My Opinel came in the mail. First impressions.

[Omega Leather Works]

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

It's not that kinda knife.

Czechmate thanks- Yeah I'll be doing something with the wood. Not sure what though.

Hfin - I like a regular patina too. I especially like the markings on your vintage knife though.

 

[The-Stig]

I have a #10 in stainless with the cork screw. It came super sharp and I've only stropped it since. I've used it in the kitchen countless times. This knife was born to slice!

 

[okbow68]

I'm sure diggin my recently acquired #8 carbon

 

[upnorth]

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'm glad that I came across this thread. I have seen these knives for years and thought that they were cheesey junk. I'm starting to change my mind and become interested. :thumbup:

 

[HFinn]

It's not that kinda knife.

Czechmate thanks- Yeah I'll be doing something with the wood. Not sure what though.

Hfin - I like a regular patina too. I especially like the markings on your vintage knife though.

Thanks. It is an old nr 10, that was rusty by neglect. I sandpapered the blade clean, reshaped the handle and mustard-patinated the blade. Handle is waxed with antique oak wax.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

You know... I was playing with my knife, as I am wont to do..., and my hand slipped. What kept this from becoming a "screwed up, had to visit the E.R." thread was the unique shape of the handle.

Honestly, with no guards or traction to speak of I'm rethinking modding the handle. Had I grown up with slipjoints and saks I probably wouldn't have slipped... I dunno... maybe I'm spoiled by modern folders. I AM seriously considering breaking out the dremel for a little jimping love on the back of the blade. Just a little for my thumb to seek purchase. After a near miss the thing feels suspiciously smooth. Too smooth.

We'll see.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I'm glad that I came across this thread. I have seen these knives for years and thought that they were cheesey junk. I'm starting to change my mind and become interested. :thumbup:

My understanding is that if you like slicers (my fav) you will be hard pressed to find a better package. Especially for 12 bucks.

 

[upnorth]

My understanding is that if you like slicers (my fav) you will be hard pressed to find a better package. Especially for 12 bucks.

Therein lies the dillema. I realized after that I can get wonderful slicing, and very strong, Moras for the same few bucks. I'll probably grab one out of curiosity more than anything else.

 

[jackknife]

I'm glad that I came across this thread. I have seen these knives for years and thought that they were cheesey junk. I'm starting to change my mind and become interested. :thumbup:

A lot of people make that mistake, and it's a shame. Opinel's are very good knives for a very small price. They can be deceptive, in that because of the simple construction and light weight, they seem cheap and flimsy. But an Opinel is far more rugged and durable than you would believe. I got my first one in 1982, and have been adicted to them ever since. I think it's the slice and dice abiltiy of these things. An Opinel cuts like very few other knives, and is so easy to touch up the edge. Once you get used to them, it's hard to go without one.

I've found the stainless Opinels to be just as good, if not a bit better than the carbon blades. In 2001 or so, Opinel switched their stainless to Sandvick 12C27, and takes full advantage of the heat treat to get every bit out of it that they can.

Once you sand and shape the handle to your own spec, it becomes a personalized knife.

Carl.

 

[Czechmate]

A lot of people make that mistake, and it's a shame. Opinel's are very good knives for a very small price. They can be deceptive, in that because of the simple construction and light weight, they seem cheap and flimsy. But an Opinel is far more rugged and durable than you would believe. I got my first one in 1982, and have been adicted to them ever since. I think it's the slice and dice abiltiy of these things. An Opinel cuts like very few other knives, and is so easy to touch up the edge. Once you get used to them, it's hard to go without one.

I've found the stainless Opinels to be just as good, if not a bit better than the carbon blades. In 2001 or so, Opinel switched their stainless to Sandvick 12C27, and takes full advantage of the heat treat to get every bit out of it that they can.

Once you sand and shape the handle to your own spec, it becomes a personalized knife.

Carl.

^^^ This.

Once you start using and modding Opi's it's hard to stop! :thumbup:

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Therein lies the dillema. I realized after that I can get wonderful slicing, and very strong, Moras for the same few bucks. I'll probably grab one out of curiosity more than anything else.

How many Moras can you buy though?

That said, I really need to pick up a Mora!