Opinel; stainless or carbon?

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
Is there much difference between Opinel’s stainless and carbon models in practical terms, besides the obvious corrosion? I am talking about edge holding and sharpening mostly, since I am pretty sure that within the same model, the blades are ground the same. Thanks.
 
both won't hold an edge long!
but both are quite easy to sharpen !

then it's a question of taste.
Personnaly i prefer carbon, because i am under the impression that it might become a bit sharper, but i am not 100% of it !
 
Um...uh....at the price point of Opinel, I think ...RUST....would be the only consideration.
The INOX one I got took an edge in about 6 swipes on the stone. We ain't talkin ..... RC70 here.

:D
 
I dont think theres much difference, I have an opinel inox and it takes its edge pretty quickly.
 
Opinel, for its stainless models, uses Sandvik 12C27 blade steel since the later part of 2003. It takes a brilliant edge. Really enjoy using my Couteau de Jardin around the yard and such.

The dark and colorful walnut handle against the sparkling stainless steel makes this #8 a real beauty: http://www.bladematrix.tv/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=33387

Here is a link to a thread from this forum, Darrel Ralph, among other, talks about this steel: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88852

Best,

oregon
 
For the price of them....... Get both and try them out and report back on it. I would love to here from an ordinary guy how they both act!
 
Some people say that after having prepared food with one of the carbon models they noticed a taste of steel.

The carbon models are more traditional, but that's not a practical aspect.
 
Folks, these blades are a step above license plate trimmings for thickness. The handles are sticks with bushings on em. We may be getting off the track if we're lookin to have em compete with Benchmade an Spyderco.

:D
 
They get the job done for a reasonable price. If you maintain them, the edge will perform very well. 12C27 is a great steel. They are an excellent choice for a knife if you might get hassled for something more "tactical".

One oldtimer mentioned that when he traveled, especially overseas, he carried a SAK and an Opinel. Nobody noticed them, nobody cared he had them, and if they did, he could replace them cheaply and easily.
 
I only own the stainless but it is because I heard there isnt much of a difference between the two. I love my Opinel Inox no.10 and know it is really easy to sharpen but in turn will not hold an edge for that long. Still they are amazing knives and I think there is more to gain then then lose with the stainless models.
 
I think if you preserve the exceptionally thin edge on an Opinel, it will dull easily. If you put a very slight secondary bevel on it, it should hold that edge better.

For anyone who likes the Opinel, please continue exploring the world of French cutlery with the Douk-Douk, which is also inexpensive, and the wide selection of Laguioles, to see what 12C27 is really capable of.
 
I have both the SS and Carbon Opinels, and I use both a lot. I haven't done a side by side objective comparison, but they are general equal. I prefer the stainless one, especially for food prep.

Will
 
thank esav !
FYI, Doukdouk is a brand, so they are all really good.
Laguiole is more like a "generic term" for this kind of knive.. so you better check them carefully before buying it... as there is good brand and bad ones ! :mad:

Personnaly, i prefer to carry a Doukdouk over opinel as they are so thin and have almost the same blade quality. If you want to do a "survival kit" Doukdouk is probably excellent as they are extrelemy thin and light.
 
Thanks guys. I didn’t expect it to compete with my Benchmade’s or Mnandi, but for an inexpensive knife, they are really quite good. I have a carbon #7 and am going to get another one. I was just curious if there was much difference between S.S. and carbon.

Thanks for the suggestion of the Douk-Douk and the Laguiole. I hadn’t considered them, but will now.

Richard Sommer
 
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