Thoughts on my Opinel knives

[bannockburn]

Recently I finally got around to adding a Mora knife to my collection. An Opinel is next on the list.

 

[Jim Watson]

I wish Opinel made a standard style with synthetic handle so I could wash it.

 

[Boattale]

Recently I finally got around to adding a Mora knife to my collection. An Opinel is next on the list.

They are both essentials if you ask me.

 

[bannockburn]

Boattale

They are both essentials if you ask me.

I would have to agree, along with a SAK in a configuration of your chosing!

 

[John Joseph]

I wish Opinel made a standard style with synthetic handle so I could wash it.

https://www.opinel-usa.com/collections/opinel-no8-outdoor/products/opinel-no8-outdoor-fluo-series

 

[Boattale]

Boattale



I would have to agree, along with a SAK in a configuration of your chosing!

View attachment 873599
View attachment 873600

I keep a red SAK Officer's model in every vehicle we own. Lovey has one of the smaller classics in pink and its normally in her purse. My small classic is red. So yes, I agree an SAK or several falls into the essential category.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

The first gift that I bought my wife, (then girlfriend), 30+ years ago was a SAK with a pair of scissors cause she was into quilting. She still has it too.
I have an Opinel in one of my black powder shooting bags and a Mora carvers knife down in the shop that is at least 35 years old. Both are good blades.

 

[dvcrsn]

there are very few EDC tasks that can't be solved with an Opinel and something like a SAK Tinker

 

[hso]

I wish Opinel made a standard style with synthetic handle so I could wash it.

They have a few poly handled 12s and 8s and the 9 DIY as well as the above Fluo.

 

[Jim Watson]

By "standard" I meant without whistle or screwdriver.

 

[John Joseph]

It's funny how these things multiply!
I'm emphatically not a collector, yet at last count I've got two Opinels, two Moras and five SAKs in my various "kits" that I've actually used quite a bit!
What you pay for with Opinel and Mora is the excellent steel blade----the handles are admittedly cheap (most often birch) but you don't cut stuff with the handle..

 

[John Joseph]

I wish Opinel made a standard style with synthetic handle so I could wash it.

Just don't wash the handle and dry and oil the blade before folding. This has always worked well for me.

 

[hso]

 

[joneb]

Recently I finally got around to adding a Mora knife to my collection. An Opinel is next on the list.

I have been very pleased with the Mora companion in SS and carbon steel, as well with the Opinel great knives for the $
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?attachments/018-jpg.200629/
at the bottom of this pic you will see a Hultafors knife that I bought at Parr lumber some years ago for $10. I went through a dozen of them on the shelve to find one with a good grind, its a good knife, and for $10 it maybe my best value knife.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I got 4 new Opinel's coming for my Christmas!

 

[joneb]

I got 4 new Opinel's coming for my Christmas!

Well what did you get, and what do think of them?

 

[JohnKSa]

The biggest complaint I have with Opinels is that if you cheat forward on the handle, you can get your finger into the back corner of the blade without realizing it. And that corner is SHARP. I've done that and then tried to figure out where the blood was coming from because I didn't even feel it slice into my finger.

 

[tubeshooter]

The biggest complaint I have with Opinels is that if you cheat forward on the handle, you can get your finger into the back corner of the blade without realizing it. And that corner is SHARP. I've done that and then tried to figure out where the blood was coming from because I didn't even feel it slice into my finger.

I find this irritating as well. I think I am going to take an old file and work that corner down to prevent the very thing you are describing. I have a couple of #8s, and the red handled one seems MUCH worse in this regard for some reason.

 

[X62503]

This one has been sitting in my desk drawer for nearly 30 years; before that, it lived in my pocket or my pack, and I used it every day, rain or shine. It never got stuck closed, and it did not take much effort to hone.

 

[dvcrsn]

I have a couple questions for those that own these knifes...

1- any problems with rusting?
2- do they keep their edge pretty well?
3- are they difficult to sharpen?

Thanks for your help!

I have not had a problem with my carbon steel Opinels rusting and they not only stay sharp but are easy to sharpen

 

[X62503]

I have not had a problem with my carbon steel Opinels rusting and they not only stay sharp but are easy to sharpen

This is my experience as well.

 

[Wishoot]

Can't believe I waited until now to discover these great knives.

I use this Opinel #9 Carbon for food prep (fruit and vegetables only). Razor sharp and easy to maintain blade.

 

[John Joseph]

Can't believe I waited until now to discover these great knives.

I use this Opine #9 Carbon for food prep (fruit and vegetables only). Razor sharp and easy to maintain blade.

View attachment 890769

Mine has made numerous sandwiches all over Europe and N. America. They do a very credible job slicing crusty bread.

 

[JohnKSa]

They are very good slicers. So many pocket knives these days have blades designed for maximum strength. Unfortunately that tends to equate to a thick spine which must be forced through whatever is being cut. You want a thin blade profile for a good slicer.

 

[joneb]

They are very good slicers

That they are, I enjoy some hard cheeses from time to time and the Opinel blade is the bee's knees for cutting this cheese.