My Opinel came in the mail. First impressions.

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Omega Leather Works

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Jun 13, 2007
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It just came in 5 minutes ago, so obviously I haven't had a lot of time to mess with it, but two things I've noticed right off the bat.

1. It's much smaller than I thought.

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It's an 8 btw. I actually really like the size, but I may get a larger one.

and

2. It's dull. Like I can see flats on parts of the edge, rub your finger across it and nothing happens dull.

Oh well. I have a sharpener for that.

Overall I like it a lot so far for the money.

:)
 
An Opinel is often underwhelming at first. But, it's one of those things that the more you use it, the more it grows on you and you can see why it's so popular. Like a nice whiskey, it's sometimes an acquired taste.
 
It'll sharpen up super quick and easy, so no worries there! The No.8 is a great general use/carry size but if you're looking for larger then the No.10 would be a good bet. :)
 
Nah, get an Opi #13 then see what you think. Size matters for sure. :D

The #8 is a fine knife; it'll grow on you once you sharpen it (and see how easily it takes a laser edge) and in use once you see how it performs for an inexpensive knife. Good purchase for sure. :thumbup:
 
Do you know the French way of opening it? Tap the end of the handle (the boot looking part) on something solid - a table or your elbow, to pop the blade out of the handle a bit, which makes it easier to grab. Its as fun as flicking open more modern knives, and more stylish IMO
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
if you're looking for larger then the No.10 would be a good bet. :)
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My first thought too. The 9 isn't that much larger than the 8, but the 10 is noticeably larger without being outright huge. The next step up from that is the 12, the largest standard model. It's huge. I have two, but I rarely carry them just due to their size. The 10 sounds like it'd be just right for you.
 
Nice. I have a #8 as well. If I remember correctly Opinel sends them with out a secondary bevel so you can choose what kind of edge to put on it. I believe Opinels are a zero convex grind. It is so thin though that it is easy to put a V edge on it. They slice like crazy. I was just thinking today if we could get a modern steel in an Opinel platform, M390 or CTS-XHP :eek:.
 
I would compare it to 1095. I have an old No 8 that I bought in 1978 and it still gets daily use. Those blades will take an edge that is scary and are very easy to touch up. One of the cheapest and best knives I have ever seen. You will love it. Use it in your kitchen for a week. It slices. It dices. It makes real FRENCH Julienne fries. Be very glad you bought the Carbone.
 
I think it'll grow on you. They seem a bit outlandish, and kinda awkward, but are actually pretty useful and utilitarian. The blades aren't for prying and using as a screwdriver though, but will cut like crazy.
 
Both the carbon and stainless do a phenomenal job. I EDC either a carbon No.8 or a stainless No.8 pruner alongside my trust CS Bushman. They make great homesteading knives.
 
drail said:
I would compare it to 1095. I have an old No 8 that I bought in 1978 and it still gets daily use. Those blades will take an edge that is scary and are very easy to touch up. One of the cheapest and best knives I have ever seen. You will love it. Use it in your kitchen for a week. It slices. It dices. It makes real FRENCH Julienne fries. Be very glad you bought the Carbone.
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^^^ This.

Here's my number #8:
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Gotta love the opi's that's for sure. :thumbup:
 
I received one a few years back and was a bit underwhelmed by the Opinel.

Until I sharpened and stropped it.

The steel (carbon) was and is a joy to work with. I can get it quite keen......scary sharp. And the blade does slice very well. All of that in a very affordable package with a simplistic build.

Enjoy your new knife.
 
For the record I find their stainless to perform comparably to their carbon steel in all respects save corrosion resistance (obviously) so it comes down to the question of if you like patina or not and if you plan on frequently cutting acidic foods like fruit do you mind the stink that carbon steel can give off. I don't mind it personally but some might. You don't really lose anything with the stainless so those who don't care for patina etc. can go with stainless without fear that they're making a tradeoff. Just my experience, though, so feel free to disagree.
 
I got a six the other day, ordered it by mistake when I was actually ordering an 8 instead. I love the thing. Mine wasn't the sharpest when I got it either, but a couple strop swipes and it became a laser. I definitely will be buying more. It makes a great Izula companion in the pocket sheath. I'm kicking myself for not getting one sooner.
 
I really planned on letting the knife get a natural patina, but i couldn't resist.

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I may remove it eventually and go for the natural look. For now i think it's gorgeous.

Oh, and yes... It is now very, very sharp. I love carbon steel. I wouldn't have ordered a SS model. I may eventually though.
 
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Hm, this thread made me get out me N°10 and i am slightly bothered by how i can not handle drop it open like my buck 110
If they would make a model with g-10 handlessss
 
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