Opinels: what do YOU do with 'em?

timberweasel

timberweasel

Joined
Jan 5, 2011
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So, I bought a little carbon Opinel #6 the other day. It's a very cool little folder; inexpensive, classic design, helluva slicer. The handle is very comfortable, but thick in pocket and you don't want to get 'em wet or they can be a pain to open. I think they'd be great for cook-outs or picnics, or maybe for hobby/craft utility, but I'm scratching my head trying to think of ways to put mine to good use.

What do you use yours for?
 
When I EDC'd mine I used it for EDC tasks. Sometimes that meant food prep, rope cutting, box opening, and the occasional wood carving.
 
Breaking down cardboard. Cutting plastic and string, the usual stuff.

I need to dunk mine and see if it becomes impossible to use when wet?

I have washed it off, and gotten the pivot wet after cutting food, but it was not much different to open. I do notice it is a bit stiffer after being in my pocket for a long sweaty period.

Of course, I only have the little #6 with the tapered handle end. It is pretty thin at the back end.
 
An Opinel will do everything that any other folder can do. So, I use mine for the same stuff I use my other knives for.
 
My OPI filleter gets used for this.....do,s a great job..........FES

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I throw mine in my back pocket every once and awhile when I'm bored with my more modern knives. When that happens I use it for absolutely everything because it's cheap, sturdy, and I don't mind if it gets beat to hell. I'm sometimes a little hesitant to use my nicer knives on certain tasks, but I'm learning to overcome that. Until then, my Opi will do the work.
 
Take the pivot, pack it full of Vaseline while it's dry. Then open and close it a few times. Wipe the excess out with the corner of a paper towel. That's the real French way to do it.
 
I literally use mine for just about everything you can think of. They're a lot tougher than you'd expect. ;)
 
I suppose I should have asked how you incorporate your Opinels into a functional or sustainable role. A folding fillet knife seems entirely reasonable with the right Opinel model (although I prefer a fixed blade for fishing use--easier to clean) and I guess a few of you EDC one despite the less-than-ideal carry dimensions (imo, anyway.) Perhaps mine will be destined to live in the toolbox I keep my art supplies in, or maybe on a workbench in my basement or garage.
 
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Just try actually carrying around a No.8 in your pocket for a week and you stop noticing it. :)
 
Mine sees food prep and carving a lot. But I press it into other tasks as the situation dictates. :)
 
today i used my #7 to cut some weedeater string and to cut some vines out of a tree.

edit to add:

it *is* a little thicker than other knives but its very light so i hardly ever notice it in my pocket
 
I use mine (varying sizes from 7-9) pretty much exclusively on food when not at home. They cut great, and in public settings like restaurants, they're "normal" enough looking that nobody really even notices it's not the restaurant cutlery.
 
I EDC a knife for cutting tasks and if I carry an Opinel, than I use that one for those tasks. Opening packages, cutting food, cutting cord, etc.
 
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