Opinel #6 for my first Opinel?

MattyLav

MattyLav

Joined
Jun 28, 2012
Messages
2,159
Hello, I want to get my first Opinel. How is the 6? Would it be a good first Opinel? I know they are inexpensive so I could get a few, but I want to make sure I like them. so what are your thoughts on it?
Thanks for any help, MattyLav.
 
For me the #6 is a great 1st Opinel, it small enough for most pockets, and just large enough to go 1/2 way through a large apple. The beauty of the Opie's is that they are affordable enough for most folks to try one or two out for size without breaking the bank.
 
sitflyer said:
For me the #6 is a great 1st Opinel, it small enough for most pockets, and just large enough to go 1/2 way through a large apple. The beauty of the Opie's is that they are affordable enough for most folks to try one or two out for size without breaking the bank.
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Thank you very much, they look really neat.
 
As you may already know, the #6 is the smallest with the locking ring, so it's a great place to start.

I was sure I wanted a #6 until I compared it directly with a #7. The 7 seemed just a lit-tle more useful, while not feeling notably Larger (unlike when I compared some of the larger knives to the next number up-- I notice much more difference between a #9 and a #10, for example).

Had I not had a #7 nearby, however, I would have been well-pleased with the #6.

So yes, a #6 is a fine place to start, and maybe end. :)

~ P.
 
To me, the 6 feels like a Peanut or other small slipjoint.

The 7 feels more like an SAK in terms of comparable length.

The 8 is noticeably long without being too big. It's the most popular size and my favorite.

The 9 and 10 have wider blades and are significantly more knife. More like a Buck lockback.

If you can describe what you plan on using them for, people may be able to give better advice.

Interestingly, I don't hear as many folks loving the 7 as the 6 and 8.

If you like short, the 6 is great. Beyond that, I think the 8 is beautifully proportioned. Just big enough to fit into the hand.
 
pinnah said:
To me, the 6 feels like a Peanut or other small slipjoint.

The 7 feels more like an SAK in terms of comparable length.

The 8 is noticeably long without being too big. It's the most popular size and my favorite.

The 9 and 10 have wider blades and are significantly more knife. More like a Buck lockback.

If you can describe what you plan on using them for, people may be able to give better advice.

Interestingly, I don't hear as many folks loving the 7 as the 6 and 8.

If you like short, the 6 is great. Beyond that, I think the 8 is beautifully proportioned. Just big enough to fit into the hand.
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thank you, I do like short, so I'm going to buy it. Thanks everyone
 
You twist it to lock the blade open or closed.

Op8-1.jpg


OP8-3.jpg


Op8-2.jpg
 
For front pocket carry I like the 6 better than the 8. The 8 may be a more versatile size though, and now I need to check into a 7...
 
I actually prefer the 8 or 9 - I like the handle to be a bit longer on knives which flare at the end + I mainly break out an Opinel when I want something long and slicy.
 
I think the 7 is ideal. My .02. The 8 is a little big in the pocket and the 6 is a wee bit small. Weight isn't an issue. Gotta love em.
 
That is a fantastic knife, whatever the circumstances. Perfect for pocket carry, timeless, beautiful, functional, economical. What more can you ask for? :D :D :D
 
As for the general consensus on Opinel's, you've had enough here, and on this subforum, but let me add my vote :)
As for size...
Strangely enough, the #6 is considered a smallish size for Opinel's, but it's not really that small. I assume that the lightweight and inobtrusive profile make people feel like it's smaller than it actually is.
An Opinel #6 is as long as a standard SAK and, to me, is the perfect size for pocket carry. But that's abviously a very personal thing :rolleyes:
I suggest you to grab a #6 and start from there...then time will tell. The #6 (as for #8) can be found in "alternative" woods (rosewood, olive, etc) so your range of choice is also a bit wider.

Fausto
:cool:
Fausto
:cool:
 
My modified No 6 is my almost contant companion.
The no 8 fits my big mitts way better, but the no 6 is much more pocket friendly for me.
And being a coach potatoe/city slicker I don't need a bigger blade for my day to day cuttings.
 
Pinnah said it better then I could. My hand likes my #8 the best the #7 is a good compromisor, and the #6 carries for me easily the best. I'm still a little more partial to my origianl #8. I hardly ever use the ring although I find it better to use on my #6 since it closes and opens the lightest but it is the hardest to do one handed opening. Here's all three in comparison...
004-7.jpg

005-7.jpg
 
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