The Opinel knives are a great choice for a basic utility knife at an inexpensive price.
No, they aren't the latest in super-fancy tactical EDC technology with some sort of quick-flick thumb lever/button/knob/hole opening, super-gripy GFRP side panels, or some magnificent new steel alloy that can only be forged in the heart of a volcano and only sharpened by a master craftsman, but they don't really need to be, nor are they anywhere near the cost of some of those knives.
I bought this knife (a No.8) just over a year ago and have been carrying it every day for most of that time; I liked it so much that I recently purchased a stainless No.6 with a walnut handle to supplement it and I carry that smaller knife when I am wearing pants with smaller pockets, dressier outfits or in places with a 3" blade limit. I've use it for basic utility knife tasks such as opening boxes, cutting cardboard, trimming plastic and wood, and simple food prep and it's never had an issue.
My knife arrived plenty sharp for my needs and with a good amount of resistance in the hinge and lock mechanism.
---Opinel No. 8---
+PROS+
-Simple design and appearance. The knife is non-intimidating in appearance or opening.
-Good Size: The handle size fits very well in the hand and the blade is a good length to do most tasks while not being too big or cumbersome
-Basic Carbon Steel: The blade takes an edge easily and holds it fairly well. It is easy to resharpen if/when needed.
-Sturdy: I've not had a task where I feel uncomfortable using this knife vs another utility knife and i find this to be better feeling than a multitool
-Locking Ring: Engaging the lock requires a conscious thought and disengaging the lock keeps your fingers away from the edge.
-Inexpensive: I paid $12 for this knife. It's got great performance for the cost and should something happen to it, you aren't out much.
-Customizeable: These knives are very easy to tailor to your preference. The handle can be re-contoured or stained/dyed however you please and you can force-patina the blade to make some cool effects. The cost makes it an accessible project (and if you mess up you aren't down much). I made a custom one as a gift for a friend to match one of his rifles he loved it.
-CONS-
-Basic Carbon Steel: This isn't one of the "super-alloys" that you'll see used on many modern folding knives. It won't hold an edge as well or or as long. Also, it is carbon steel so it does need some additional care.
-Somewhat Thick for the Size: The rounded handle does make it take up a bit more room than other, more-modern designs of a similar blade length.
-Wood Handle can Swell: The handle is solid wood so it can be affected by humidity. If it swells up too much it can bind, making the knife much harder to open. This can be mitigated, if needed, by sanding or filing the blade groove open a little. I've never had this issue but I don't live in a super-humid area.
-Will Buy More than One: I've purchased at four Opinels because I like them so much. A few were gifts or projects, but the others are so I can have a variety of sizes and wood handles. I could also see buying multiples to keep them in various places, wherever you need a nice utility knife.
---General Notes---
-The carbon steel Opinels need more maintenance than the stainless steel equivalents, especially after food prep. Cutting up acidic foods will cause the blade to patina (which is awesome but might bug some people) and the blade can and will rust without care. After food prep / washing, after cutting a lot of absorbent material (cardboard, for example), and just periodically, I wipe the blade down with mineral oil. Mineral oil is a good choice as it is food-safe, but if you never plan to use your knife for food prep you could use something with better anti-corrosive properties. If you are reading this and wondering why you'd get carbon of stainless, it's because the carbon steel tends to hold an edge better.
-Other than the size, blade material, and wood used for the handle, there really aren't many "options" like you'll find with other knives. Opinel does offer some variants, but for the most part you just get the one blade profile. Handle material also seems to be an option primarily on the stainless knives.
-Blade length sometimes seem a bit strange. No.9 -No.12, the blade length is the model number in cm. No.8 and below the blade length is longer than the model number by 0.5cm to 1cm. If you want or need something under 3" blade length, you'll need to drop to the No.6, which is also the smallest size with the locking ring.
I hope this review was helpful! Go buy and enjoy an Opinel!
| Recommended Uses For Product | Daily carry, camping knife, wide range of cutting tasks |
|---|---|
| Brand | Opinel |
| Model Name | Opinel Knife |
| Special Feature | Virobloc Locking Collar, Made in France |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Included Components | Opinel No. 8 Carbon Folding Knife |
| Handle Material | Sustainably Harvested Beechwood |
| Color | Brown |
| Blade Material | Carbon Steel |
| Style | No. 8 |
| Blade Length | 3.35 Inches |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Item Weight | 1.6 Ounces |
| Blade Shape | Clip Point |
| Is Cordless? | Yes |
| Reusability | Reusable |
| Item Length | 8 Inches |
| Manufacturer | Opinel |
| Part Number | NO8VRNSP |
| Item Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Item model number | 2540089 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | No. 8 |
| Material | Blend |
| Shape | Unisex |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Virobloc Locking Collar, Made in France |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Opinel Limited Warranty |
