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Opinel knives

B

BladesmanUSA

Joined
Sep 18, 2021
Messages
58
One of my current EDC knives is an Opinel No 8. It’s a great pocket knife and has served me well whenever I’ve needed it. Deployment is obviously a little slow as it’s not possible to open it one handed. That aside it’s a good sturdy knife.
anyone have any thoughts on Opinel?
 
Other than the lack of OHO, I also don't really like them, because they don't hold an edge very well, the blade will seize up as the wood swells and because they just don't carry well in a pocket. They are thick and barrel shaped and feel awkward in the bottom of the front pockets. I used to add pocket clips to some of mine, but it was still not worth it. The viroblock is also not my favorite lock.
That being said they are a great disposable items for my camping kitchen and other risky endeavors.

The Spyderco Chaparral is what I consider an Opinel done right is.


Edit: Welcome aboard Bladesman! :)
 

opinels may seem inadequate at first
b61781a1f5e89ece5f33ffa0c06e114f.jpg
but with time,
opinels WILL GROW on you
Opinel N13 Le Géant Longueur 50,5 cm Giant Folding Pocket Knife #13 Opinel 1970s - Photo 1/11
 
I like the way they cut, and theyre fun to modify. But they are not comfortable in my pocket, and if Im going to carry on my belt I can carry a fixed blade thats tougher and quicker to use.
They just arent a practical thing for me, even though I like them.
 
CVamberbonehead said:
I like the way they cut, and theyre fun to modify. But they are not comfortable in my pocket, and if Im going to carry on my belt I can carry a fixed blade thats tougher and quicker to use.
They just arent a practical thing for me, even though I like them.
Click to expand...

Opinels are fun to modify to make them ride comfortably in the pocket. I used them for forty years without carrying them in my pocket, until I got here and learned how easy it is to flatten the sides and trim the flared pommel. I carry a trimmed No.6 every day, less obtrusive than a 2-layer SAK.

Search on Opinel in the Traditional forum, and a few threads here as well, to immerse yourself in Opinel lore and see what some other users have done to make their knives work for them or to turn them into art.
 
Henry Beige said:
Opinels are fun to modify to make them ride comfortably in the pocket. I used them for forty years without carrying them in my pocket, until I got here and learned how easy it is to flatten the sides and trim the flared pommel. I carry a trimmed No.6 every day, less obtrusive than a 2-layer SAK.

Search on Opinel in the Traditional forum, and a few threads here as well, to immerse yourself in Opinel lore and see what some other users have done to make their knives work for them or to turn them into art.
Click to expand...
Yeah thats a good point, but if you flatten the handle out, you weaken the knife (more than it already is, being a stick with a pivot) and you lose that awesome comfy round stick-like handle!
 
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