Should I get an Opinel?

U

Ultraman

Joined
Oct 28, 2005
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I've pretty much maxed out my quota of purchases, but I am intrigued by the Opinel posts. Problem is, for some reason it is not readily available at a brick and mortar store where I'm at, so purchasing one online will involve some effort, expense and worry. I am thinking of the #8 garden model, but wanted to ask you if it's worth it? Are they good EDCs and/or more suited for occasional, light use? Are the handles fragile? Is the lock solid or do you think something will pop off with some stress applied to it? Does the wood swell? Is there an inordinate amount of perfume use in France, and was it due to the aversion to drinking or using water during the medieval period?

thanks in advance :)

P.S. this is not to diss France, I was trying to be funny.:D
 
OF COURSE YOU SHOULD GET AN OPINEL! The No. 8 Garden Knife is a good choice, too. I like mine, and I've given a couple of them to friends who like them, too. I suggest that you don't agonize over the purchase of a knife that costs about what a fat hamburger with fries costs most places. Go to http://eknifeworks.com and enter Opinel in their search function. I think this model only costs about $6 or $7 + S&H, and other models are equally inexpensive. All but the smallest Opinels have very good locks. SMKW is also where I buy my Victorinox SAKs, too. Yes, they sell a lot of junk there, but you have to sort it out from the good stuff. That should come as no surprise, considering most catalogs I read.
 
I bought some while I was in france. They are nice knives and the price is unbeatable. They don't feel reassuring like an axis lock, but it should hold up for most stuff.
 
Problem is, for some reason it is not readily available at a brick and mortar store where I'm at, so purchasing one online will involve some effort, expense and worry.
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I don't see why ordering online would be a worry. Lots of highly-regarded, reputable, and reliable online dealers sell Opinel Knives. Smoky Mountain Knife Works ( www.eknifeworks.com ) usually has the lowest price. AG Russell even has Opinels now, and there's no one more reliable or honest in the knife business.

Generally speaking, comparing online dealers to brick-and-mortar stores, I find the online dealers to have better selection, better service, lower prices, and be more involved with the knife collecting community.

I am thinking of the #8 garden model, but wanted to ask you if it's worth it?
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I've never used the garden model, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one based on my prior Opinel experience.

Are they good EDCs and/or more suited for occasional, light use?
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They are excellent ECD knives, survival knives, outdoor knives, work knives, whatever. I carried one for years working outdoors as an archaeologist and it easily performed every cutting task ever encountered. I still keep one in my bag for use around the drill rig and mudlogger trailer.

Are the handles fragile?
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No. They're one-piece solid wood construction.

Is the lock solid or do you think something will pop off with some stress applied to it?
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The lock is solid. It may be possible to 'pop' off the ring mechanism, but only if you're really trying. Normal cutting and slicing, it's not going to happen. I think you'd have to be pressing with a lot of force on the back of the blade.

Does the wood swell?
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It can, yes, depending on conditions. In Arkansas the weather was very humid and sweaty and the knife would sometimes be difficult to open. The most common recommended 'fix' is to soak the wood in mineral oil.

-Bob
 
I think everyone should have one. I agree with all the above, especially regarding the sturdiness/reliability of the knife. The one that I carry the most is actually a non-locking number 8 and I have never had a problem with it. They are great knives.
 
I have a No. 8 in yellow and love it. The blade is good and it is a nice light carry for when I am wearing dressier clothes. It seems very solid to me. Lots of places online have these little gems dirt cheap, although I bought mine at my local knife store.
 
tarmix101 said:
TLC is correct. More is better. Modify a few to your liking. Give some away. Definitely give them a try:thumbup:
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Modifying them is a hoot. I sanded the handle of my No. 8 a little and varnished it... I posted the pic before, but here it is again.
mine.jpg
 
Frankly, it's an ESSENTIAL:thumbup:

A good worker above all, yes the handles can swell up a bit in very damp conditions.Bear in mind they come in a number of woods: the standard (ash or is it cherry?) olive, oak, African hardwoods, even buffalo! The lock is sturdy and simple. They are light which in many EDC situations can be an immense advantage,pockets not weighed down.
 
jthomas said:
Modifying them is a hoot. I sanded the handle of my No. 8 a little and varnished it... I posted the pic before, but here it is again.
mine.jpg
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Looks good :thumbup: I have been looking at drilling a hole on the end, to ad a lanyard ...but am afraid of splitting the wood or :eek:
Has anyone tried it ?
Thanks,,Dave
 
I've been ordering mostly inexpensive knives from Smoky Mountain Knife Works -- http://eknifeworks.com -- for years, always with good service from cheerful people that sound like family on the phone. On two or maybe three occasions I've returned something to them and received prompt credit with no questions asked. A return form with a mailing label comes with every shipment they send out. They are good folks. If you have any doubts where something is made, just ask the lady on the phone when you order it. If the description says "imported" and if she doesn't know, it's probably Chinese. Like anything else you want, you have to understand what you are ordering.

For making the wood handle of an Opinel water resistant (at the very least) I use some Birchwood Casey gunstock finish in a small bottle from the sporting goods department of Wal-Mart. I work it down into the groove the blade folds into with a Q-Tip. If you are coating the handle you may want to give it two coats with 24 hours time in between coats. One coat on a carbon steel blade keeps it from rusting for awhile, too, not that a little light rust or staining has ever interfered with the use of a blade for any practical purpose.
 
you could get a couple of Opinels, Okapis & Moras for the price of one tactical. Plus, Ragnar is just a really cool guy.

Frank
 
SilverFoxKnows said:
you could get a couple of Opinels, Okapis & Moras for the price of one tactical. Plus, Ragnar is just a really cool guy.

Frank
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Exactly,you will find they do the same job, in most cases and cost a tenth of the price of a tactical.
And of course if you break or lose one, it's no biggy, buy another.:D
 
Better to encourage someone to get a good knife for $8 than leave him wondering why he should have to spend $300 for light, daily carry. :D
 
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