Customizing your Opinel

[Daniel Koster]

Seems as though there are a number of Opinel-owners floating around the forums these days.

Does anyone have one that they have customized?
(post pictures please if available)

I have a #12 that I would like to have some fun with.
Any ideas?

Dan

 

[The Tourist]

I'm a big fan of the Opinel myself. I usually carry a stainless 3" called the OP-84 in my jean jacket as a spare.

I've heard that some people lightly sand the handle for better grip, but I had a different idea since my blade won't tarnish.

As for the handle, it could be stained with several different colors in layers, then sanded to different depths to give a laminated look.

For the stainless blade, I thought jeweling like the bolt of a rifle would be a nice touch.

 

[satin]

Glad you posted this today... was just fiddling with my Opinel this morning....

First, I took some sand-paper, and 00 and 0000 steel wool, and got it down to a glassy feeling wood surface...
then I took a small torch, and, careful not to touch the blade, added a couple light rings around the handle, fire hardening it I s'pose.
Then I waxed it real good... and then used a little bit of 0000 to get it really smooth again, and then I applied some dark wal-nut stain to the handle, and let it dry. (all done with the blade opened of course...)

Not as pretty as I'd hoped... I've got a hickory tomahawk handle thats recieved the same treatment, thats just beautiful... alas, this wood, whatever it is, didnt turn out so purdy.

But its not ugly... I like the way it looks, just not really super duper stunning, but its nice enough.

I rarely carry the Opinel... but having it around the house is handy.

 

[Ripper]

Hi,
Here is a link to a Japanese site , it's translated in French (sorry no English that I could find), that has pictures of some very nice customized Opinels on it.
Regards,
Greg

 

[Daniel Koster]

Ripper - that page has some amazing sculpture! Plus a neat thumb-studded liner-lock.

Satin - do you have a picture? (do you dare? )

Ichabod - I like your idea. I have been wondering what other blade modifications have been done out there... has anyone tried any filework? What about coloring/staining?

I'm leaning toward engraving an intricate pattern over the handle, and then modifying the blade somehow.



Note for Mod/Admin: I know this should probably go in the shop talk, or custom knives forums, but the reason I posted here is because I'm just interested in "messin around" and I'm ok if I ruin it (just buy another one for $12!).