Opinel no 8

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
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Feb 2, 2005
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Happy Memorial Day guys and gals. I picked up an Opinel #8 on Saturday at a local shop, and I am very impressed. I've read the reviews, seen various Opinels at several knife shops, bait shops, outfitters etc. From hardcore knife nuts, to good ol' boys, I've seen them used. Well, I saw the counter display, and decided to pick up a #8 (after a very lucrative trading session). Well, I used this knife the rest of the day Saturday. From the mountains (Washington Monument SP, Appalachian Trail) and back home, and then yesterday while working outside in the garden. This is a great little knife. I really like the round lock (is that what it's called?). After selling most of my folders to pay for some friction folders, I am amazed at the simple elegance of this small folder. Has it kicked my EDC's out? No. Frankly, I got it for working outside, in the garden. If I lose it, I will not feel as bad as losing my other work knives, which include an old, albeit abused, Kutmaster stockman. I was hoping to trade for an Umnumzaan at this shop, they haven't gotten their shipment in. I usually trade for a lot of folders at this shop, the no 8 was the only folder I picked up. I feel like I did get the Umnum with this little folder. I have seen them cheaper, but for $10.95, you can't go wrong. It's not the best folder I have seen, maybe not even the best buy for the money, but it was a very nice surprise.

Too bad there are so many designs :D.
 
I have a couple Opinels and like them well enough but I also have the Cold Steel Twistmasters in both sizes. The smaller CS is about the same size as the #8 Opinel...just about 1/2 inch longer in the blade. The Twistmasters spoiled me on these. Made with Carbon V they take and hold a great edge but have thicker blades and that along with the synthetic handles made the Twistmasters much tougher knives. They were offered in 4 blade styles...I have one of each...

medtwist.jpg
 
I also recently acquired a few No.08 Opies.
Got the Oak handled version as well as a spear bladed G.T.
(g a r d e n t o o l)
You may want to try the No.06 as an EDC.
I now carry a 'pocket wore' #6 carbon about 4/7 of the time.

No.08
Opies08GTnOak.jpg

Opies08GTnOakClsd.jpg


No.06
Opie6cRhsOp180.jpg


No.06 backup
OpiesScrbL06.jpg


Bubinga w/polished blade
OPI06BubO45.jpg


Wj's 'Pocket Wore' handle vs Factree Original
Go ahead and try this @ home...hard to ruinize a $13 kanife.
PWOP6vsOP64.jpg





 
Interesting those Twistmasters. When were they in prod?

The smaller Opinels are really useful knives and somewhat neglected. With the larger ones, I've go this nice fillet Opinel in Blond Horn. Time to get into using a camera I know but I'm just not any good at photography....
 
Just got an Opinel fillet knife with dark walnut handle. Seven inches closed. Very nice. Now my Opie #10 picnic knife with corkscrew has some company, see?. Actually, the Opies now reside in the kitchen on an old ashtray next to the Forge de Laguiole corkscrew and my Nontron... next, my Douk-Douk will probably jump out of my bedroom dresser by itself and hop down to the kitchen and join the gang.

So the French Republic has established a beachhead in my kitchen:-) I hear there are reinforcements coming from across the sea, perhaps an Arconsat and a Perceval, maybe a Nontron cutlery set... We soon will know. Best memorize all the Foreign Legion songs before they get here so they'll know I'm friendly...
 
Just got an Opinel fillet knife with dark walnut handle. Seven inches closed. Very nice. Now my Opie #10 picnic knife with corkscrew has some company, see?. Actually, the Opies now reside in the kitchen on an old ashtray next to the Forge de Laguiole corkscrew and my Nontron... next, my Douk-Douk will probably jump out of my bedroom dresser by itself and hop down to the kitchen and join the gang.

So the French Republic has established a beachhead in my kitchen:-) I hear there are reinforcements coming from across the sea, perhaps an Arconsat and a Perceval, maybe a Nontron cutlery set... We soon will know. Best memorize all the Foreign Legion songs before they get here so they'll know I'm friendly...
 
My latest acquired Opinel was a #8 garden tool. I sometimes carry a #7 as EDC knife, but due to the shape of the handle the garden tool is very comfortable in the pocket and the blade is great for EDC purposes.
 
I like opinels. Nice and simple. I have a few, including an 8. Not the best size for EDC. A bit on the big side. I think 7 would be perfect. My dad has had a 6 for 20 years and still carries it.

The lock is called a Vibrolock.
 
Skookumchuk, if you like French knives (everybody should!) check out fellow forumite Dagon's video reviews of knives, plenty of French stuff there.
 
I just received Opinel #6 carbon this week, makes very nice carrier and good addition with my #8 and #9 carbon's. I still need #7 carbon.
 
Yes, I've seen several of Dagon's reviews. Very helpful. The Twistmaster is also interesting to me. When did Cold Steel stop making them? Were they made in USA? And what is a ballpark price for one in decent shape?
 
I like a No.8 just the right size to use. Although 6 is pretty good too. My No.12 resides in the kitchen. Simplicity at it's best:D
mitch
 
Wow, I've never seen those CS twistmasters before. They look like the new age opinels. From the 80s though.

I also like the spear bladed G.T. (g a r d e n t o o l). Great looking blade and handle combo. I got my 1st opinel a month or so ago and really like it. Might have to find me one of those spear blades.
 
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