Opinel knives?

C

Conner Michaux

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Jul 8, 2018
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So ive been looking at the Victorinox farmer, buuut I saw knives from Opinel and I really like them, I have heard lots of great things about them. But how can they be so great for 10-30 bucks??? How can you get a good knife for so cheap?
 
Very few parts, affordable steel, "mature" technology.

They're not fast to open or close, which means they're out of favor these days.

They do feel warm and full in the hand though, and they're as slicey as can be! (Since before it was a thing)
 
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I'd go with Opinel, because they are awesome slicers and are very easy to maintain, and simple to customize.
 
Both are time tested classics. The comparison stops there. The SAK is a multi-tool. The Opinels usually have one blade, except for a couple of models.
 
They are great knives for the price. Thin stock means very good slicers and they are easy to mantain.
Usually IMO I can do 95% of the daily tasks.
 
Conner Michaux said:
I am probably going to buy them both, Kinda want to try out classic knives. Cant really afford the knife trends of the day sadly...
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Yes, exactly! SAKs are the best, have many, carry for the tools daily. Have several Opinels... a pack and picnic knife IMHO- get a # 6 and # 8!! Carbon will be real sharp, maybe stainless for picnic chow.
 
Oh.... depends ( help here guys) I got an 8 olive wood and " stainless " for a few extra bucks lol
The standard with carbon steel will patina but is still ok for food prep - check their web site and enjoy, they are the real answer experts!
 
I like the high carbon option because I like patinas, but they don't have any other handle material options. For the stainless I don't get the patina but I get a different option than beechwood for my handle.
 
Both your choices are solid, affordable, easily maintained and very good slicers. Buy either with confidence.

Carbon VS Stainless never occurs to me in this instance, both are fine.

Same as the Mora Companions... which is better, carbon or stainless? Neither is "better", both are great.
 
You can't go wrong either way - carbon with beech handle or stainless with a fancy wood handle (olive is not a whole lot more expensive than beech, while others, such as padauk or ebony, run for more). As inexpensive as they are you could get both carbon and stainless with beech for a good price.

I have a stainless #8 in my lunch bag that has cut multiple pieces of fruit every day at work for over ten years. Opinels just plain work.
 
Conner Michaux said:
I like the high carbon option because I like patinas, but they don't have any other handle material options. For the stainless I don't get the patina but I get a different option than beechwood for my handle.
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You can get the carbon steel blade with a cherry wood handle. You just have to buy the Ebauche version.

O.B.
 
Conner Michaux said:
So ive been looking at the Victorinox farmer, buuut I saw knives from Opinel and I really like them, I have heard lots of great things about them.
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In general you cant go wrong with a SAK or an Opinel - both are fine knives - but it depends on your knife needs/what you plan to use the knife for?

Conner Michaux said:
But how can they be so great for 10-30 bucks??? How can you get a good knife for so cheap?
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Theyve made them for a long time, they have efficient production, the materials are not super expensive and last but not least, they work.

Conner Michaux said:
Should I get the carbon steel Opinel or the stainless version? (which is 12c17)
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Personally, I only buy the carbon version. I use them for cardboard killing and they are super slicers but again it depends on your knife needs and use, whether you need the stain resistance of 'stainless' and whether or not you tend to maintain your knives?
 
I own about ten Opinels and I prefer the carbon to the stainless. They are laser sharp when touched up on a stone. I love tinkering with my Opinels.

Zieg
 
Opinels are so comfortable and functional for what they are that you really can't go wrong at the price, particularly with the stainless models that you can drop in a drawer/glove compartment/toolbox/camping bag and forget about.

They're essentially disposable, so if you lose or ruin one you won't be out much money -- but if you hang on to one, you'll be surprised how long it lasts and how well it handles everyday chores.
 
My 6 & 8 plus my 8 slim are great, the 8 is kinda like a broom stick in pocket lol but they are great for what they were invented for. Good luck! Bon chance mon ami (?) Got a c+ in French lol again....
 
I bought - amongst other Opinels - a duo of 12s. I cut them down and now have two perfect cardboard killers. When one gets dull, grab the other Opinel, slice, sharpen and repeat.
They are screaming sharp and (of course) carbon steel.
This thread needs pics.
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