I would like opinions on Opinel knives

It's nothing to be frowned at when i say that the French are a frugal people.
And Opinel being French made isn't something to be frowned at either.
Opinels are quite simply indispensable frugal farm knives which are meant quite literally to be used and carried everyday.
Believe me when I say that you're already missing a-lot if you don't have one.
I have been amorous of my French squeeze ever since I discovered it didn't require much tending too.
I was more than pleased to note that it is perfectly alright to give it a few knocks and humored enough to find that this didn't adversely effect its overall performance.
My advise is to stay away from French kisses, and work towards having a real French affair with something so genuinely warm and yet so totally French as an Opinel. Au revoir.
 
I've had a fair few over the years - the carbon ones are the best, but you do hae to be careful about getting them wet - if wet do not close - you may never be able to open again! The blade is very thin and therefore can be got stupidly sharp, the rest of the design is very minimal. I think they are bulky ugly things but for slicing there is nothing better AT ANY PRICE
 
Blades said:
You want quicker opening?? Cut a hole in the wood by the nail nick.
The handles are too round?? sand them down, make them square.
The handles are too slick?? checker them, cut some groves into them, carve your intials in it, have fun.
Blades
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You miss your shot and ruin it? At this price just buy another :D
 
For the price one can hardly complain.
But I really don't think they are all that terrific.
Their cutting performance is mostly due to the thin blade, but I was rather underwhelmed by the carbon steel.
I guess my biggest complaint with Opinels is the pivot--often the wood swells and the pivot is very tight.

But, as I said before, for the price one can hardly complain.
Every knife nut should have at least one.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Have had one… it was smth like#7 with blackwood handle.
I even opened it one-handed! Turn the ring with thumb and index finger, then flick it open.
 
How do they perform? Edge holding ability? Fit and finish? Overall Quality? Ease of use? Strength? I am familiar with Queen, Case, Victorinox, Spyderco, and Benchmade folders....I know that Opinels are much less expensive than the aforementioned knives, but I would like them contrasted and compared to something with which I am familiar. Thank you all in advance for your time.
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Ease of Use: Opinels are very simple to use. Opening the blade with one hand is difficult as it is not equipped with a thumstud, but the lock is easily manipulated on the locking models. It is called a brevette lock.

Edge: Very fine, and I have yet to have any problems with my edge.

Performance, I like mine, a lot:thumbup: :cool:

Fit and Finish: Is generally excellent. The handle stain may wear over time, but that is not a big deal. On the carbon steel blades, the blade may discolor over time. Also, when it is extremely hot and humid in the Summer the wood swell, and there is added resistence when opening and closing the blade.

Strength: The blade is thin, but I have found it durable. I would avoid using it as a pry tool.
 
I love the Opinels for pure cutting enjoyment however, I have changed my mind on them for pocket EDC. The wood handle swells when your working in 100 degree heat and sweating like a Pig rendering the blade frozen shut & usless. I use them in the home now & do not EDC them. They are great cutters but, have limitations! I guess in Europe it dosn't get that hot or humid to lock them up???
 
you can make the handles pretty resistant to swelling by adding lots of linseed oil.I burnt the surface of mine and melted in candle wax while the handle was still hot ,hasn't swelled in the slightest getting pretty wet
 
Also, isn't there some well-known method for getting a swollen Opinel open by smacking the crap out of it?
 
Most of the problems with Opinel and alike blades can be solved easily with a bit of work.
I customized mine by sanding the handle and coloring it lightly with stain before sealing it with a few coats of tung oil, the carbon steel blade I blued to a beautiful deep blue. A bit of CLP every now and then and it remains rust free. The collar I blued also , and then added a brass thong tube near the end for a lanyard.
All in all the whole package is a very pleasing knife with an old world feel.
No , you arent going to pry your way out of a cave or baton entire forests of trees , much less defend yourself against a bear with it (although I guess you could poke his eye out) :D but all in all they are awesome little blades and for the price , you cannot go wrong.
Buying an Opinel just about redeemed France for me , just about.. ;)
 
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