

Good caution - I'd agree wholeheartedly......
(just a guess, perhaps Europeans, in days gone by, used to keep their homes somewhat cooler than the USA - so maybe their (hot water) radiators were not quite as hot?)

A much safer method is to dry out the knife in an old fashioned "airing cupboard" - which used to be the closet that the hot water tank sat in - which gives gentle warm and dry air.

Drying out wood needs patience - a day or two in an airing cupboard is probably much kinder.

For those who are more used to instant gratification - a hair-dryer on low heat could be used - but hold the locking collar - why? - that way one is unlikely to exceed a temperature above which it becomes uncomfortable to hold the knife collar.... :D

Once the knife blade moves smoothly put a coat of vaseline at the joints will help lower the chances of future moisture swelling of the wood.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
 
I like to use linseed or sweet almond oil which I feel soak in and solidify a bit so will last longer, I wonder if beeswax would work, I know some people use it in wood harmonica combs to prevent swelling (liquify by putting the wax in a container placing the container in another container with water and heating over a stove, soak it in the wood and let it cool).

Vincent, I´ve posted a pic of my Opinels with customized handles in your review thread, it would probably have been better over here.

Luis
 
hey Vince, or anyone who can help, where's a good website to order Opinel's? somewhere with a good selection... 'cause i cannot read French very well.
 
UnknownVT said:
One of the recognized bargain knives is the legendary Opinel #8

I happen to prefer the stainless (inox) steel versions - but they have always been available in plain carbon (non-stainless) steel too.
Click to expand...

For what its worth, I have never been able to get any of my blades any where near as scary sharp as my old Opinel carbon steel. Its awesome!
Cheers
Rod
 
Great post (as usual) Vincent. A carbon steel #8 is one of my main woods knives. I'm thinking of getting a stainless model and carving the handle.

Opinels are one of the best "bang for your buck" knives available. After 100+ years it will still outperform many modern designs.

Paul
 
Rod Neep said:
For what its worth, I have never been able to get any of my blades any where near as scary sharp as my old Opinel carbon steel. Its awesome!
Cheers
Rod
Click to expand...


Yep. Me too.

Scott
 
I agree, the Opinel is a real working knife,simple,cheap but not cheaply-made and very pleasing.An excellent knife for the garden or enjoying an outdoor snack of fruit,cheese and slices of meat and with that ingenious collar lock ther'es no danger of chopping your fingers! Don't always have that same confidence in many lock liners though...The carbon steel blade you can hone to shaving sharp. I think www.opinel.fr prob has an English site too.Staggering value for a few Euros/Dollars.
 
I posted some information re moisture-prooding an Opinel last year. It basically involves removing some wood from the groove and pivot area and sealing with a hard epoxy. Even in a tropical climate and using Opinels around salt water etc, I find this eliminates the blade sticking problem and makes the knife a lot better for food preparation etc.

Here is a pic of a 'sealed' stainless Opinel with modified grip alongside its 'traditional' competitors.

svordcompare.jpg
 
Plus Opinels are easy to modify, you can turn one into a classic work of art in a few hours.

2manyknives , nice pic. Those knives are beautiful. :thumbup:
 
The only other thing I would mention about Opinel knives, it sucks to get sand in the ring. Still, I carried one for several years in the desert while working as an archaeologist. Great knives, easy to keep super-sharp, durable, and bargain-priced.

The first time I ever saw an Opinel was in Utah during a 21-day survival course; the instructor had one.

hey Vince, or anyone who can help, where's a good website to order Opinel's? somewhere with a good selection... 'cause i cannot read French very well.
Click to expand...
The best prices I found are at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, and the best deal is the 10-knife set in gift box for $60.
 
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