Impressed with Opinels 12c27 Sandvik :) and their blade geometry!

[lonestar1979]

I have used Opinel no10 in 12c27 exclusively for 2 months for all kinds of cutting,kitchen,garden,camping,etc.This steel and blade geometry on Opinel impressed me more than most other knives I have.Really easy to sharpen on dmt folding sharpener in just few strokes,this knife keeps cutting and cutting.Excellent inexpensive knife, and I wish there were more knives with same blade thickness and geometry.The only downside is wood handle that swells and is then hard to open-close.Otherwise ,best pocket knife for money-period!I will try to have made handle from something else and then fit my no10 inox blade in it,along with locking ring.Opinel should sell these knives with handles in other materials.Theres versions with plastic handles but its serrated.

 

[Rich S]

Opinels are great knives. They do sell them in a variety of woods. I grind a notch in the handle with my Dremel rotary sander to make a "easy opener". Then restain and spray lacquer the handle. I have 3 Opies (6,7,8) - all with lock rings, two in carbon and one in stainless (which I do like).
Rich

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I would be very happy if more modern folders took their cues on geometry from traditionals like the Opinel. I can't bring myself to give up the convenience of modern design, but it's always refreshing to use a knife that was really and truly designed to cut.

 

[jackknife]

I love the Opinel blade and the 12C27 steel. But the wood handle issues was what ultimately killed the knife for me. I fooled around for ,amy years trying every thing to seal the wood, from linseed oil soaks to wax and hair drier to melt it into the wood. Still swelled if wet enough. Twice I found myself out in nature with knife I couldn't get open. Kayaks and canoes don't mis well with Opinels.

I do wish knife companies would just go back to making knives that were designed to cut, instead of prying open Chinese army tank hatches in some fantasy. Sharp knives that cut well are a wonderful thing. There are too many other knives with flat ground blades for me to waste any more time on Opinels. A Case sodbuster slices almost as well as an Opinel, yet has no water issues and is a sturdier knife.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I have used Opinel no10 in 12c27 exclusively for 2 months for all kinds of cutting,kitchen,garden,camping,etc.This steel and blade geometry on Opinel impressed me more than most other knives I have.Really easy to sharpen on dmt folding sharpener in just few strokes,this knife keeps cutting and cutting.Excellent inexpensive knife, and I wish there were more knives with same blade thickness and geometry.The only downside is wood handle that swells and is then hard to open-close.Otherwise ,best pocket knife for money-period!I will try to have made handle from something else and then fit my no10 inox blade in it,along with locking ring.Opinel should sell these knives with handles in other materials.Theres versions with plastic handles but its serrated.

The stainless Opinels can be had in a wide variety of upgraded wood handles, some of which are less reactive to moisture and more dimensionally stable than others; for example, walnut handles don't swell/shrink as much as the standard beech handles. Even less so, if one takes the time to seal them with a durable finish (boiled linseed oil, polyurethane, Danish Oil, etc). I have one in walnut, which I carried & used for a while with no additional finishing tweaks (the stock handle is bare, untreated wood). I eventually reshaped the handle and then finished it with Danish Oil (mainly for looks), and it has remained as stable as ever.


David

 

[lonestar1979]

Jackknife, yes,blades on Opinels are superb, and perfect for any cutting task.Also sandvik 12c27 is excellent steel, and all Id need.Only problem is handle that swells ,so opening is problem.Opinels slim versions are nice too with thin blades and handles,wish they were made in something else besides wood.Thin blades rule, and 12c27 sharpens up in few strokes on ceramics ,stone or really anything in the field to razor sharp.Hard and high carbide steels hold edge longer,but are much harder to maintain in field without equipment,meanwhile Opinels and similar you can sharpen on back of plate or whatever.