Opinel Knife

[rusty_tlc]

After a few well placed hints I received an Opinel knife for Christmas, actually two.
Since they are inexpensive you can afford to have a few knocking around.

I threw one in my fanny pack along with my digital camera, sunglasses, etc.
The other went into my 10 essentials tin.

The #7 is a perfect size. It comes from the factory razor sharp. I tested mine on a ripe mango, it peeled it as well as a vegetable peeler can.

I've seen these knives in use since the seventies and never tried one before. I shouldn't have waited so long.

 

[e9999]

these have been used by french folks for a looong time
the locking system is pretty ingenious

 

[ferg]

Where to buy and cost?

 

[rusty_tlc]

Where to buy and cost?

Mine came from Sportsmans Warehouse and is branded for Coughlans. But it still has the Opinel label on the blade. The #7 cost $10.

 

[Gold Boy]

opinel knife history

 

[rusty_tlc]

opinel knife history

The real history is in their reputation among outdoorsmen.

 

[targa88]

Been using one for more than 25 years - great blade.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

I always thought of them as a picnic~cheese cutting knife.

 

[e9999]

these are high carbon steel blades apparently, so can get very sharp but maybe not that durable an edge, and can rust more easily...

 

[rusty_tlc]

I always thought of them as a picnic~cheese cutting knife.

Exactly, cheap enough to leave in the picnic hamper or daypack full time but still good enough to do the job.

 

[rusty_tlc]

these are high carbon steel blades apparently, so can get very sharp but maybe not that durable an edge, and can rust more easily...

A piece of 400 grit wet dry will put an edge back on in a hurry.

 

[psfpilot]

I always thought of them as a picnic~cheese cutting knife.

these are high carbon steel blades apparently, so can get very sharp but maybe not that durable an edge, and can rust more easily...

It works as well for skinning and gutting as it would for your camembert. That steel does take and edge easily and hold it fairly well. It just needs a periodic wipe with an oily cloth.

 

[stayalert]

LOL love those knives - I ran one through the dishwasher by accident once...it took about a year to dry out enough to be able to close again!!

 

[psfpilot]

I found that mineral oil helps lube up the joint if it's swollen.

 

[lowenbrau]

I've had the same one for about 15 years now and the blade is significantly smaller than it was. I've had to place a wooden shim into the handle so the blade doesn't disappear into it and not come back. They are super easy to sharpen and a marvel of simplicity. I have more knives than I need and lots are ultimately better than an Opinel but you just have to respect them for what they are. Like a Land Cruiser I guess.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I found that mineral oil helps lube up the joint if it's swollen.

<self moderated>

damn that was a hard one to pass on.

 

[missipboy]

that'f funny right there.

 

[Window]

these are high carbon steel blades apparently, so can get very sharp but maybe not that durable an edge, and can rust more easily...

I ended up rubbing a bit of gun blueing cream on the blade of mine. worked a treat. Wish is till had it now!

 

[e9999]

I ended up rubbing a bit of gun blueing cream on the blade of mine. worked a treat. Wish is till had it now!

darn good idea!

 

[psfpilot]

<self moderated>

damn that was a hard one to pass on.

I'd hate to see you banned over some swollen wood.