Opinel knives?

[Planterz]

I like the no6 size myself, because it's the smallest that locks. I typically carry a beech carbone one as a "dirty work" knife. Box cutting mostly, but other stuff as well. To me, it's basically disposable since it's easily replaced and cheap. Despite that, I really like my heavily patina'd carbone no6 (much darker than in the pic below) and would hate to lose it. Sometimes I switch it up with my oak INOX or bubinga one, or a MAM sheepsfoot.

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.

It's not terribly difficult to pop the ring off (especially accidentally if you forget to twist the ring, or you give it to someone that doesn't know how it works), push the pivot pin out, and swap the blades. And you still end up with 2 knives.

ooooooooh bladehq has an opinel with mirror finish and Bubinga.....Tempting

Beech, oak, bubinga, and bubinga. The bubinga on the left seems typical (ie: pretty much looks like the advertising pictures), but I feel like I hit the lottery with the righthand one.

Bubinga knife handle, mesquite tree, and Urosaurus ornatus.

 

[Pomsbz]

Now, for an alternative. A Case sodbuster jr in CV steel is a geat choice, and kind of splits the difference between the opinel and SAK. Its more durable than an opinel and better as a knife than a SAK. The best of both worlds.

I'd take a SAK over the Sodbuster Jr any day. Significantly better slicer than the hollow grind with stuff like apples. I EDC'd my sodbuster jr for 7-8 months but don't miss it at all.

 

[dsalazar]

They make nice knives for what they are. The ability to shape the handle, stain and seal is good. They have a nice paring knife aswell for cheap. No8 to compare

 

[davek14]

Quite so. I had meant to contact you to ask you about them. I remember reading about some metal Svords a few years ago, but couldn’t find that when I tried to look them up. Seeing your pic has rekindled my curiosity.

I made those scales when I worked as a machinist. I was curious what you thought of them when you picked that knife from the box o' knives. Glad you liked it. The box is slowing down a bit of late. I might take some time to coon finger my knives and think of getting in again.

 

[lonestar1979]

Opinel paring knives are good,especially inox

 

[rogatsby]

If you are looking for knives that cut and slice well, Opinels are pretty unbeatable. Just got this box set for Christmas. Best gift ever. I love Opinels.

 

[Smaug]

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

Good point; Opinel can be a bit bulky in the pocket.

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.

+1. And it doesn't have to be fancy, either. A simple ceramic rod sharpener goes a long way, and will last through dozens or hundreds of knives. I like Spyderco Sharpmaker. They're expensive for a ceramic rod sharpener, but they're very well executed and are the only ones that won't round off your knife tip over time. (Use just the flats) I've had mine going on 10 years, and it has paid for itself many times over.

For a factory Opinel, it will only take 5 minutes to get a razor sharp edge on it, and even less time to bring it back periodically.

 

[Smaug]

Opinels? Meh. Give me a Svord Peasant every time. YMMV

Those have that huge lever poking out right? not pocket-friendly at all. I have the Japanese lever-type friction folder. It's for shirt or jacket or pouch carry only. Lots of character though!

It's one of the few times the French designed something more practical than the Japanese.

 

[Pomsbz]

If you are looking for knives that cut and slice well, Opinels are pretty unbeatable. Just got this box set for Christmas. Best gift ever. I love Opinels.

What a great gift!

 

[pinnah]

Good point; Opinel can be a bit bulky in the pocket.

IMO, the Opinel 6 and 7 are both pocket knife sized. The 8,9, and 10 are all in the large single bladed tradtional folder class, not dissimilar to knives like the large sodbuster or Buck 110 in terms of bulk.

I find large single blade traditionals to be too big for front pocket carry [1]. The 3 primary options are: a) carry the knife in your pack/bag, b) wear a belt holster or c) rear pocket carry.

For the latter, I sew a seam up the side of my right rear pocket and regularly rotate between an Opinel 9, Buck 110 and several other similarly sized traditionals in this way.

Opinels have a long tradition of being modified to suit the user's preferences. My stuff can't compare to DaveK's work. (Dave, great to see your sig again!). I like mine with the end rounded off and the sides flattened.
https://flic.kr/s/aHskRUPGed


[1] - Flat mid sized knives like the Buck 500 are a noticeable exception.

 

[Lavan]

It's sacrilege to knock an Opinel so I won't.
They take carving nice but aren't what I'd carry as a pocket lump.

 

[pinnah]

I can certainly see the appeal of an Opinel. But it is not for everyone. I like my Case Sodbuster better by far

My most commonly carried knives are (in order) Buck 110, Opinel 9 and Case Sodbuster (Workman).

I think the Sodbuster is a great food knife as it slices reasonably well and is easy to clean up under hot running water. But, I can't do heavy cutting of wood with it as easily as the handle is too small in girth to fill my XL hands well. The Opinel 9 and Buck 110 give me a much better grip.

IMO, the Opinel handles hard cutting with no damage to the joint - ever. It also can be dropped in sand without the lock mechanism getting wrecked like a lock back can.

Walt Longmire carries a 110.

 

[Winch]

I like Opinel knives as for me they are a good value. I have a #8 and a #10. I like both, both the #10 is prolly my fav. I just ordered 3 engraved #10's as gifts.

 

[Bill3152]

Mine had good edges out of the box but when I need to sharpen it, I get it shaving sharp on a fine DMT and then refine it with Arkansas stones (soft, hard, black hard). It will push-cut receipt paper when done correctly. Of course, this is a bit off-topic so... sorry.

Got mine today. Factory edge was a disaster but I banged it out on the belt sander. 220 to 600. Then paper wheel. Boom! Killer edge.

 

[CVamberbonehead]

I'd take a SAK over the Sodbuster Jr any day. Significantly better slicer than the hollow grind with stuff like apples. I EDC'd my sodbuster jr for 7-8 months but don't miss it at all.

You must have liked it at least a little bit or it wouldnt have stayed in your pocket for 8 months lol everybody has their own requirements. I just cut less apples I guess the way I see it, almost any traditional is a better slicer than most peoples pocketknives today (especially the average gas station "knife" that most guys use). So I dont worry about ultimate performance, I just use what I like. A sodbuster works for me. But I like my SAK and my Opinel too, I guess Im just not picky

 

[SIG96]

Just stopped by to say that the No.6 is daylight robbery for what you get. I prefer the No.8 though and I’m starting to think I’m peculiar for not minding it inside my pocket contrary to this thread’s belief. I must be biased because it was my first knife purchase

 

[Pomsbz]

You must have liked it at least a little bit or it wouldnt have stayed in your pocket for 8 months lol everybody has their own requirements. I just cut less apples I guess the way I see it, almost any traditional is a better slicer than most peoples pocketknives today (especially the average gas station "knife" that most guys use). So I dont worry about ultimate performance, I just use what I like. A sodbuster works for me. But I like my SAK and my Opinel too, I guess Im just not picky

It was my stopgap while I decided what knife I wanted as an EDC. I'd agree with you about traditionals vs sharpened pocket pry bars!

 

[Scott321]

I have a #8 and #9. I love them, and like customizing the handles and blade shape to my liking. Well worth the money for actually cutting stuff (not good for fidgeting). I haven't tried opening it wet though, and heard that can be an issue.

 

[bryan123]

Opinel #6 with Bubinga wood and mirror finish blade = Poor man's CRK Mnandi with Cocobolo wood.