Opinel #8

[UnknownVT]

The Opinel #8 is the most popular size - the handle length is approx the same as a typical fixed blade hunter -

shown with - top to bottom Hendrix #11 (~3 1/4" blade, ~4 1/8" handle) Opinel #8 (~3 1/4" blade, ~4 1/4" handle) and Hendrix #1 (~3 5/8" blade, ~4 3/8" handle)

The newer ones have a cutout on the locking collar to lock the blade closed -

Details of the blade and stamping -

these two blade are the same, it's just a fortuitous anomoly in the way the two blades lie on my scanner that have resulted in lighting these two blades differently - therefore showing the differnt aspects of the blade(s).

The Opinel blades are full convex ground - many say they are zero bevel edges - this is NOT quite accurate - examining the edges carefully there is a very narrow bevel on the final edge - I know these two knives have been sharpened by me - but I also have an unsharpened Opinel #8 commemorative from circa 1986 - that definitely shows this micro edge bevel

There have been posts that have discussed some Opinels have come pretty UNsharp - whereas many attest Opinels are some of the sharpest knives from the factory.....

Well...maybe.......both could be right?

Discounting knives that have managed to slip past quality control (and there are bound to be some) - I would say that my two samples here were real sharp from the factory.... but were also UNsharp.

No, I have not developed a case of schizophrenia (yet ) - when I examined both blades near the tip - I was chaised to find they were not only UNsharp but blatently BLUNT. So much so that I had to re-ground the blades to get these parts to be sharp (look at the tip) -

.

Being fully convex ground with only a micro edge bevel - the Opinels respond really well to stropping - either on leather or cardboard - and the blades even the stainless ones (my preference for low maintenance) can get truly scary sharp........

All this for about $8........ the Opinel #8 has got to be one of the outstanding knife bargains.

Notes:
Opinel #8 comes with either plain (non-stainless) carbon steel (8 VRN, model#113080) or stainless (inox) (8 VRI, model#123080) steel blades.

They also are available in various handles

Beware that there is a series of Opinels withOUT locking collars.

Opinel Catalog Page

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net

 

[GarageBoy]

The small ones don't have locking collars. Ok for cutting fruit, just DONT press down. A blacked out #5 is my EDC

 

[UnknownVT]

The small ones don't have locking collars.

I believe all these carbon models are withOUT locking collars -

(right photo is very small image of model#111080 - an Opinel #8 withOUT collar)
CODE DESIGNATION LONG. LAME
111020 N°2 3,5 cm
111030 N°3 4 cm
111040 N°4 5 cm
111050 N°5 6 cm
111060 N°6 7 cm
111080 N°8 8,5 cm

as you see that includes a #8 size........


Carbon with locking collar -
CODE DESIGNATION LONG. LAME
113060 6 VRN 7 cm
113070 7 VRN 8 cm
113080 8 VRN 8,5 cm
113090 9 VRN 9 cm
113100 10 VRN 10 cm
113120 12 VRN 12 cm

Stainless with locking collar -
CODE DESIGNATION LONG. LAME
123060 6 VRI 7 cm
000693 7 VRI 8 cm
123080 8 VRI 8,5 cm
123100 10 VRI 10cm

ref: http://www.opinel.com/FR/catalogue/tradition.htm

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net

 

[Don Luis]

Great post and pictures as usual Vincent, Opinels are great. here´s a scan of mine, I love a handle that I can easily customize.

Luis

 

[lambertiana]

I have two #8s. They came with the small bevel, not full convex, but the way they are ground makes them excellent cutters. Hard to beat for the the price. If I am going to a picnic or large food-based gathering, I always bring one along. The only thing I don't like is that when it is closed, the blade will rest with the edge pressed into the wood of the handle.

 

[brownshoe]

Opinel edges vary widely. Williams Sonoma carries one size, 8 I believe. They have a bin of up to 30 of the same model. Most are sharp but can be much sharper. Some have micro bevels. Some are ground better than others. About one in 7 has a great grind. But you shouldn't expect more from a cheap knive made in a western country.

Why would anyone want the stainless version when the carbon is such a classic and performs so good?

 

[Grover_Cephas]

UVT: Those're some great Opinel's... and some gorgeous handmades.

D'you know if Mr. Hendrix is still "in the business"? His website seems to be down.

 

[UnknownVT]

... and some gorgeous handmades.
D'you know if Mr. Hendrix is still "in the business"? His website seems to be down.

It must be one of those "internet things"....
because Wayne (not Jimi) Hendrix knife web site seems to be up -

http://hendrixknives.com/knives.htm

The image of the Hendrix #1 polished blade didn't come out that well - there are better and more detailed images posted in The Gallery section -

Hendrix

[I noticed that there are some photos in follow up posts that no longer show -
I'll update those a bit later....]

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I have a #8 that I use on occasion. The knife came dull, but only took a few minutes to touch up. I think it is a bargain of a knife for the $10.00 or so retail price.

 

[Grover_Cephas]

It must be one of those "internet things"....
because Wayne (not Jimi) Hendrix knife web site seems to be up -

[whistles]

Those knives're beauts. And the prices are amazingly reasonable. Thanks for the link!

 

[Mongo]

I have a no. 8 with a drop point... I can't remember where I bought it, but I wish I had a dozen more. I can't seem to find them anywhere either.

 

[Bob W]

My Opinel is the ~only~ knife I ever carry. It's been through he11. My only complaint is that sand sometimes gets into the locking ring. But for $12 I'm not complaining loudly.

-Bob

 

[OwenM]

I have a no. 8 with a drop point...

Me, too. 'Cause I have a Dremel tool
Great knife. I reprofiled the edge and cut happily ever after. Outcuts all but a couple of my other, much more expensive knives, and actually holds an edge quite well.

 

[Tom Krein]

Have been eyeing these knives for a long time, but never tried one. Just got a stainless #8 in a trade and am truely impressed at the value and cutting ability. I have the one with the locking collar that not only locks it open but closed as well. Mine came pretty sharp, but the tip portion was really dull. It cuts well now and I look forward to seeing how it will hold an edge. For the money I would recomend getting one or two.

Tom