Opinel stainless blades

A

appzen

Joined
Jul 14, 2005
Messages
5
Has anyone used the Opinel stainless blades and would you recommend them? Do you know what kind of stainless they use?
Do they sharpen easily and hold an edge?
 
I have used it quite a bit. I did some side by side comparison between carbon and stainless at identical geometry cutting cardboard. There was no significant difference in edge holding, some runs the carbon would be slightly ahead, some the stainless.

I think it is 440A.

Corrosion resistance is excllent for the blade, however the handle will swell readily, locking the knife shut or open.
 
As far as I have read on here about Opinel stainless, It is 12C27. This is Sandvik steel. It is a very good stainless & holds an edge well. I have the #6 & #8 in 12C27. Get one and you wont be sorry. Its easy to sharpen also. :cool:
 
I believe most of my Opinels have been stainless. They sharpen easily, slice great, and stay sharp at least as well as any factory Buck or Gerber. I'd say the closest comparison would be to a Victorinox's main blade.

Yes, the handles do swell if the knife gets wet, possibly enough to keep the blade from opening. Working in very humid conditions, you'll probably notice just a tightening of the action.

The reason I stopped carrying an Opinel, I thought a fixed-blade would be more hygenic for preparing food. Like any folder, it's difficult to clean the gunk out of the handles.

Best part about Opinel, if you buy one and don't like it, you're only out $10.

Good Luck and Best Wishes,
Bob
 
Can someone site an authoritative source indicating that Opinel uses 12C27? A couple years ago I looked into it, and was told the carbon was 1075 and the stainless 440A. I can't recall who my source was, but I recall thinking it was relaible. Of course, they could ahve been wrong, Opinel could have changed the steel, they could use different steels based on market prices and supply, and in any case 12c27 is pretty close to 440A for all practical purposes.

Personally, I would be thrilled to find it was 12C27.

In any event, takes a wicked sharp edge, holds it decently long, is very stainless.
 
If you soak the pivot area in oil -- mineral oil will do fine -- it will keep water from swelling the wood.
 
Here is contact information for Opinel in France:

mailto:info@opinel.com%20?subject=Contact%20depuis%20www.opinel.com

I have about a dozen Opinels, mostly #8 walnut/stainless but some #8 oak/stainless, and they all are stainless save one (a #9 carbon steel). Love them all equally but EDC a beautiful #8 walnut/stainless. I have no complaints.

I sent email to the above address requesting identification of the steel(s) used in the modern stainless Opinels. I will post any response.

Here is a link to their site:
http://www.opinel.com/

best, oregon
 
Thanks! It will be nice to know the type of stainless used. If it happens to be 440A... I guess I will have to eat some Crow! :eek:
 
pogo said:
I guess I will have to eat some Crow! :eek:
Click to expand...
Not really. :) It's an easy mistake to make. 440A seems to have held on in Europe longer than the US, and the true French Laguioles seem to use either 440A or 12C27.
 
pogo said:
Thanks! It will be nice to know the type of stainless used. If it happens to be 440A... I guess I will have to eat some Crow! :eek:
Click to expand...

No way, I am hoping you are right and I am wrong!!
 
Here is a cool looking French knife, Languiole Arbalete Trail knife, with Sandvik blade material: http://www.worldknives.com/goldclubspecials.asp

I like the looks of these trail knives. The thick stag models are almost irresistible. However, they don't compete with the Opinel price range.

Am I the only one who gets these monthly "gold club" emails? I've never taken an offer but I enjoy the window shopping a bunch. Worldknives has opened the international knife window for me.

Best, oregon
 
Nice. I like Laguioles, and I like the look of the "Trail Knife" style, too. Look down the same page and you'll see a couple of Spanish Trail Knives (with corkscrews!), by Joker and Andujar.

If you like international knives, you have to look through www.cutlerytogo.com which has especially complete listings for French and Spanish knives.
 
I want to thank everyone for taking time to give info on the Opinel steel. I'm going to order one or two today, probably the 4 3/8 inch stainless with an olive wood handle.
 
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