Opinel knives?

Adding a bit to this, I have a carbon #6, it rusted immediately when it was in a damp basement for a while.

Also, number 6 is too small. Since the handle is short, and the blade is sharp all the way back, it can be pretty hazardous.
 
BladeScout said:
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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Nice! beauty of the Opinel- mod, mod, mod!!
 
I have a SAK pioneer. I have about 7 or so Opinel.

Opinel are fine knives for very little money. The Inox (Stainless) holds a slightly better edge than the Carbone version.

I enjoy them all. For the prices get a few of the opinel, and which ever SAK catches your fancy.
 
Dfunk1210 said:
I can certainly see the appeal of an Opinel. But it is not for everyone. I like my Case Sodbuster better by far

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Sodbuster is definitely the tougher knife, and more comfortable toward the pivot.

But Opinel is a better slicer by far. Better for food on the go. Slower action, older design.

As they say: "In Europe, 100 miles is a long way, and in America, 100 years is a long time."
 
Opinels are a great example of what can be done with traditional materials in a simple package. Great bang for the buck if you use knives for what they're supposed to be used for. They're light weight tools that only do one thing, which is cut stuff, and they do it very well. For the price, you won't cry if you snap a blade (hasn't happened to me yet) or lose it. They won't replace a SAK, but they are more comfortable to use as a knife than a SAK. I don't see why anyone would not carry both. I have one each from No. 7 through 12 (my 12 is the only one I have in stainless and my 7 is vintage - over 50 years old). Both the stainless and carbon Opinels are great value knives. I think everybody should have at least one.
 
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. 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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Conner, you are on the cusp of cracking the knife code. You don't have to drop a bunch of money to get a lot of functional knife. No matter what anyone says or how much they argue or how many pictures of uber-steeled, Thor-greased flippers you see, know that those are almost always wants not needs. Yes there are definitely times when all of these things can be better, but by and large, softer steels and functional designs will get the job done just fine. Don't get me wrong, I like some of the nicer and more modern stuff, but they are rarely necessary.

I prefer stainless steels as I don't like worrying about rust every time I cut an orange or something and you can get stainless steels plenty sharp.

Opinels are great but a little challenging to carry. You might consider finding a cheap belt pouch.

I would really encourage you to start considering sharpening. This is the rabbit hole you want to dive head-long into and it will serve you a lifetime and what steel you're carrying will not be nearly as much of a concern for the rest of your days.

:)
 
Opinels and SAKs are not expensive; you can have both, in multiples. The round handles with the flared pommels are obtrusive in the pocket. That never bothered me for years, because all my knives were stashed in my mototcycle luggage, usually one Opinel and one SAK per bike.

These days I don’t ride as much but carry pocket knives more. I learned here how easy it is to sand or whittle the handle of an Opinel for more comfortable pocket carry. Flattening the sides also makes them index better in the hand.

My 6s are my favorites for pocket carry, although I have a No.8 that is not bad since the handle got some sndpaper work.

There are a few stainless Opis on my shelf, but I prefer the carbon, with beechwood handles, which are easiest to sand and carve.

For SAKs, I like the Farmer for the saw, which really works. More often, I carry the slimmer Electrician, for its very useful sheepsfoot blade.
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Smaug said:
Adding a bit to this, I have a carbon #6, it rusted immediately when it was in a damp basement for a while.

Also, number 6 is too small. Since the handle is short, and the blade is sharp all the way back, it can be pretty hazardous.
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Yes, the #6 is wh
Bill3152 said:
They have a no 12. The blade is too long for NYC. I see they also.have an ebony. But that one is over 3" also.
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You can buy a 12 from the company site... I dont worry about blade length as there is no reason to frisk me...
 
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It's been 30 years since I was first given an Opi by my Dad.
An 8 or a 10 has been in my pocket, or pack, or satchel, for every hike, day trek, or camping trip, since.
There is a #8 Opi and a Mora companion in my glove compartment, all hiking packs, tackle bags, wifes trunk, tool belt, kitchen, B.O.B., basement tool box.....I could probably think of more I've stashed....oh, the garage..
As you've already heard or figured out, get a stainless for food prep, and Carbone for everything else.
This is a no brainer....
 
Smaug said:
Adding a bit to this, I have a carbon #6, it rusted immediately when it was in a damp basement for a while.

Also, number 6 is too small. Since the handle is short, and the blade is sharp all the way back, it can be pretty hazardous.
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N°6 with olivewood is my frequent choice when I'm wearing a suit or lightweight pants like linen. It is tiny, but no smaller than a Case peanut.

Zieg
 
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