Just got my first SAK and my first Opinel. Which is the most fascinating to me?

The Slims are so nice! Light, trim, pretty polish job, good-looking handle, I'm not surprised you're into it!
 
steve-in-kville said:
Yup. Got a #6 Carbone and a #10 slim. This lock style amazes me. 'Nuff said?
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Be a bit careful with that lock.

It's kind of an add on after thought that Opinel stuck on there in 1955, and it's not really that secure. If you have the blade locked closed, and you pull hard against the lock, you can pop it off and send it flying. If you have the blade locked open, don't bet that the lock will take a lot of pressure like the lock back on a Buck knife or other modern locking blade knife. Treat the knife like a slip joint when it's open and you'll be okay. It's just a piece of spring sheet metal that's on there with friction. I just use mine like a friction folder.
 
agreed on that point of being thoughtful with the opinel lock, in fact depending on the tension of the wood, you may not need it, or it may become very important for holding it closed. They are a very organic, highly variable tool, which is part of the joy really. But its simple, cheap, and effective within its design, how many other devices can claim that?
 
Opinel is a great knife particularly when considering the price but I think you'll find that SAK one of the most useful tools you will ever own.
 
jackknife said:
Be a bit careful with that lock. ... If you have the blade locked closed, and you pull hard against the lock, you can pop it off and send it flying. If you have the blade locked open, don't bet that the lock will take a lot of pressure like the lock back on a Buck knife or other modern locking blade knife. Treat the knife like a slip joint when it's open and you'll be okay.
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I have a good bit more confidence in Opinel's locks than Carl. However, his point about treating a "locked" knife like a slipjoint is sage advice. In fact, I've made a point of teaching this to my kids about using any folding knife.

But back to steve-in-kville's original point ....... You really can't go wrong with Victorinox and Opinel knives. Use yours in good health, man! :thumbup:

-- Mark
 
Opinels are so cool. So simple, so effective. The Vics are great, too. Gotta few of those laying around. :D
 
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