Opinel, Okapi,Triflex, Pig Sticker Received

I guess maybe Steve is judging by modern knife, uber-tactical standards.
I have Spydercos, CRKT's, Gerbers, even my Dad's old AF issue orange
parachutist errr folding knife. They all have different levels of technology
and design mindsets/solution approaches. Each does some things better than others, and brings different assets to different problems.

The day's task at hand and apparel limitations dictate which knife comes out of the drawer on any given day. Some days, a beater, get the job done, basic functional knife is the one that gets the call. Others, it's the big ol tacto-cool CRKT M13.

Just my 5 pfennig worth.

DaddyDett
 
Thanks for the reminder to see Ragnar again. Got a firestarter from him a year ago.

I just ordered a bunch of stuff- Moras, a fishing knife.

Almost the Leukko... next time. Why, it's just like a big JKM :D . Neat knife.

I have an Opinel, nice mild steel. For a $6 knife, it's excellent.


Ad Astra
 
aproy1101 said:
Those tactical knives aren't intended as cutters. That's not a good comparison. However, I agree with you. The opinel outcuts them.
Click to expand...

Actually, the Spyderco Military is a great cutter. It's 4" of flat ground S30V. Spyderco is very concerned with performance and their knives reflect that. Sal Glesser popularized the use of serrations, pocket clips, and one hand opening knives. Spyderco's knives just ooze functionality.
 
I have enjoyed all the comments and opinions in this thread. I'll say the comments favoring the Opinels and Okapis surprised me. But I respect all opinions. This is one of the reasons the Cantina is here. But, a cigar costs more than these folding knives and is a better buy in my opinion.

No, I am not comparing these pieces to modern tactical knives. A knife made out of a dowel with a pin through the end for the blade to pivot is inadequate any way I look at it. It is structurally weak, a pin through wood, not even worth the small price they cost. If the blade is thrust into something and the handle twisted the pin will give or the wooden body will split. I can't see any redeeming quality in a knife this weak. Why not at least buy a cheap knife with metal liners?

I don't think it is a buy just because it comes from another country or culture.

If you want a knife of this style, why not make it with metal liners and spine, wood scales?

Thanks, Steve
 
Steve Poll said:
If you want a knife of this style, why not make it with metal liners and spine, wood scales?
Click to expand...

Because then it would cost more, but it wouldn't cut any better.

My Opinel is simply a sharp edge that won't cut me when not in use. I don't expect anything more of it, although I have occasionally done other things with it.
 
kronckew said:
the opinel and okapi knives do come in non-locking versions. i like my fingers. i do not like the non-locking ones for that reason.

i have an ebony marjaq knife which is similar to the opinel & has a slightly different twist lock which unlike the opinel can also be twisted to lock it closed as well as open.
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Kronk I wasn't aware the Opinels came that way, all the ones I've seen have the metal locking ring and I thought they were all made the same.
Live and learn.

Also my Opinel will lock closed as well as when open.
Actually it will lock either direction when open but will only lock one way when closed.
They could have as easily put two notches for locking when closed the same as they have when it's open.
I just noticed that a while ago when Barbie and I was cleaning up our fishing tackle.:thumbup: ;) :D
 
Steve Poll said:
I have enjoyed all the comments and opinions in this thread. I'll say the comments favoring the Opinels and Okapis surprised me. But I respect all opinions. This is one of the reasons the Cantina is here. But, a cigar costs more than these folding knives and is a better buy in my opinion.

No, I am not comparing these pieces to modern tactical knives. A knife made out of a dowel with a pin through the end for the blade to pivot is inadequate any way I look at it. It is structurally weak, a pin through wood, not even worth the small price they cost. If the blade is thrust into something and the handle twisted the pin will give or the wooden body will split. I can't see any redeeming quality in a knife this weak. Why not at least buy a cheap knife with metal liners?

I don't think it is a buy just because it comes from another country or culture.

If you want a knife of this style, why not make it with metal liners and spine, wood scales?

Thanks, Steve
Click to expand...

That wood is tougher than it looks. I tried to do some handle mods with a held held file. No go, I'd still be at it. I dug out the Dremel. And while I wouldn't want to try any prying with one I will say they'll beat almost anything when it comes to food prep. They're also good at pruning rose bushes. The lack of liners keeps the weight down, they're like a feather in the pocket.

Think of it like this. A Porche has no ground clearance, no cargo space, can only hold two people and would be obliterated by any full size truck in a collision. Does that make it a bad car? No, that's not what it was designed for.

