What about Opinel?

D

digispam

Joined
Jan 29, 2007
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188
What do you think bout the twist lock thingy?

I have a Buck 501, but I finally damaged it too badly. I was hoping that at less than half the price, plus the carbon blade which I prefer, I could afford to beat on it a little so long as the lock thingy wont lose me a finger.

Cant find a local dealer, so I have to buy one to see one. They just look to be to good to be true at the price. What to you guys think?

Im thinking about the #6 with a 2 3/4" high carbon blade, twist lock. It would be my daily front pocket carry, backed up by my LM wave. Maybe add a Mora when out in the field.
 
I think they are pretty cool especially for the price. If you like moras and quirky european knives you will love them.
 
have to say i'm not really enamoured by the opinel as a EDC, the roundness and sharp spine just didnt feel that pocket friendly. Thing cuts like a laser though. probably the sharpest knife i have.

I wouldnt call the lock robust, it works for maybe the accidental bump, but i can see it flying off when really pushed. its kinda nifty though, keeps it locked closed as well.
 
Unsub said:
I think they are pretty cool especially for the price. If you like moras and quirky european knives you will love them.
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well, price and performance are the factors here. There's a bunch of $100 knives i'd like, but thats just not in the cards right now.

As long as the lock is safe, I think it will do. The steel seems to have a good enough reputation
 
I have one. If it had a pocket clip and a thumb stud it would be my edc. alas i am forced to carry my yojimbo instead, or one of my ckrt cruisers, or my spydie police or.... well you get the idea.
Buy an opinel. for the price you really really cant beat them. really.
 
The lock won't take the same kind of pressure to the spine of the blade that a good framelock or lockback would, but for normal tasks like stabbing the knife into a canteloupe or whittling with your thumb on the blade applying pressure you shouldn't have to worry. I've never had the lock accidentally release in any fashion, but like I said if it's raw strength you need from a lock look elsewhere. Otherwise if the design appeals to you, go for it. The handles are very comfortable and the steel preforms well. I prefer at least a #8 myself, often going with the larger #10.
 
Sorry to hear that. What I'd do in that scenario is buy an 8 or whatever size fits you best, then grind the blade down. Maybe to a wharncliffe, maybe keep the same profile, just get it to legal length.
 
Buy it.

I have a #6 without the locking ring (didn't realize it when I ordered it). Planned on getting another one with a lock, but didn't see the need to after trying it out for awhile. It's light, it cuts extremely well and is easy to sharpen. The only negative to me is that it can't be opened one handed.
 
ive got a no. 7 as well as a bubinga effile with a 10cm blade.... both are razor sharp with fine blades and the guys are right... the carbon steel is very easy to sharpen and takes an edge like nothing else.
you just have to be careful with corrosion, if left wet they will rust fairly easily.
easily the best knife for the price. just requires two hands to open and close but the twist lock works fine.. plenty strong and ive never had one accidently unlock.
 
digispam said:
well, price and performance are the factors here. There's a bunch of $100 knives i'd like, but thats just not in the cards right now.

As long as the lock is safe, I think it will do. The steel seems to have a good enough reputation
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Fellow Michigander here...and also a lover of inexpensive knives.

I haven't tried the Opinel...YET.

But, I have both the KaBar Dozier folder thumb-hole model ($20), and a Byrd Meadowlark ($16).

Actually, Great Lakes Crossing has a Bass Pro Shop, and I noticed an empty slot labeled for the Byrd Meadowlark. I don't recall the price, but it would allow you to handle the knife.

Here are my favorite inexpensive knives:
Victorinox Solo $10 shipped!
Byrd Meadowlark $16.
KaBar Dozier folder $20.
Victorinox Soldier $21.50 shipped!
Spyderco Delica (OLD model) about $45.

The Soldier doesn't lock, but it is tight.

Edit: oops, I'm a moron, as I didn't notice that you prefer carbon blades.
The Opinel sounds about right for your needs.
Maybe you could trim the handle a bit, and add a clip and/or stud, if it is your preference.
 
I don't think you'll be sorry if you buy the Opinel. Even if you don't particularly like it for whatever reason, it's under $10. Even if you're only slightly curious, that's a small price to pay for good first-hand information and testing the knife yourself.

Me, I really like the Opinel. I'd find #6 a bit small though for full-hand use. I EDC a #9 in my work bag and would also be happy with a #8 or even #7. #10 and larger are quite bulky, probably suitable only for bag carry.

If you are looking at the smaller models, something to keep in mind, the #5 and smaller don't have locking rings. They're simple slipjoints.

You also know that for $60 you can buy a complete set, #2-#12, with carbon steel? :D

-Bob
 
Another vote for the Opinel. I have a No. 8 without the locking ring, and it is one of my EDC knives. I took a dremel tool and sanded the handle down to a more pocket friendly profile (narrower and tapered on the non-pivot end), and I put a nice patina on the blade with vinegar, so not only is it extremely functional, but it is quite handsome. I don't carry the No. 10 as much, but I love both of them.
 
The Opinel steel is top notch carbon. I am real leary at using one now since the ring lock opened on me while cutting down cardboard boxes. I could have cut my fingers good but, lucked out this time! The wood handle also swells & locks up the blade at times until dried out.
 
Opinels in Carbon steel are a steal. Make sure you seal the handle to prevent swelling. I love them.
 
I have #6, and #7. They are nice knives and remarkable quality for the price. The major downside is that the wood will swell when it's hot/muggy.
 
I have the very knife you're looking at, a No. 6 in carbon steel with the locking ring. I find it ideal for EDC, and indeed I often carry it as such (it's actually in my pocket as I type this). Overall, the Opinels are more robust than some might assume, but of course there are limits. I don't think the lock would necessarily be a weak link in terms of the knife's strength, and assuming you aren't doing anything unreasonable with it, I believe you'll find the locking No. 6 to be perfectly sufficient for EDC needs.
 
Thanks for the posts everyone.

Yeah, I think maybe a #6 or #7 as those are within the Michigan 3" blade limit with carbon steel and twist lock. Im pretty handy with the belt sander & drum sander plus the Dremel. Maybe I'll experiment sanding the wood a little flatter for front pocket carry. (thx, jthomas - good idea). Damn Michigan knive law.

Oh yeah about the wood swelling issue. I've read to use food grade mineral oil to season the wood like you would with wood bowls, utencils, cutting boards, wood handled kitchen knives and such. makes sense.
 
I found a pic of the sanding job...
DSCF1943.jpg

It also has a few coats of satin varnish on it to seal it.
 
For a cutting instrument, I don't see how you could do better, whatever the price. I have found the locks to be fool proof. I have a 6,8 and 12. Used the big one to cleen and butcher a very large mule deer last fall, my hunting partner was amazed at how it opened up the ribs.:thumbup:

Never had any handle-swelling problems, but I don't leave them out in the rain or snow.:D

They are also probably the easiest to sharpen blade you'll ever have.
 
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