Burning initials into handle of an Opinel.

K

Kube

Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
22
I just got my first Opinel, a number 6, and I'm very very impressed with it! The wood is so nice and just by looking at it and handling it it seems like it would be a much higher price than about $12 (which is what I paid for it). The steel (mines carbon version) is pretty good, although it didn't come very sharp, but once I touched it up it's razor sharp, and seems to be staying that way for a while :).

Well, to the point, I remember reading on another knife forum that it is traditional with the French when they receive their first Opinel to burn their initials into the back with a magnifying glass. I tried this and it turned out really good (also, it smelled really good lol). I just practiced a bit on a 2x4 and once I got it good I did it on the knife. It turned out as perfect as it could be. I just thought I'd share this with you. And also to recommend the Opinel (It's a must have).

100_0705.jpg

100_0704.jpg

100_0703.jpg
 
The Opinel,was the knife that got me started in collecting. Its a fine knife for the money,to be sure. Now you will be needing a #7 and #8 :p
 
Ive burned up a bunch of ants,started a fire or two,but never a knife.Its amazing what a mag glass can do on a sunny day.Thats cool!
 
All I did to do it was first I went out and got me a decent magnifying glass (one with a glass lens instead of plastic). and you have to wait for a very sunny day or else it won't get a good beam. Then just face with your back to the sun and practice it on a piece of wood, such as a 2x4 or a branch with the bark stripped away. Just get the beam as small as possible by adjusting the angle. And when you are writing the initials just go slowly and use your arm, not your hand to write the letter (in other words move your whole arm not just your wrist). Just keep practicing until you get the hang of it. Good luck!
 
Nail polish then set fire to it will also work, but it does not go so deep into the wood.
 
Nice!
Customizing Opinels can be a lot of fun. I used a woodburning iron on my Opinel No. 8, and drew a cartoony picture of a narwhal. :D
 
very cool! strongly considering this for a new knife. its a little scary when you burn into something you work on for a while
 
Interesting idea! I will give this a try tomorrow:thumbsup: It was nice and sunny (and 100 deg!) today and tomorrow is supposed to be the same so I should get a good beam.
 
A tip, hold the lens closer than you need to at first while you adjust the angle to get a perfect circle of light then back out to a pinpoint to start burning ;)

~Chip
 
O boy, an Opinel thread. I have been neglecting my Opinels for a bit while I indulge an infatuation with Okapis. There is a brand new 6 on my shelf I am planning to modify as soon as I figure out exactly what to do. The No.6 has become my favorite size because it pockets so easily.

Since I rarely ever harbor an original thought, it would never have occurred to me to burn my initials into an Opinel with a magnifying glass or a wood-burning kit, or even a soldering iron. I am more likely to use a set of stamping dies. I do have a new tank for my Bernzomatic, for some shou-sugi-ban, but I don't think that will be fine enough to do initials. How about stamped initials with a cloisonné infill?
 
(Realizing this thread originally dates back ~ 7 years or so...)

I'd add a caution to be careful, in looking at or watching the bright 'dot' of magnified sunlight on the handle. I used to do this as a kid 40-50 years ago, and it didn't seem so bad then (and I didn't know better anyway). But, with my aged eyes now, when I've recently fiddled in the same way with a magnifying glass under sunlight, it really leaves me seeing 'bright spots' in my vision for a while after. Makes me cringe a bit, thinking of doing it now. Maybe some really dark sunglasses might help, I don't know...

I'd be more inclined to burn the initials with a 'wood burning tool', a.k.a., a soldering iron by another name. No potential eye damage that way... ;)


David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top