Have you used Opinel knives ?

M

Mextreme

Joined
Jun 20, 2000
Messages
54
I got two Opinel knives in carbon Steel last week. (nr 6 and nr 8). They cost about 5$ each.
At first I thought they seem really weak and no good att all. The edge they came with were not even close to sharp. I figured that they would take a good edge though because they are Carbon steel and a very slim blade.
And they took some wicked, mean sharp edge after a few minutes of sharpening work, they past every test I could come up with. They push-cut like a straight razor. Hair flies of your arms and you can cut figures out of cigarette-paper. Sharpening is the easiest you can imagine.
The knives are really light and you can´t feel them in your pocket.
They have a blade lock (vibra-lock) that is safe enough for light to medium work.
Now I carry one of them often at work, where it only is used for light cores .
Of coarse such a slim blade can´t take any real tough tasks but as for cutting paper ,boxes and food it out-cuts any of my much more expensive knives. If you want to buy one choose the carbon steel, the stainless is no good.
Anyone else have experience with the Opinel knives ?
 
Yeah, I really like Opinel knives. For the price, you just can't beat them. The blade geometry is great, the handle is comfortable, and the lock is reliable. It's simple, but it works.

The one I have was also dull when I first bought it. There were a couple of large burrs on the edge. However, it just took a few swipes on a fine stone to get it extremely sharp.
 
Are you kidding me the Opinel lock is the strongest most reliable lock made. Thanks to my good friend Johnykwst whom turned me on to these great knives. I agree with all your other points about them they are one heck of a knife.
 
I have used opinel knives as a utility carry when camping for more than a decade. Best lock, takes a nasty edge and holds it fairly well. In the last two years I have switched to the Cold Steel imitation since the steel is much better at edge holding. Mind you it does cost 4 times as much money.
 
Opinel is a great knife. It has the most simple design imaginable but it is totally functional. Not too pretty, but can't be beat for the price. Does better than many much more costly knives actually.
 
I have both a #7 Opinel and a large Cold Steel. Both excellent knives. Probably the best lock out there, safety wise. For the $$$$, Opinel just may be the best value out there.

Paul
 
Ditto, ditto, ditto.
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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
I bought my first and (unfortunately) still my only Opinel in Italy back in 1984. Ahhh, the days of relaxing in the Italian countryside slicing cheese & fruit with it while picnicing with various beautiful signorinas...definitely better days gone by!

I still have that same Opinel and it will remain with me till the day I die. Viva Opinel!
 
Timing is everything! I just bought my first on Monday, a #6. Just had to try one myself. Wish I had gotten the #8 as the handle on the #6 is a bit small (heck, for another $9 I guess I will!). Light, simple and very sharp! Gotta love that carbon steel. I have carried this thing around in my pocket ever since I got it. Perfect for use in the office and around home for light duty chores and doubles as a helluva paring knife. Best money you will ever spend on a knife IMHO. Outcuts knives at twenty times the price. Now why is it that a leading production company like Benchmade for example, cannot duplicate the blade geometry (though not necessarily the blade shape) on one of these inexpensive wonders in say .10" stock and throw it in a nice liner-lock frame? Hey, maybe that's what I will look for in my next custom
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[This message has been edited by blademan 13 (edited 10-04-2000).]
 
I have a #8, #10, and #12 I think it is. The #10 is a nice size for me, and I seem to recall that the #8 made a list of 100 best product designs. I think the Opinels are great value, they sharpen and perform well, have one of the safest and most robust locks on a folder, and are a very elegant design. A small box of #8 Opinels would come in handy to keep around, for sharpening up and giving away to deserving folks.
 
Since i am italian and Opinel knives are made in France i obviously have more than one.Actually they are one of the most diffused knife here 'cause they are light,cheap and safe (by the way,the safety is called viro-loc,not vibra-loc). You can also find some special models with particular woods or with carvings on the handle.Check also the stainless series and the fillet knife.
By the way...try to dip a carbon blade in gunblue...black blade,shiny edge and light coloured wood.Good looking,isn't it?

[This message has been edited by maxegb (edited 10-04-2000).]
 
i bought one when i was in france a few years ago thinking "oh well,its cheap,looks good,etc.etc.
im glad i bought it.it served me well for a while,then WHOOPS,lost it...somewhere,but it was pretty cheap and easily replaceable so i didnt worry too much,i just havent bought another.hmmmmmmmm.
BTW-sharp!mine was anyway,cut a chunk of my thumb loose.
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mextreme-where did you find one for 5 dollars?

~MAURICE

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the pompetous of love lame bastid
 
I own the opinel #6 in stainless, and it takes an edge rivaling my Delica's ATS-55. It sharpens rapidly, and I love the pearwood. The only problems i have with it is the fact that it's opening ease changes seasonally and in dry weather it opens slightly in the pocket, but those are eclipsed by the stability of the lock and the superb edge geometry.
it's from france, too, which does not hurt!

 
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