Opinel downsizing

One of my favorite all time EDC's is the #6 stainless Opinels I find the Ergo's to be very nice and the blade steel(which I think is 12C27 Sandvick) to be more than adequete.
 
quattromori said:
Got my new #6 today. In the end, I found out that I liked the looks of rosewood better than walnut (the contrast between the satin stainless blade and the darker handle just looks better to me), so I went for it (the rosewood #6 also came with a simple sheath. I'm still deciding if I will treat the wood somehow, or just leave it as it is and just oil/wax the pivot. I will take some pics soon.
So far, the "missing" cm passes unnoticed. Well, maybe not really unnoticed, but not an issue for sure Actually, the difference between blade length is a bit bigger than what Pinnah pointed out (between the #8 and #6 there's more than half an inch); there's more or less one cm extra for each size number. But the great thing about Opinel is that the size choice is so wide that you can just decide by handling the two subsequent sizes if you have any doubt. That's what I did this morning. So, as I suspected, I going down the size path.
About the blade shape, I find that the drop point suits the slicing abilities of the Opinel better than a spear blade, but that's just personal preference. I was grown up cutting and slicing food with drop point blades, so I guess it's also a matter of habit. The only time my Opinel made me bleed is when I managed to get it real sharp (thanks to David and other forumites for helping me with my freehand skills). I have to say, I was sort of happy that I had cut myself.
Fausto
:cool:
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Sort of an interesting reaction, isn't it? Without fail, every time I've managed to cut myself with a blade that I'd sharpened myself, I always end up feeling quite happy that I'm 'doing it right'. Sounds a little warped, but there it is, nevertheless. :D
 
I have one opinel #6 but I dunno where I put it lol...when I find it I want to slot out the handle and pin some antler slabs on it. Very affordable and modifiable.
 
First off, after reading this thread, I am very pleased to know that Opinel is NOT downsizing.:D:thumbup:

Secondly, I think I'll put my carbon six in my pocket for the remainder of the day. ;)

PS- I wish they would make some carbon blades with special woods. I really like the look of their olive wood, among others.
 
quattromori said:
Actually, the difference between blade length is a bit bigger than what Pinnah pointed out (between the #8 and #6 there's more than half an inch); there's more or less one cm extra for each size number.
Fausto
:cool:
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Oy! So sorry. That'll teach me to rely on a losusy web site!

I think / hope I found better information on the Australian Opinel site.

#9 - 9.0cm 3.54"
#8 - 8.5cm 3.35"
#7 - 8.0cm 3.15"
#6 - 7.0cm 2.75"

Assuming this info is true, then the #6 is the same size as my Old Timer 5OT. I find that to be a good size for a general purpose pocket knife, but soon as food prep is involved, then something north of 3" feels better to me.

But its all good. I think the #6 would be perfect for my son.

What great knives!
 
The Government said:
......PS- I wish they would make some carbon blades with special woods. I really like the look of their olive wood, among others.
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Actually, the beechwood in my recent #6 carbon looks really nice. It has a deeper color than the older beechwood handles.

opinel6.jpg
 
I don't really know why, but it seems that Opinel chose to produce all their "alternative handles" knives ("exotic" wood, horn, decorated wood) in stainless...which is fine for me, but I agree that they should make some in carbon steel too.
Beechwood is the classic Opinel...nonetheless, I think that olive does look better, walnut too, and rosewood even more. Never saw the bubinga handle version. I also saw one of the "decorated wood" handles yesterday, it gets way more expensive, but it sure looks very nice (the one I saw had a touch of African decoration that I loved).
Pics coming soon....
Fausto
:cool:
 
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I like my Opi's as well, but find the 6 a bit awkward in my hand without modification.:(
I sure wish the number 5 came with a locking ring.

Untill that time, No. 7 is my favourite.:thumbup:

Au carbon of course since I hate fruit with a passion.:p
 
spydutch said:
......Au carbon of course since I hate fruit with a passion.:p
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Used my #6 carbon to cut open a box today. Didn't notice the staples :mad:. The edge was in bad shape, but it took only about a minute to get it shaving sharp again. Good ol' Opinel carbon steel!
 
Regarding the coloring of the beechwood on the carbon knives, here's my old #8 with the handle sanded and several coats of Tung Oil.

opinel.JPG


The tung oil gives an incredibly nice feel in the hand and darkens the grain in a way that is suitable to my eyes. Very warm looking.

Note the oil staining by the joint. No amount of sanding is going to fix that I think. But, that's ok.
 
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Found my #6 in a box lol...I might not mod this one, the wood seems rather nice! I sanded the black opinel stamp off the wood and finished with clove oil. :)
 
The title of this thread had me going, almost went out and bought a handful of opinels to do my part in keeping them afloat! lol (still might)

I too find myself wishing I went with a smaller sized opinel, the #8 was great when I was going through a ton of breads, cheeses and cold cuts (I like to but whole loaves and salamis). But now I just find a #8 to be too much blade.
 
Just ordered a carbon #8 today. It will be my first Opinel. I never heard of them until just a few months ago. Everyone says they are an outstanding value so I figured what the heck for $11.95 I'll try one
 
Welcome to the club. :)
Regardless from the size thing (we all have different needs and habits - to me the #8 is too big), all Opinel's share the same outstanding qualities. You will discover them soon.

Fausto
:cool:
 
quattromori said:
Welcome to the club. :)
Regardless from the size thing (we all have different needs and habits - to me the #8 is too big), all Opinel's share the same outstanding qualities. You will discover them soon.

Fausto
:cool:
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Thanks I hope I enjoy the knives as much as you all do
 
OK got the number 8 today. Took it out of the envelop (no box) and looked it over. Not too inpressive at first glance. After playing with it a while I did start to get the hang of it though, The blade was razor sharp and it worked as advertised. I guess that's all you should expect for $12. It did have a good feel in my hand. I will have to use it for week or so to see if I really like it though
 
Give it some time. You might found out that it's not a question of 12$ or 100$...it's just a fine knife.
Here's (finally) my new rosewood #6.

dsc0416g.jpg


Fausto
:cool:
 
For me if it was purely down to having a practical, every day cutting item the Opinel would win hands down. One of only a handful of folding knives with a full convex grind that I'm aware of, easy to sharpen, outslices every other knife I've got, great ergonomics, light, simple and easy to modify. I'm one of many people here who possess many knives, some quite expensive yet the Opinel costs a fraction and is easily in my top three favourites! Oh the irony!
 
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