Stiff Opinel

[salmanalk]

Hi, recently picked up a pair f Opinel's (#7 and 8). The 7 works fine but the 8 is very stiff. Very hard to open the lock or to lock it when the knife is deployed. Tried using some lube, still stiff. Any ideas?

 

[riz_aaroni]

Do you mean simply rotating the metal lock? They do pop off, maybe you could take it off and bend it very slightly. Only have had one and it has worked fine for me.

On a side note, better to have it too tight than too loose IMO.

 

[salmanalk]

thanks Riz, tried doing that and lubed the inside of the lock cap....still stiff...

 

[riz_aaroni]

thanks Riz, tried doing that and lubed the inside of the lock cap....still stiff...

Sand paper maybe? Could use some high grit to smooth out the inside of the lock or the outside of the knife where it sits.

 

[Harayasu]

Sometimes it takes a while before the ring can be turned easy. In the beginning they can be a bit hard to turn, but after using it for a while, they will turn easy.

 

[friedporkchop]

they are very tight.i cant hardly get mine open as well . i leave it open in the drawer. great slicer though.

 

[Revvie]

Try working it with some jewler's rouge or other polishing compound worked into the ring - I've not encountered that problem with Opies - I also soak the endgrain (at blade pivot) in linseed oil - not a cure but it keeps the swelling down when the knife gets wet.. good luck and enjoy a good inexpensive knive!
Peace
Revvie

 

[K.Berge]

Buy another

 

[Pvt.snoballz]

mine were the same, after many ring rotations it really helped.

also, to help grab the blade better i used some sandpaper wrapped around a marker and sanded a groove in the wood to grip the blade better.