Getting an opinel no. 8 for my birthday. what should I expect?

[Mannlicher]

Opinel fan boys are getting as bad as Mora fan boys.

 

[herisson]

The Opinel is one of the best "bang for the buck" folding knives you can get : it has a (very) reliable lock, a beechwood handle you can shape to your liking and an excellent carbon steel blade. It's a thin flat grind, so use it as what it is : a slicer / cutter. Keep it clean and slightly oiled... you're set. No other folder (locking or not) can actually compete at this price level. However, there are many entry level fixed blades (of the same size) that are true contenders...

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Opinel fan boys are getting as bad as Mora fan boys.

There is a reason for that.

I've gotten my first Opinel and my first Mora this year. You really are getting a great little knife for the money with either.