The Opinel is a light weight, light duty knife with extreme cutting ability. I think it comes down to using the right tool for the right job. An Opinel will do just fine in the office, the kitchen or the garden. Even hiking or camping it would make a nice partner to a fixed blade. Use the big fixed blade for fire wood or shelter building, use the Opinel to see if your steak is done in the middle.

And if you still don't like it (or the Okapi) I think there are at least a dozen people, here, who would take 'em off your hands.;)

Frank
 
Hi Frank:

You make a reasonable argument. I can't disagree with it. Have a nice weekend.

Thanks, Steve

PS: If I gave them away I would feel compelled to wrap them in toilet tissue!
 
Hi Frank:

I have decided to pick up the gauntlet you have thrown at my feet about he knives.

I will give both of them away, here on this forum. But, I think it is so much fun it needs its own thread.

Please see the new thread Free Okapi and Opinel Contest.

Thanks, Steve
 
Just gotta agree with the Opinel folks. Dont have one currently, but used to have one. Shame is, a 10$ knife basically outcuts every other knife I have, with one exception (which would be a F. Perrin). I have even used them as throwing knifes on occasion, as long as you hit your target good it doesn't affect the knife or the blade. I've had a tip snap of doing that, surprise surprise. They take some beating though, never had one get loose, and they cut like hell.

Steve, maybe you should get another one and see what it takes to break it; maybe after that experience you dont feel the need for steel liners anymore?

regards,

Keno
 
richardallen said:
<riiiiiip>
Steve, maybe you should get another one and see what it takes to break it; maybe after that experience you dont feel the need for steel liners anymore?

regards,

Keno
Click to expand...
Sounds like time to Send In Satori (Dave);) :D :eek:
 
Ha! I had one again, but gave it to a friend who needed a knife more than I do (he had none, I have plenty :D)

Gotta get another one soon. Here's the old one:

File0005.jpg


Blessings,

Keno
 
While the unlocking of the Okapi knife takes some counter-intuitive thinking I do not think of the knife like you . Opinions vary . The first time I opened it the first thing that jumped out at me was how much I knew I was going to like this knife .

Opinel ? Simple ? you betcha , I think that was the point . To make a trade knife inexpensively that works very well . Don,t like the dowel shape of it ? Carve the end into the shape you want . My buddy did that to his . He kinda shaped the end like an antler tine . Makes a good jabber as well .
 
Kis?

Yes, correct :)

GO. I like it. Simple yet complicated.

Forgot to add, the Opinel is a #9, not really a small one. Don't let the pic fool you. I love the shiny edge of that one, looks quite mean in person. Sharp as hell.

Keno
 
richardallen said:
GO. I like it. Simple yet complicated.
Click to expand...

Me too.

It's called Wei Qi in China.

I have a board I made from mahogany, and some stones from mainland China a Chinese friend gave me back in the 80s. I seldom find people to play with around here though.
 
I seem to remember a game with pebbles and a number of cup/depressions in a board . Oh-wa-ri or something to that effect . Simple yet uncomplicated .

I,ll have to check go out .
 
I love my Opinels!!- i dont see how you could think their weak or usless unless you a)dont cut stuff much or B)want a pry bar rather then a knife. Their the BEST cutters i've ever used and their cheep enugh to use up.
The non locking Okapi's i've had cut ok, though the body doesnt look very strong, but its the BLADE that cuts....i trimed bushes and stuff with the little sheeps foor version for ages before i gave it to my nepwhew.
Opinels were and are made real WORKING KNIVES, unlike a lot of the pretty folders folks carry today, Okapis are still much used in south africa by the locals for working (aswell as being the stabbing device of choice amung the poorer classes)
I suspect that the reason some folks dont like them is that they pick up bad use habits from their more modern knives -you can use a thin bladed slip-joint for pretty much any light or medium cutting task your'll likly do but i've somtimes gotten so used to the lock that i do somthing stupid like "saw" or slice at a weird angle.
 
Both the Opinels and Okapis are available with locks. They're probably not what most people would consider "martial blade craft" rated, but I didn't purchase them as weapons and if I were in need of one, I would grab nearly anything else before I grabbed a folder. Don't even get me started on that can of worms.

However, locks are not even necessary for most tasks. We're talking about tools that are made for cutting. I personally worry more about the lack of a guard than a sturdy lock and even that's not much of a concern if I'm paying attention to what I'm doing.

What both excel at (the Opinel moreso, IMO) is cutting something so that I'm not forced to use my teeth, and doing so at a very reasonable price.

BTW, both the Opinel and the Okapi in my possession are still alive and kicking. I no longer use a knife at work but I still use them frequently around the house; routine use hasn't damaged either of them. I don't expect this situation to change in the future.
 
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