Why all the Opinel rave?

Just took delivery of my first Opinels today, a carbon steel No9 and a No10. Can't say I'm surprised by how much I'm impressed as I've read this thread and others so I was well aware of the excellent attributes these knives have but, be that as it may I was still a little taken aback by how much knife you get for the money. The No 10 feels great but the No9 seems a little more practical for EDC. May have to try a couple of the next size smaller. Both knives are quite sharp and fit and finish is pretty much perfect. Can't wait to start using these and see what kind of a patina I can work up. Only regret is that I waited so long to try these.
 
Opinels can be made really sharp and they are light weight. These are the two main reasons why I like to carry an Opinel as a pocket knife on hiking trips.

I use one in the kitchen at home too, excellent slicer. And they're so affordable and widely available, that I have several backups.

The traditional look and feel is a plus too, for me.
 
Badhammer, I will be interested to hear how the blades grow on you over the course of the next month or so, especially in wood or the kitchen. I find the corner on the butt gets the heel if my hand so I usually round it off with a sanding block. Also drop the point with a file. About 10 minutes of work. Sand 80 grit, stain and top coat...

Opinel by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
pinnah said:
Badhammer, I will be interested to hear how the blades grow on you over the course of the next month or so, especially in wood or the kitchen. I find the corner on the butt gets the heel if my hand so I usually round it off with a sanding block. Also drop the point with a file. About 10 minutes of work. Sand 80 grit, stain and top coat...

Opinel by Pinnah, on Flickr
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Couldn't keep my paws off of them last night. I've already noticed the problem you mention with the heel on the grips. Not so much with the No10 as it's longer but on the No9 it hits just right where I could see it impacting comfort with continued use. I prefer more of a drop point but will probably hold off for a while as far as mods to the blade goes.

Question. Does it matter which direction you rotate the collar to lock the blade in the open position? I find that I rotate the collar CCW, (blade pointed at you) it feels better on my right index finger when gripping the knife. If I rotate it the other way the gap in the collar is under my index finger. Looking at the top of the collar I don't see that it would make a difference as far as locking goes.
 
The best lock-up so little money can buy I think. Also it has a certain DIY-charm. Plus for me personally, it's the first folder I came into contact with through my grandfather.

Not too hard to modify too. Here is a Nr.9 I carved up using just a Leatherman Sidekick, so quite roughly.
But my fingers fit the grooves very comfortably. I didn't want to overly color it so I just used flaxseed oil to finish it off:

KBwgCdTB
 
MES said:
Plus for me personally, it's the first folder I came into contact with through my grandfather.

Not too hard to modify too. Here is a Nr.9 I carved up using just a Leatherman Sidekick, so quite roughly.
But my fingers fit the grooves very comfortably. I didn't want to overly color it so I just used flaxseed oil to finish it off:

KBwgCdTB
Click to expand...

That's an excellent reason right there. :thumbup:
Your modifications turned out pretty good too. :)
 
Divine_Madcat said:
Yes, it has plastic for the handles.. but still the ugly round look, and that tacky silver ring at the end. i know its popular, but i really don't get it....
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I'm not a fan of their looks all that much either but then I think most modern knives are downright fugly. Each their own I guess. :D
 
stabman said:
That's an excellent reason right there. :thumbup:
Your modifications turned out pretty good too. :)
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It might even be the main reason.

Thanks a lot!

PS: Can't wait to go to your Canada this year for a year-long working holiday this year and buy my first Canadian knife over there! ;-)
 
Thanks a lot to this thread....I could take it no longer. I just ordered an Opinel #8 in carbon steel. I have no use for another knife, but I am excited none the less to own one.

Something about classic affordable knives are just irresistible to me. Moras, Victorinox, and now Opinel.
 
collim1 said:
Thanks a lot to this thread....I could take it no longer. I just ordered an Opinel #8 in carbon steel. I have no use for another knife, but I am excited none the less to own one.

Something about classic affordable knives are just irresistible to me. Moras, Victorinox, and now Opinel.
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Don't forget the Svord Peasant then, its another gem (although as delivered its usually pretty rough).

Another thing I love about the Opinels is that their spines are ground to a 90 degree angle from the factory (actually, slightly more acute than that because its a FFG). This means they're great for smoothing wood, or generating shavings for a tinder bundle. They're also pretty tough, and amazingly light. They're a great knife.

And for what its worth I find their handles comfortable.
 
MES said:
It might even be the main reason.

Thanks a lot!

PS: Can't wait to go to your Canada this year for a year-long working holiday this year and buy my first Canadian knife over there! ;-)
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Get a Grohmann. :)
I just got this in the mail on Monday; Grohmann #4 Survival knife.

Photo0296_zpswliiexj2.jpg


5/32" thick blade, 5" blade length.
Haven't had a chance to use it on anything other than vegetables yet, but at about 6.3 ounces of weight, it is very comfortable to carry around.
I had it worn Baldric style yesterday all day long...underneath a long sleeve shirt, no one even sees it.

Costs about $120, but I feel I got my money's worth.:thumbup:
I'll know better once things dry up around here and I can go in the woods without hip waders. :D
 
stabman said:
Get a Grohmann. :)
I just got this in the mail on Monday; Grohmann #4 Survival knife.

Photo0296_zpswliiexj2.jpg


5/32" thick blade, 5" blade length.
Haven't had a chance to use it on anything other than vegetables yet, but at about 6.3 ounces of weight, it is very comfortable to carry around.
I had it worn Baldric style yesterday all day long...underneath a long sleeve shirt, no one even sees it.

Costs about $120, but I feel I got my money's worth.:thumbup:
I'll know better once things dry up around here and I can go in the woods without hip waders. :D
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I just looked them up. Interesting knives! They are selling factory seconds at a very low price too on their site. I just might just order one of these to have an idea!
 
MES said:
I just looked them up. Interesting knives! They are selling factory seconds at a very low price too on their site. I just might just order one of these to have an idea!
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Good idea. :)
 
I have to say, I've asked myself the same question as the OP. I have purchased 4 Opinels throughout my life, there won't be a 5th. While I'll gladly admit the price is low and I LOVE the design, the blades have all been the biggest pieces of crap I've ever used that didn't say "Made in Pakistan" on them. Whittling wood (twice) cutting cardboard, and cutting open a plastic "clamshell" packaging I have broken all 4 blades I've ever owned.

It's really a shame. because I love the design. One saving grace of the design, Lynn Thompson stole it (like so many others) and made a good quality knife with it, the Twistmaster. The plastic handle on the CS version didn't swell when wet as I've heard some Opinels have a problem with, and the old Carbon V blades were tougher than every Opinel I had combined.
 
Do love my Opies.
Great ergonomics, great blade shape, they take a nice edge, lock-up great, sharpen easily ...
I was apprehensive of their look at first but got my first as a gift (8 SS Boxwood Rosace) which was gorgeous, and now I have 9 of them...
I gave one to a friend (non-knife person) and he has been edcing it for a year now... only needed sharpening twice...
 
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