Opinel owners, I need your advice.

**bhalv** · 07-12-2012, 05:41 AM

So who out there has an Opinel knife? I just found them and they look great, but the price seems almost too good to be true. How well do they hold up, is there any slop in the blade, does the blade hold a good edge, generally happy with these knives?

**DukeGrad** · 07-12-2012, 05:58 AM

My friend,

I have been using them as an additional knife here and there for many, many years.
Like a buck for a service man, last forever, much less expensive than Randall.
Which I have many of.

Yea, it is an old European knife, well known here.
Again, last longer than any high priced knife.
AND CHEAP

Enjoy
Jimmy

**Vickers** · 07-12-2012, 06:00 AM

They are great: I carry one every day. Easy to sharpen, solid when locked (both open and closed), and holds an edge well. Very light, but well made.

Make sure and get the high carbon blade and not the stainless ("inox") one.

**professorchaos** · 07-12-2012, 06:00 AM

Yep. Good knife, good price. You have to take care of the HCS.

**blantyre** · 07-12-2012, 06:04 AM

I keep one in my picnic bag. A great little knife for slashing open a baguette and stuffing it with brie or pate.

**MrDentini** · 07-12-2012, 07:57 AM

French knife, I think. I have one since 1986, still sharp & pointed. I don't like how the ring that locks the blade works, it can get stuck.

Good for the money, in my opinion.

**bhalv** · 07-12-2012, 09:11 AM

so another question, what size blade to get? I want something for eating apples, slicing cheese and the such, maybe a #6?

**invizable** · 07-12-2012, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by bhalv

so another question, what size blade to get? I want something for eating apples, slicing cheese and the such, maybe a #6?

6-8 size would be just fine.
I have a 7 and its a great pocket size.
Make sure to oil the blade occasionally, because the Carbon blades rust quickly.

**Legion** · 07-12-2012, 06:13 PM

You can get a wicked sharp edge on an opinel. They are a marvel of functional simplicity.

**QuarkVI** · 07-14-2012, 01:17 AM

I have a a few #8's - my favorite size and it has the primitive ring lock mechanism which is handy for when I am doing something where I know it will be a good idea. I have a soft spot for carbon steel but also have the stainless for the farm for when I am too lazy to keep my knife dry and clean after use. Sharpens easily and keeps a good edge. One of the best biltong knives ever.
Shape goes well in pockets - not to heavy and no edges to tear holes.
At the price definitely worth getting and you won't be totally depressed if you lose it.

- wanting to get a nice Lagouile for my evening wear though :-)

**xraygun** · 07-14-2012, 01:23 AM

I don't even know how many of these I have. Fabulous knives and cheap enough to leave and forget in glove boxes, tool boxes, fishing boxes, lunch boxes, and I think I might have one in the mailbox. A little oil every now and then on the HCS and you are fine. I still want the mushroom one.

**mboschm** · 07-15-2012, 11:56 AM

Excellent knives. I have a nº 6 and I just love it. It holds its edge even after carving hardwood.

**Argonaut** · 07-15-2012, 04:26 PM

Dang you people! Just ordered a #8, hard to complain about a $12.00 knife shipped though.

**Sled Dog** · 07-15-2012, 08:38 PM

I carry 2 of them, a #6 in my pocket and a #8 in my work bag.
Both are carbon and wicked sharp.
Blades are not too thick so they cut through things very easily but I wouldnt use it to pry with.
Really a great knife for the price

**xraygun** · 07-16-2012, 12:10 AM

Now I'm looking at the carbon paring knives. darn it.

**Kazeryu** · 07-17-2012, 08:37 AM

Another vote for the #8 in carbon... I must have 4 or 5 of them by now.

**Legion** · 07-17-2012, 07:30 PM

Personally I find the N0.8 a bit big for EDC in the pocket. I'm looking to get a No.6 now, as it is the smallest with the locking ring.

**GarageBoy** · 07-18-2012, 07:23 AM

#7 in Carbon is my ideal size
Customize the handle anyway you like, keep the pivot area dry and you're set (yea, they eventually rust at the pivot)

Douk Douks are cool too (all metal)

**Argonaut** · 07-18-2012, 09:25 PM

Just received mine today. Very nice for $12.00!

**ikeyballz** · 07-23-2012, 05:34 PM

I'm going against the grain and suggesting the stainless blade. It takes a wicked edge too - maybe a little less so than the carbon steel but its easier to take care of. The best thing about the stainless (INOX) knife is that the handle is unfinished! You can take a sandpaper to it to change profiles/smooth it out and then just reoil it up.