Yes, the lock ring is an important feature to point out. I had been reluctant to purchase one of these because I was not aware of this. Ping Opinel… maybe you should make that more obvious. It could increase your sales!
I own the small Opinel keychain knife and the smallest one that locks, a number 6. The #6 is $16. Great knife. Being a folding knife, fits your pocket nicely. Good for most easy tasks, apples, boxes, mail etc.
For chopping food at camp or heavier tasks, a fixed blade Mora, just as inexpensive, might be a better choice. Hike your own hike! Cheers!
I must have 40 or 50 knives; Swiss Army knives, a dozen Leatherman tools, Bob Dozier knives, my father’s old Randall hunting knife, a bunch of Buck knives from when I was a kid (including the 110 folder), Spyderco knives, filet knives (gotta love that Helle Steinbit), even a spendy Sbenza – and I couldn’t agree more with the AJ assessment – the carbon-blade Opinel I’ve had for the last 20+ years is still going strong and comes with me almost every family vacation. I don’t feel weird pulling it out for a picnic, it is compact, easy to sharpen, and you can do everything from pare apples to spread peanut butter and slice bread.
I’d be curious to hear from other’s what they think is another “best value going” in the marketplace?
Great video and assessment of the opinel knives.
Don’t forget to to mention the built in guard so the blade can’t close on your fingers – just twist the metal ring by the base of the handle.
The AJ is great!!!!!!
I have had a #10 Carbon Steel Opinel knife for several years, and it’s just about the perfect knife for camping. It holds and edge remarkably well, is the perfect size for food prep, and costs almost nothing. I agree with Caz that there’s no better value in this category.
It does not have a hole to a chainlink. So, I do it myself and fook up with my car key. It then became the perfect knife of all time.
For another Opinel knife, I have got it painted in black. It looks much better. I always use is for camping, cutting vegetables and meet and then use as stake knife. I constantly sharpen it and after 10 years of use, it becomes thinner i.e. it is the time to purchase new one. For the past 50 years, this knife’s price have never changed, or increased for a couple of percent.
Pro Tip: the Opinel 8 Jardin (Garden) is the most underrated Opinel and not seen as often. Has a spear point and can be opened with one hand. It’s about 15 bucks in France.
Here here!
Also mention that the opinel knives have a built in guard to stop them from closing – just twist the metal ring next to the handle.
These are timeless and great – have used them for years.
Thanks for all you do -,the AJ is terrific
Yes, the lock ring is an important feature to point out. I had been reluctant to purchase one of these because I was not aware of this. Ping Opinel… maybe you should make that more obvious. It could increase your sales!
I do. The Mora companion. Unlike Opinel’s, the Mora is Indestructible:
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B004TNWD40/ref=lp_10417295011_1_2
Second
Third…love my Morakniv Garberg Survival. Best “bush knife” I’ve used. Friends are amazed when I use for ‘batoning” (splitting wood).
Can’t put it in my pocket though…
I own the small Opinel keychain knife and the smallest one that locks, a number 6. The #6 is $16. Great knife. Being a folding knife, fits your pocket nicely. Good for most easy tasks, apples, boxes, mail etc.
For chopping food at camp or heavier tasks, a fixed blade Mora, just as inexpensive, might be a better choice. Hike your own hike! Cheers!
I must have 40 or 50 knives; Swiss Army knives, a dozen Leatherman tools, Bob Dozier knives, my father’s old Randall hunting knife, a bunch of Buck knives from when I was a kid (including the 110 folder), Spyderco knives, filet knives (gotta love that Helle Steinbit), even a spendy Sbenza – and I couldn’t agree more with the AJ assessment – the carbon-blade Opinel I’ve had for the last 20+ years is still going strong and comes with me almost every family vacation. I don’t feel weird pulling it out for a picnic, it is compact, easy to sharpen, and you can do everything from pare apples to spread peanut butter and slice bread.
I’d be curious to hear from other’s what they think is another “best value going” in the marketplace?
Caz,
Saw your video of the Opinel. Haven’t seen you in years. Lookin’ good my man. The word is Inox (een-ox) meaning “will not oxidize.”
Cheers,
Dave
Well, inox actually just means stainless steel in French 😉 but yes it’s a truncation of “acier inoxydable”, which means un-oxidisable steel.
I’ve had one (of several) nearly fifty years. The newer ones, about thirty years. So handy, practical, and stay sharp forever.
Great video and assessment of the opinel knives.
Don’t forget to to mention the built in guard so the blade can’t close on your fingers – just twist the metal ring by the base of the handle.
The AJ is great!!!!!!
I have had a #10 Carbon Steel Opinel knife for several years, and it’s just about the perfect knife for camping. It holds and edge remarkably well, is the perfect size for food prep, and costs almost nothing. I agree with Caz that there’s no better value in this category.
Here in France for generations the Opinel is the all around working easy tu use knife. A very simple non aggressive and efficient design .
It does not have a hole to a chainlink. So, I do it myself and fook up with my car key. It then became the perfect knife of all time.
For another Opinel knife, I have got it painted in black. It looks much better. I always use is for camping, cutting vegetables and meet and then use as stake knife. I constantly sharpen it and after 10 years of use, it becomes thinner i.e. it is the time to purchase new one. For the past 50 years, this knife’s price have never changed, or increased for a couple of percent.
Best regards,
Pro Tip: the Opinel 8 Jardin (Garden) is the most underrated Opinel and not seen as often. Has a spear point and can be opened with one hand. It’s about 15 bucks in France.
I have an opinel carbone #9. I like the high carbon blade better. Way easier to get it razor sharp.
Also- If after the Opinel is closed the ferrule is turned the knife is locked closed. Great tool! jesse