First Opinel

M

Maikutis

Joined
Jan 2, 2007
Messages
193
Took my wife today to a little town called Mystic where I found a small shop called Sommeliers de France. The shop owner had a rather large display of Opinel's and Laguiole knives. Wasn't expecting this. I've read on the boards about these knives but never gave them much thought. The gentleman behind the counter gave me a history lesson on the Laguiole knives that was rather interesting (where they came from, why, how to tell a fake compared to a genuine hand crafted). The most surprising of all this was the cost.

I bought two Opinel No. 8's, one standard wood, the other blue wood. I generally carry a Benchmade or a Spyderco knife, but I'm going to give one of these a try for the next week or so to see how I like them. Can't go wrong for 12$ each.

What really peaked my interest was the hand-carved Laguiole. He had several he showed me. I think it'll be my next purchase.
 
I like my #7 Opinel. I have the carbon steel blade. I use it a lot for mostly everything. I was on a ladder the other day and needed to cut some glue that was holding a gutter cap on. The Opinel did a great job. Later I thought it would be dull but it wasn't. Really held its edge. Can't beat it.
 
Carry my #8 alot around the house. It has seen "alot" of kitchen use. Great knife. :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
Just got an Opinel #8 a few days ago. Didn't have a real use for it. Got it because Opinels have such a good reputation and I wanted a different type of folding knife (and one with a plain carbon steel blade that would be easier to sharpen than some of the super steels).

Came with a distinct burr (as is often the case) but a few minutes with the SharpMaker removed the burr and sharpened it a bit. Now it's reasonably sharp, though it will visit the SM again when I get the time.

At the price, who can complain?

Almost makes me want to buy a picnic basket just to put the Opinel in it.
 
I have 2 Opinels one is an 8 in carbon steel and a 7 in stainless.I made a sheath for my #7 and wear it around my neck.I really like them for their style and cutting ability and lastly the price.A great package all around.
 
Here are my first Opinel's:
Opinel3_and_Opinel8.jpg


#3 is barely size of #8 handle but cuts like little demon.My Opinel #3 is carbon and my Opinel #8 is stainless. Despite my #8 is stainless and not favourite Carbon ( I am going to fix that in next month ) my stainless #8 is really sharp and comfy. There's teeny weeny blade play to up and down but absolutely no movement in side ways. Excellent all around knife. Wood handle makes it also comfy during cold environment.

All opinel's are worth of their price tags and are one of the best value folders.
 
You guys are making me want an Opinel, bad!:D:thumbup:

Time to start saving for a No.8.:eek:
 
thejamppa said:
Here are my first Opinel's:
Opinel3_and_Opinel8.jpg


#3 is barely size of #8 handle but cuts like little demon.My Opinel #3 is carbon and my Opinel #8 is stainless. Despite my #8 is stainless and not favourite Carbon ( I am going to fix that in next month ) my stainless #8 is really sharp and comfy. There's teeny weeny blade play to up and down but absolutely no movement in side ways. Excellent all around knife. Wood handle makes it also comfy during cold environment.

All opinel's are worth of their price tags and are one of the best value folders.
Click to expand...

You can fix the up and down play on an Opinel by taking a small file to the spine of the blade in the spot where it contacts the ring, remove a little material (go slow it doesn't take much) and this should allow the ring to travel just a tiny bit more and lock the blade up tight.
 
yobbos1 said:
You can fix the up and down play on an Opinel by taking a small file to the spine of the blade in the spot where it contacts the ring, remove a little material (go slow it doesn't take much) and this should allow the ring to travel just a tiny bit more and lock the blade up tight.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, it did just that. Its rock solid now. Thank you very much
 
I sold the two No8 Opinel to Maikutis, thanks you! I am glade you guys like Opinel knives, they truly are the most knife for your $$.
My first Opinel was a No6 carbon, it was given to me when I was of 8 or 9...they gave us knives very early in rural areas of France at the time (this was in the 70s).
 
Yeah, like OpiKnife said. Nice little village there. For what it's worth, there's also a cheese shop there where my Opinel took its first slice. If you're in the area, I'd certainly try out place.

I don't know a lot about the knives, but OpiKnife said he could get some rare Opinels. That may interest a few here.

Glad to see you on here, OpiKnife! Thought I'd try to throw some business your way. My wife and I both loved your shop, my wife more for the picnick "wine boxes", me of course for the knives.

mike
 
OpiKnife said:
I sold the two No8 Opinel to Maikutis, thanks you! I am glade you guys like Opinel knives, they truly are the most knife for your $$.
Click to expand...

I agree about the value of Opinels. You also sold me a No. 6 carbon last week via the Internet. :)

I really appreciate you responding to my concerns about the order and for shipping my knife out so quickly. Your prices and service are superb.
 
Thank you! If any of you has questions about Opinel please feel free to ask.
In addition, I would like to ask " yobbos1 " if I can use his tip on fixing the up and down play some Opinel have on our FAQ page.
 
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