Opinel

Chris Pierce

Chris Pierce

Joined
Nov 15, 2006
Messages
4,837
A "Tactical" Opinel that is. Haha. By "tactical" I mean thin, with a pocket clip, a thumb stud and a lock that will engage automatically. I'm looking for a modern or "tactical" folder with the super thin awesome carbon steel blade like an Opinel. While I really like using my Opinel, I hate carrying it because it's always moving around in my pocket, I have to use two hands to open it, and I have to stop to lock it. Also, the round handle is not pocket friendly.
I'm considering modifying my Opinel, while I can't fix the lock I can do the rest, but I'd also like to hear recommendations.


From this



To This?

 
I've never had an Opinel, but can't you screw in a pocket clip? I have seen a few modded by burning the handles to give them a dark color. And for thumb studs, I think that there are some things out there for traditional knives like the Buck 110 that put a thumb stud one them. Maybe that could work? Seems like it would be a pretty cool project :thumbup:
 
The buck 110 has a really really thick blade when compared to the Opinel. Otherwise I would have kept my 110 and just put a pocket clip on it. I don't REALLY like the idea of modifying the Opinel since I don't have a good way to make the lock automatic.
 
I like the handle and the triad lock is great of course, but the blade is crazy thick. I've got a 4" hold out as well, which has a full flat grind. While I like it well enough, it's no Opinel.
 
I am going to have to try out an Opinel. There is so much talk about them. Going to have to find out for myself... :rolleyes:
 
They're just really simple light weight knives. With really thin blades compared to what most people think they need now a days. They cut much much better than say, a spyderco, or a Zero Tolerance or other "tactical" knives. But they're aren't 'cool' so you know how it goes.
 
The closest thing I can think of is folding fillet knives, but they won't have carbon blades.
 
Thanks for the link therom. But like you said, just not quite what I'm looking for.
Any body know if any of the Big 3 make a folder with a really thin blade, while I'd prefer carbon it's not a must.
 
Just add finger grooves and BOOM instant tacti-Opi... A tactical opinel kinda seems like an oxy-moron though. ;)

My #12:

IMAG0183_zps2ab68bd7.jpg
 
The only thing I need my '2nd hand' for is lifting the blade. I unlock the collar with my right thumb, can ride the blade the rest of the way open and lock it w/same. If you put a little piece of angle-iron on the spine, it may do a good job acting as a shelf for you to pivot
 
I assume that for opening, what you want is OHO for like a shop or work setting, not actuall tactical or martial use.

If so, you definitely tune the Opinel to be much better. Getting the locking ring spinning freely is a part of it. I usually end up sanding the inside lips of the gap of the ring and sanding the rivet heads a bit. This helps a lot.

Blade tension can be adjusted. To loosen, use a large screw driver to pry apart the inner ring. To tighten crimp with pliers. Set very loose you can easily flick it open but use care as the blade can rebound. I prefer a good amount of friction for one hand operation.

For OHO, practice on a long drive. Really. Basic trick is to open it like a lockback. Pinch the blade and hook the butt end of the handle on your leg (conveniently attached you normally, yes?). One hand CLOSE is super safe due to lack of spring.

More thoughts on mods here:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/28597626/tuning-opinels.txt

For more stable pocket ride, I add a lanyard and carry lock in the deep well of the pocket. The lanyard sort of stabilizes it and makes for easier extraction.

Opinel by Pinnah, on Flickr

You can easily flatten the sides of an Opinel using a sanding block. Can also scallop out the handle to more of an easy open for easier OHO.


Opinel #10 (modified) by Pinnah, on Flickr

Still, the Opinel isn't a modern tactical. If you find a modern with a blade like this, please let me know.
 
Yeah, when I say "tactical" I mean locking, one hand open, pocket clip.
Not black assisted serrated super mall ninja whatever. And not "weapon" or "military" either haha.

I just want something like an Opinel that I can open and close with one hand, has some sort of a lock that I don't have to think about and that has a nice thin blade. It's what I'm used to and I like the convenience of it. But I'm tired of how thick blades have become.
I'll look into the centofante 3. Thanks.





On second thought, maybe I should just add a clip and a thumb stud to my K55K. It's already nice and thin and has a good lock.
 
Chris Pierce said:
Yeah, when I say "tactical" I mean locking, one hand open, pocket clip.
Not black assisted serrated super mall ninja whatever. And not "weapon" or "military" either haha.

I just want something like an Opinel that I can open and close with one hand, has some sort of a lock that I don't have to think about and that has a nice thin blade. It's what I'm used to and I like the convenience of it. But I'm tired of how thick blades have become.
I'll look into the centofante 3. Thanks.





On second thought, maybe I should just add a clip and a thumb stud to my K55K. It's already nice and thin and has a good lock.
Click to expand...

I have no advice, except that I'm looking for the very same thing.
 
Thanks for inspiring me to mod another Opi.
I like a clip on anything over 4" & one hand opening is always nice.

You can still get the bolt on thumb studs and a clip can be added easy enough.
I grabbed these off Google Images,lots of nice modded Opinels there.

kwikthumbstudstainless2.jpg


Opinel2.jpg


3600437706_496c2025c1_o.jpg


3599992779_620e388fa2_o.jpg


attachment.php


009-4.jpg
 
All I know is that my 06 is loose enough to were I can actually flip it open, and only use one hand to open it. I haven't modified it in ay way, just used it a great deal, I might try and add a pocket clip, and kwik thumb opener, I've got a spare Kwik thumb so I'm half way there.
 
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