need opinions on the opinel no. 12

N

Nathan Blackall

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Jul 13, 2015
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i've been carrying my little opinel no.6 as my EDC for a while now and it's great! i can put an edge on it in five minutes keen enough to shave with! the only problem is that i whittle and the blade is just too delicate for heavy work and for this reason i went looking in my local knife store for a hardier blade and soon encountered the opinel no.12. the balde is thicker and sturdier but a couple of things worry me; 1. i've never seen a folder that big, does the joint strain with heavy use? and 2. unlike my 6 the blade is shiny as if it's stainless steel as opposed to carbon (the primary reason for my interest was carbon steel) anyone got any answers on this one?
 
The No.12 is stainless, but it'll provide comparable performance to their carbon steel models. It's a pretty sturdy knife, so I wouldn't be too concerned.
 
Nathan, the 12's are also available in carbon steel. I have a pair myself and they are labelled as such.
 
I have the #12 in carbon (yes, the 12 does come in carbon and stainless :cool:) and, although quite large, it is a very tough knife and a lot of fun to use. I also have the high polish stainless in bubinga wood slim #12 which I love using for food prep :D.
 
Hah--I actually wasn't aware that they had it in carbon. My current suppliers only stock the stainless one. May need to inquire with them about that.
 
So, question about the larger opinels. I've been thinking about gifting away a few stainless 12's to family friends as part of a "picnic basket" type gift.

I own a #6 carbon and quite like it. I'll just not sure if the 10 or 12 would be better for that type of use. Any thoughts?

And as far as durability, I've not got the slightest clue. I do hear that the pivots are surprisingly strong, and I can't actually remember hearing about anyone breaking one.

Personally I think the 9 or 10 would be about the largest id ever consider regularly carrying. The 12 is almost a full foot long when unfolded, and I honestly can't think of anything id need such a large folder for on a daily basis (although, as a folding chefs/picnic knife it makes sense to me).

Anyway, I hope you find the answers your looking for :).
 
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I have the #12 in carbon and use it mostly in the kitchen for cutting veggies. I think the #9 is about the perfect size for everyday type chores. IMO

Never any problems with failure with my Opinels,but I'm not getting crazy with them either.

Good luck!
 
Opinel stainless is 12c27mod which walks and talks like carbon. Keen edge, responds to knife steels well, easy to sharpen, fine grained, yadda. I've heard it compared to the old Schrade carbon steel.

I find their carbon on the soft side with too much edge rolling. Unless patina is the sticking point, get the stainless.
 
ocnLogan: as I indicated, I love using the #12 slim for food prep. I believe it would be perfect for a "picnic basket" type gift. Again, the bubinga with high polish stainless is functional for that purpose and quite beautiful (to my eyes :) )
 
I have one and its held up well. When I first got it, I used it in the kitchen, but like an idiot I didn't take proper care of it. It developed some rust problems around the pivot area that is hard to keep clean and dry. It sat neglected in the garage for about a year and developed more rust. One day I took it in and cleaned and sharpened it. Still going strong. It should handle what you want it to do with no problem, but it is BIG.
 
davek14 said:
Opinel stainless is 12c27mod which walks and talks like carbon. Keen edge, responds to knife steels well, easy to sharpen, fine grained, yadda. I've heard it compared to the old Schrade carbon steel.

I find their carbon on the soft side with too much edge rolling. Unless patina is the sticking point, get the stainless.
Click to expand...

really? i had hithero never heard of that, and my years of 440A and 420 steels has made me distrust and dislike stainless (understandably i feel) have you used this steel type? i'm very eager to be proved wrong on my opinion of stainless steel, as i currently intensively dislike it.
 
Nathan Blackall said:
thank you, what's the largest opinel carbon model?
Click to expand...

The Opinel #13 is stainless only, but there's not a huge difference in cutting ability between their stainless and carbon.

[youtube]Mz6KHl5HbNk[/youtube]

The #9 is a great size for using, but I find it a bit too bulky for pocket carry. I keep a #9 in my briefcase, and it's great for pack carry.
#7 is perfect for pocket carry.
 
Nathan Blackall said:
really? i had hithero never heard of that, and my years of 440A and 420 steels has made me distrust and dislike stainless (understandably i feel) have you used this steel type? i'm very eager to be proved wrong on my opinion of stainless steel, as i currently intensively dislike it.
Click to expand...

Neither their carbon steel or stainless are anything special; the magic of Opinel is their thin blades and fine cutting edges. :thumbup:
 
Nathan Blackall said:
really? i had hithero never heard of that, and my years of 440A and 420 steels has made me distrust and dislike stainless (understandably i feel) have you used this steel type? i'm very eager to be proved wrong on my opinion of stainless steel, as i currently intensively dislike it.
Click to expand...

I have used Opinel stainless. I'm a carbon steel lover myself. The knives I have the most of are old USA made Schrades. I dislike 440A in it's Rough Rider incarnation at least. Opinel stainless is fine grained and easy to sharpen. To me, it is much like carbon steel. It is nothing special in that it is certainly not a high carbide super steel. Their carbon steel is too soft.

If you like carbon steel, as I do, I think you will like it. Look up 12c27.

What don't you like about stainless? Personally I feel *cheaper* stainless' are hard to sharpen and dull quickly to a working edge.


(edited to add)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...nless-has-the-closest-characteristics-to-1095

Here is a good and recent thread about stainless steels which are similar to carbon-steel. 12c27 is mentioned.

*The following is totally my opinion.*

Many company's version of AUS-8 are great if you like carbon steel. Maybe a bit harder with better edge retention.

12c27 is an even better steel if you like carbon. It'll take a fine edge and get it back quickly. From what I've seen it's more consistently good than AUS-8. 12c27mod (as in Opinel) has a bit less carbon and isn't quite as good, however Opinel has a good heat treat and makes the most of it.
 
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