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How many own an Opinel?

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Andy
 
I guess I'm one of the very dolts who don't own one!

In the past I reckon I thought there were of too low quality, even at the very low price they are offered for. Didn't think I would like the overall (apparent) low tech look/feel of the thing.

However, practically the day before this thread I was taking another, more serious, look at Opinel (primarily, because I want to buy something, and I can't overstate how important "inexpensive" is to me, currently :) ).

Anyway, this thread hit me at just the right time, and I'm thinking this is probably the right knife purchase at the right time for me. So, hopefully, I soon will count myself among the proud ranks of Opinel owners.
 
Relayer said:
I guess I'm one of the very dolts who don't own one!

In the past I reckon I thought there were of too low quality, even at the very low price they are offered for. Didn't think I would like the overall (apparent) low tech look/feel of the thing.

However, practically the day before this thread I was taking another, more serious, look at Opinel (primarily, because I want to buy something, and I can't overstate how important "inexpensive" is to me, currently :) ).

Anyway, this thread hit me at just the right time, and I'm thinking this is probably the right knife purchase at the right time for me. So, hopefully, I soon will count myself among the proud ranks of Opinel owners.
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One one hand, I'm sorry if you can't afford anything more expensive at the moment.
On the other hand, there are plenty of people who can afford more expensive knives, but choose to buy and use Opinels anyway.

I'm confident you'll get your ten dollars' worth. :)
 
How are you guys sharpening your Opinels? I mean, I put a convex edge on both of my No 8's (Carbone + Garden).
I went out to test the No. 8 Carbone and after 20 light cuts on a wooden stick it looked like a serrated blade (horribly chipped and rolled)!!!
I'm kind of baffled, because I didn't sharpen it that much at all. I merely put a quick convex edge on it, as it was dull from the factory.
Obviously I've made it too keen, so I'm wondering what sort of edges you put on yours? How should it be done?
 
I've always just used a sharpening stone, but lately moved to a Spyderco Sharpmaker.

In my experience, Opinel knives normally come very sharp from the factory. Maybe not shaving sharp, but paper-cutting sharp for sure.
 
stoffi said:
How are you guys sharpening your Opinels? I mean, I put a convex edge on both of my No 8's (Carbone + Garden).
I went out to test the No. 8 Carbone and after 20 light cuts on a wooden stick it looked like a serrated blade (horribly chipped and rolled)!!!
I'm kind of baffled, because I didn't sharpen it that much at all. I merely put a quick convex edge on it, as it was dull from the factory.
Obviously I've made it too keen, so I'm wondering what sort of edges you put on yours? How should it be done?
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on my #8 stainless i run the edge at about 15 degrees per side (30 total), no chipping or rolling here.
 
I just picked up a NO 07 carbon at Bernal Cutlery in San Francisco...it came with a decent edge but before walking out the door the guys there used their sharpening wheel + whetstone on it. Now it's got a mirror edge, and it whittles hair. Easily the sharpest knife I own. Lightweight, easily pocketable...inexpensive. I'm in love!

-Freq
 
Does nobody convexes their Opinels? I thought that was what everyone was doing. Should one not convex them?
 
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I convexed the edge on mine (they're a full-height convex primary grind to begin with) with a 20μ belt on my HF 1x30 belt sander, but touch it up with a fine DMT Diafold. I've cut plenty of wood with mine and I keep the edge super thin--probably only 10 degrees per side--and I've never had problems with the edge denting on me. Just rolling on the belly of the tip if I accidentally snap in shut too hard.
 
Hmmm... very strange. I guess I must have made the entire blade a lot thinner then or something, because I got like 1-2mm dents in mine from just whittling a soft twig.
I sharpened The Garden (INOX) Knife exactly the same way, yet it has had no problems of this sort.
It's just a shame, cuz' the knife was new, and already I've had to remove 2mm off the entire edge to get it back in order.
 
Yipes! That really blows. Maybe the heat treatment is off on that one??? :confused: I'd try making the edge a little more obtuse and seeing if you get the same result. Like I said, I keep mine VERY thin and have yet to experience any edge damage when carving. And I use mine as a farm knife! :D
 
Yah, something must be off. I was kinda' surprised myself.
Thanks for the input! I'll probably get a few more Opies at some point anyway.
They're cheap and nice to have layin' around in places where you may need them.
 
I convex mine using a mousemat and lift the blade 3-4mm off to give a micro bevel. The tips of them generally aren't sharp so will need bit of work. i have found their 12c27 to be a bit toothy down to 1000 grit but a few strokes on a strop suddenly brings the edge scarily to life:)
 
I have 3 for now, here are my 2 last ones! number07 :)
Love the opinels, they remind me of my youth in the mountains of south of France... every shepherd would have one and use it everyday, with their good old carbon blades ...
the lock is pure ingenuity and it's a super lightweight knife... and now it comes in color !!! awesome :)

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And the locking system detail, genius :)

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Simon
 
I own several Opinels and I luv'em.
My daily carry is a Carbon Steel No.10 in a flashlight holder OR a No.12 in a home made leather sheath.
A No.6 fits easily into my "Sunday go to meetin' " pants.
Plus I have a curved pruner for gardening chores.
Hoping to get one of the slim Filet Knives soon.
 
Sixmoon, those are the nicest Opinel pictures I've ever seen. Huge thumbs up if you're the photographer.

And the locking system detail, genius
Click to expand...

Interesting thing regarding the locks...
The Opinel knife was first made in 1890, but didn't have a lock until 1955. It took almost fifty more years to lock when in closed position. :)
 
Bob W said:
Sixmoon, those are the nicest Opinel pictures I've ever seen. Huge thumbs up if you're the photographer.
Interesting thing regarding the locks...
The Opinel knife was first made in 1890, but didn't have a lock until 1955. It took almost fifty more years to lock when in closed position. :)
Click to expand...
Hey Bob :)
Yes i'm the photographer, thanks a ton for your comment !
You're right about the locks ! i remember seing a lot of non locking opinels in the mountains of south of France when i grew up, i'm glad they added the lock , these knives are sharp haha :D
 
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