okapi or opinel -- help me decide

A

alephlex

Joined
May 4, 2005
Messages
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I've always been interested in traditional style working blades. And I'm in the market for a new folder.

I've got opinels and love how they cut. Recently, I've been in touch with someone who can get me an okapi which I haven't tried before.

So right now, I have a choice between an opinel #12 and a large locking okapi.

What shall I go for guys?
 
I had both, the edge of the Okapi had a ding where it would hit the brass pivot pin when closed. Opinel was fine, but at these prices, QC consistency for either can't be assured.
 
I've got an Opinel 12. It's a BIG knife, but lightweight and very sharp. Most okapis would compare more in size with an Opinel 8.

I'd say go for the Opinel for a little more class, or the okapi for the slightly cruder, exotic style.
 
Get a Sebenza!


(Seriously now),

I'd say go for the Opinel for a little more class, or the okapi for the slightly cruder, exotic style.
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That is sage advice.

But, if I were faced with your choice, I'd want the one I don't presently have.
 
I like the Okapi. Despite being 5 1/2" closed, with a 4" blade, it's very easy to pocket. The carbon steel blade takes a fantastic edge, on par with the Opinel. Plus it handles well and looks really interesting.
 
I agree with the above recommendation to get both - you will probably alternate regularly about which one is best. If you want something better and a bit different in traditional knives, try the New Zealand made Svord Peasant Knife.
 
I have both & they are great knives for the money. I favor the Okapi as it has never swelled shut on me. The steel is about the same in both. ragweedforge.com carries both listed under Other Traditional Knives. You really can't go wrong here.
 
hardheart said:
at these prices, QC consistency for either can't be assured
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Opinel generally has better QC than Okapi, for what it's worth to you.
To balance the equation... my Opinel's handle has swollen up on a couple of occasions, making the knife more difficult to open. Doesn't bother me in the least, though.
If you already have an Opie or two, try out an Okapi just "because."
The Okapi locking mechanism is really neat, and the knives have a lot of history behind them.
I have both, and like them just fine; if you already have one, try the other. :)
 
I have both, I prefer the Opinel...just seems to be a better knife, and I like the way it opens and locks better. But I have to agree with another poster...they are really cheap..get one of each! You can NEVER have too many knives can you? (this is coming from someone seriously overrun with them...lol)
 
OK, this is the sound of the bank balance dropping! :o) Thank goodness the both opinels and okapis are cheap little things -- The number of times I've heard 'buy both' here is scary! :o)

Anyway, I think I'll go with those of you who suggested that I try out the okapis just so that I learn something new this time around. I already have an opinel so it's worth exploring another style.

I just can't get over how great the opinels are for the price though -- never had a knife this sharp before. I can push cut sticks the size of my forefinger and the opinel just slices through the stuff like it didn't exist.

I'm now really curious about the NZ Svords. Thanks to 2manyknives who mentioned them. Maybe next time. ;o)

Thank you all for the suggestions
 
Both, if you have to pick pick the one you like better! It's your money, they perform almost the same to me...
 
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