Okapi vs Opinel

yobbos1

yobbos1

Joined
Mar 29, 2002
Messages
2,342
Which do you like? both have wood handles, carbon steel blades,come in a bunch of sizes and they are dirt cheap! Got one of each on the table in front of me right now. I've got to give the edge in cutting ability to Opinel but the Okapi just looks so damn cool with the inlay and the external spring.
 
Both of these knives are what used be called
"Penny knives" a long time ago. They were intended
as a cheap workingman's knife which accounts for
the very simple design and a little dress up
on the okapi. They are a tribute to a fine tried
and true design in that they still serve the
workingman just as well today as ever while being
a favorite to those who just plain like them.:)
 
Is the Okapi what was once called a "clasp knife"? or is that something else altogether?
 
The large Okapi has a ratcheting locking mechanism similar to that of Spanish clasp knives (navajas). There is a ring which is used to pull the lock spring from the blade to allow closing. Okapi knives are classic working folders, but they're a bit crude in construction. The blades also come very dull so you will have to put a decent edge on them yourself. I like them alot but in my opinion, Opinels have better fit and finish than Okapis. Also, most Okapis vary somewhat when it comes to blade wobble in the open position, so if you're going to order one online you may want to request a hand picked one. Still, the design is simple, rustic and certainly functional. If you want to order one, Ragnar at Ragweed Forge carries them and his service is first class.

http://www.ragweedforge.com/HistoricalKnifeCatalog.html#okapi
 
I like them both really. They each offer excellent value. I personally concider Opinel to be the best inexpensive knives on the market, but have handled only one of the Okapi knives in my life and it was obviously not the model you are talking about since it had no inlays. It was however a very nice knife for the very low price that it sold for.

This is the knife that I got the chance to handle.
 
Can someone post a picture of one half open - I'm trying to suss out how the locking system on those okapi actualy works
cheers
Bile
 
Sure, here it is:

Okapi1b.jpg


Keep in mind that only the large model locks in place. The others work similar to a slip joint folder.
 
Nice looking tool but I think that ring would get on my nerves very quickly. How firmly do they lock?
Bile
 
Bile, most of the models I've handled have slight up/down play when in the locked position, but you would have to physically move the blade up and down with your hand to notice it. Certainly not enough to interfere with the function of the knife. The ring moving about may get on your nerves a bit, but it does not interfere with the knife's use either. Obviously, one cannot expect tight tolerances on a knife with a $10.00 US (average) price range, so the amount of side to side blade wobble will vary from model to model.
 
Hi,

The side to side play on the Okapi's is easy to fix. Just put the hinge in a hard steel surface and rap the hinge rivet with a light hammer. Don't over do this, it's easy to hit it again if you need to. This is the traditional way of adjusting slip joints, and it still works fine. I try to remember to check them before I send them out, but I may have missed some.
As to which is best, as usual it's a series of trade offs. The Okapi come to me very dull, especially in the larger sizes. As mentioned earlier, they are good carbon steel and sharpen easily. I'll put a rough working edge on any I sell for an extra $2. I'd have to say they are less consistent than the Opinel's, but I think they look more interesting (to me), and not everyone wants to fool with the locking ring. They are considerably less expensive than the Opinels, but in this price range that doesn't matter much. You can get either for not much more than the cost of a trip to McDonalds.
The Opinels have excellent blade geometry, and usually better edges. The frictin fit can be a problem. In damp weather the knife can be difficult to open. After much use it can become too loose, and open up in your pocket, which is a hazard. I've cut myself this way. This can be cured by soaking the handle in linseed oil to swell the wood a bit. You don't want to use water for this, because the wood fibers will swell and crush, then will be looser than before when it drys. I've also seen folks drive small tacks in the end of the handle to tighten it up.
I carry both brands (not necessary at the same time), especially when in period attire. Both get modified before I carry them. The Okapi just needs to be sharpened and tightened up if necessary. The Opinel gets the handle reshaped. (See the image) This actually takes a lot longer.
opinel.jpg

Thanks for all the kind words!

"Ragards,"
Ragnar

http://ragweedforge.com
 
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