Preparing an Opinel 8 for EDC??

S

sir woodley

Joined
Feb 13, 2006
Messages
285
Hello all. I bought me an Opinel #8 Carbon Steel awhile back and have really been enjoying it. The only use it has seen so far has been "kitchen use". I'm thinking of getting another for EDC. Since I'm so pleased thus far, I'd love to put one to the "EDC, not abuse, honest use, ..." test. I'm not so concerned about the carbon blade. (lite coat of mineral oil, don't mind patina, ...) I am however concerned with the wooden handle. What are your suggestions? Any treatments? If it does get wet and swell, will it return back in a few days? Should I just put one in my pocket and go? Any and all responses/suggestions welcome. Thank you much, Matt
 
i wouldnt get too worried about the handle warping/swelling, i have had min for about a year and it sees regular outdoor use, and it has been fine. if you live in a really dry area,, maybe just put some linseed oil on it periodically.
 
I've used opinels allot...if they get really wet the wood will swell I'd soak it in linseed oil over night than taker it out and wipe it down that should keep the wood in check.. I always force a patina on mine with vinegar//(makes 'em look cool) also if you have the trailing point kind.. do yourself a favor take a dremel tool and make it a drop point..those tips love to get jacked up... also alway keep the lock on when carrying in the pocket as I've had the knife open in my pocket once or twice... other than that great blade...
 
heads up leave the blade open when you soak it in Linseed oil. I had one jamb the blade in very tight.
Got several but got a #8 that has been my hiking kitchen knife for ages.
Patina shows honest work R.....( the red devil whose name I dare not mention) is just negelct.
Carl
 
one thing I did to mine was take a file to the top corners of the slot in the locking ring, and the back corner of the blade to round them off. less wear and tear on the pockets. I also took some of the "toe" from the butt end of the handle, to make it ride a little better. great thing is, if you don't like a mod, you can replace the knife easy enough!
 
I had an Opinel I kept in my garage and it swelled up to the point that it was very difficult to open and lock the blade. It would loosen up as the weather got hotter.
 
I think I'd leave the handle alone....

I added a drop of CLP to the pivot area on my #8 and instead of smoothing it out, it swelled the wood and made it difficult to open -- for a l-o-n-g time.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
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