Svord peasant, K55K, or Opinel #8 carbon?

V

VolundoftheForge

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Jan 3, 2012
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Hey guys, I was looking for a very cheap simple EDC knife til I can afford the BM 710 in m390 :P Out of these 3 which would you want? Do you own any, and if so, how are they? Which is going to serve me best and grow fond in my heart?
 
the opinal is cheap at around 10 bucks supurb slicer easy to sharpen. The sword is a great little knife with good steal, and i belive it is l6 could be wrong
 
It depends what you're planning to do with the knife, I have a Svord Peasant and several Opinels but haven't tried the K55k. Given the choice between the Opinel and Svord I would go for the Opinel, here's why;

You can pick a size which you'll be comfortable with, the Svord comes in one size and I find it an uncomfortable knife to pocket carry.
The blade on an Opinel is more versatile in my opinion (I expect someone'll chime in and say the opposite:)) with an acute tip, some belly and a sufficient flat portion close to the handle for wood working. The blade on an Opinel is very slightly convex giving what is fairly thin blade stock a fair degree of strength. When sharp the Opi out slices everything else I have. However, if you're planning to 'beat' your knife as some like to say, then the Opinel isn't for you. This is a cutting tool:)
The Opinel is a very comfortable light knife to use. Despite having a round handle the weight means you soon forget it is in your pocket.
The locking mechanism is probably the most divisive part of the Opinel, some hate it, i personally get on with it fine.
I purchased a Svord Peasant because i was fascinated by its simple friction method (basically, you can adjust the front and back screws to pinch the blade both when the knife is open and shut). I still love this idea and it's nice to see in the flesh.
The Opinel will be a shade easier to keep sharp (you'll have to sharpen the tip as they come with a blunt tip).
Choice of good quality carbon and stainless on most models.

I'm sure you'll like whichever you choose, plenty of info on these knives on this and other forums. Respect to you for gathering as much info together before making a decision:)

Sam
 
I've had all 3. I recommend theOpinel -- or K55K.

The Opinel #8 is a convenient size for carry, comfortable to hold, excellent blade size and sharpness. It is almost a gentleman's knife, especially in the smaller models, like the #6.

K55K is good for daily carry, especially for workfloor use.

Svord didn't impress me. Adjusting blade tension with the screws on mine was impossible, the screws just spin in place. The knife itself is too big for ordinary carry.
 
Opinel #8. I also liked the idea of the Svord, but just doesn't work for me for EDC. Too bulky. Mine won't hold an edge as well as the Opinal. DoukDouk's are also flat and easy to carry, but have a very stiff backspring.
 
The Opinel is, in my opinion, the most classy one of the bunch. I would go for an Opinel. #7 or #8 most likely.
 
I haven't used a Svord, but between the Opinel and Mercator, the Opinel hands-down. Better cutting, more comfortable, customizable, and a 'warm' personality you just can't get from metal handles. Not to mention when buying an Opinel you get to choose the steel, handle material, and size.
 
I only had a few Opinels. I like their fat round handle and convex grind. Once you refine the edge and break in the lock ring, they're pretty good.
 
Out of those three, the Opinel probably has the highest utility to price ratio.

But you might also want to look at the Japanese Higonokamis (or the unlicensed "Higo Knife" version). They're very interesting and cool, but the most expensive standard version costs under $30. It has a brass handle and a hammered, layered, aogami steel blade. They originated when public carry of samurai swords was outlawed, so the forges began making these instead. There's an interesting article about them that goes more into detail over at britishblades if you're curious.
 
Opinel is great! I grew up in Europe (we moved around France, Italy, Netherlands, etc.) and nearly everyone carried an Opinel. They are cheap, replaceable, classy, and cut well. I still have one that I carry around a lot.
 
Had a couple Opinels and gifted them because they were the INOX (wanted carbon, thought I was getting carbon) variety and I got them at clearance. Nice, thin, SHARP! Love the locking ring and the feel in hand, look great as well. I have the bigger Mercator and it is a very nice knife as well. It has about a 3.5" carbon steel blade that slices like the dickens. Easy to carry, light, and a strong lockback makes it an awesome EDC utility. I give the very slight edge to the Mercator of those two because of the thicker blade stock and thinner profile. I have no experience with the Svord though it looks like a great bargain as well. Heard that they require a bit of work out of the box to get the edge right.
 
I carry a svord around the farm..Opening feed sacks, cutting open hay bales,, whatever........I dont carry it in my pocket, I made a clip on sheath..I dont really consider it a carry to town knife..Mine adjusts fine and takes a screamin' edge..Sure cant complain for $15..
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I like the svord peasant...the poly handles can be easily modified with notching and a deeper round out so that a lanyard can be run through. It is cheap, rugged and does cut well if properly edge angled.
 
Although i haven't owned the other two models, I do have an opinel no8 with carbon steel and I have to say that it has served me very well for a ~$10 knife. Many people have already brought up a lot of great points for the opinel, but you should know that if the handle gets wet and swells up, it is very difficult to open/close the knife. But other than that, opinels are excellent; great slicers, gets very sharp, good blade shape.
 
I don't know about anyone else but i've cut myself badly many times from an opinel closing on my fingers. Personally i would not recommend them.
 
I own all three and find the Opinel to be my favorite the two advantages I beleive it has over the other two are ergonomics and a super thin blade profile which I find particularly useful for lighter task.
 
ROME said:
Although i haven't owned the other two models, I do have an opinel no8 with carbon steel and I have to say that it has served me very well for a ~$10 knife. Many people have already brought up a lot of great points for the opinel, but you should know that if the handle gets wet and swells up, it is very difficult to open/close the knife. But other than that, opinels are excellent; great slicers, gets very sharp, good blade shape.
Click to expand...

Take a new Opinel and set the pivot end in a small glass of food-grade mineral oil. Let it soak a few hours. Voila' -- waterproof. Some take the knife apart and soak the whole handle. An excellent idea, I'm just lazy. :)
 
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