Opinel 6... or..?

Those guys look pretty sweet, but something about the Opinel just called to me since I first saw one. Maybe the next knife I pick up will be a Mercator, but I've already paid for a No 6 ;)
 
The #8 is sort of their standard size, available in the most varieties. While it's a nice size for using, the round handles make it a bit bulky for pocket carry. It's a great choice for pack carry though, and you could mod the knife by thinning the handles a bit.

I really like the Garden Knife, a #8 with drop point blade.
 
Worrying about cosmetic problems on a Svord peasant is like worrying about the looks of a nail. While lacking perfect symmetry, both items get the job done.
 
Bob W said:
The #8 is sort of their standard size, available in the most varieties. While it's a nice size for using, the round handles make it a bit bulky for pocket carry. It's a great choice for pack carry though, and you could mod the knife by thinning the handles a bit.

I really like the Garden Knife, a #8 with drop point blade.
Click to expand...

My standard mods to my Opinels are related to this. I do the following:
a) Thin the handle's sides with a sanding block. I like the flatter profile and it carries easier.
b) File of the clip point and reduce it to a drop point. I really prefer the drop point for EDC use and by knocking off the up turned clip point I can...
c)...reduce the size of the kicked up part of the butt end. And this allows me to...
d)... shorten the handle a considerable amount.
e) Lastly, I add an easy open notch for one handed opening.

My #8 is almost the size folded as my son's #6. Not quite, but almost. Packs a much longer blade though.
 
dogstar said:
Worrying about cosmetic problems on a Svord peasant is like worrying about the looks of a nail. While lacking perfect symmetry, both items get the job done.
Click to expand...

What a wonderful analogy. I love it because it's so true! :thumbup:

Carl.
 
pinnah said:
My standard mods to my Opinels are related to this. I do the following:
a) Thin the handle's sides with a sanding block. I like the flatter profile and it carries easier.
b) File of the clip point and reduce it to a drop point. I really prefer the drop point for EDC use and by knocking off the up turned clip point I can...
c)...reduce the size of the kicked up part of the butt end. And this allows me to...
d)... shorten the handle a considerable amount.
e) Lastly, I add an easy open notch for one handed opening.

My #8 is almost the size folded as my son's #6. Not quite, but almost. Packs a much longer blade though.
Click to expand...

Sounds cool. :thumbup:

I've never modded one, but I'd start with thinning the handles and adding a lanyard hole.
Even as much as I prefer a drop point, there have been a few times when the super-sharp clip point tip was just the tool needed.
 
Opinels I have are in Bubinga hardwood (got a horn handled filet knife too) It's dark reddish colour, with that ultra thin stainless blade it's the ultimate food knife. Good sized handles, 6,7.8, and weigh next to nothing. Incredibly simple locking collar, this is a clever knife capable of just about anything.
 
I like the #6 also, very similar size as my sodbuster jr.'s. I really like the idea of the modded #8! Same size as a #6 but the slightly thicker blade. May have to try that.
 
I like the 6...but the 7 does more (in a working sense) for me while being just as inobtrusive. It's been months since I've even handled the Opi 6.

BTW, the little tool pockets in carpenter-style jeans are MADE for Opinels. It's like PB&J.
 
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