Are Opinel knives worth it?

Opinel has been making classic pocket knives since 1890. They make for a great personal investment or gift. Prices start at $17, so they’re not expensive but they don’t skimp on quality either — I’ve had mine for years and it works just as well as when I first bought it in Paris.

Where are Opinel knives made?

Chambéry
In 1890, in a small Savoie village in Maurienne, Joseph Opinel invented the pocket knife that now bears his name. The Opinel company located at Chambéry in the heart of the Alps, is still run by the descendants of Joseph Opinel and manufactures items whose quality has made the brand famous for nearly 130 years.

What steel is used in Opinel knives?

Carbon steel
Carbon steel is the steel historically used by Opinel, which has contributed to the brand’s global fame. The carbon steel blade is marked out by its exceptional cutting quality and ease of sharpening.

What do the Opinel numbers mean?

12. Joseph Opinel had the idea of making his knife into different sizes which would be suitable to different hand sizes or used for various tasks. So, in 1897, he developed 12 different sizes numbered from 1 to 12. The smallest knife, named No. 2, has a 3.5-cm blade and the largest knife, No.

Are Opinel knives safe?

4) They’re Safe and Non-Knife Enthusiast Friendly The Opinel’s two hand opening and Virobloc lock features make them both safe to carry and use, and unalarming in public.

What is the most popular Opinel size?

The number on an Opinel knife denotes the blade’s approximate size in centimeters. With a blade length of 3.25″, the Opinel No. 8 is by far the most popular model, available with either XC90 carbon or 12C27N stainless steel.

Can I carry a knife in France?

French law states that carrying a pocketknife, whether you are in a city or the countryside is prohibited and you may be subject to a fine.

What angle do you sharpen Opinel?

18/20 degrees
How do you sharpen an Opinel knife? Use a Diamond Whetstone or other fine-grain natural stone on a dry, degreased blade. As if you wanted to cut the stone, move the blade from the base towards the tip, at an angle of 18/20 degrees. A wide angle will thicken the cutting edge: it will be more resistant but less sharp.

What is Opinel knife good for?

The knives are good for cheese and excellent for bread and fruits when picnicking, but they are also great in the kitchen. Try an Opinel on onions, shallots, scallions or garlic. The thin, sharp blade makes slicing them easy.

Is carbon steel or stainless steel better for garden tools?

In pruning or hand tools, the light weight of steel, fiberglass or even plastic can be preferable. High-carbon steel is the traditional choice, but stainless is just as strong and is rust-resistant. It’s more expensive but can be a good long-term investment.

Is carbon steel or stainless steel better?

Stainless steel has a high chromium content which acts as a protective layer against corrosion and rust. Carbon steel is high in carbon that when exposed to moisture can corrode and rust quickly. Carbon Steel is stronger and more durable then stainless steel.

Is the Opinel No 8 a good knife?

Opinel No. 8 Review – Final Thoughts The Opinel No. 8 is a great knife. It has one of the best blade shapes in the world, and a comfortable, attractive handle. The two major issues I have with it-the choice of steel and the bulky carry-can be addressed by getting a stainless steel model in a smaller size.

How do you open the Opinel No 8?

One interesting historical note: there is a traditional opening method for the Opinel, called the Coup de Savoyard. You tap the beak of the Opinel’s handle on a table so the blade jumps out a bit, and then open it. Not any faster than just opening it normally, but undoubtedly classier. The Opinel No. 8 is a great knife.

What kind of steel is Opinel No.8 made of?

This is a carbon steel model, made from XC90 steel. This a soft, durable carbon steel, and like all carbon steels can rust easily. It also sharpens easily-easier than any other steel I’ve ever used, in fact, including the famously easy-to-sharpen Victorinox steel.

Is the Opinel No 8 a folding guillotine?

The Opinel Number 8 has absolutely zero choil to speak of. It’s essentially a folding guillotine, so I would suggest being careful and (yes, I’ll say it again) not prying using the knife, as should the ring pop off and the blade come down on your digits, you will have a very up close and personal understanding of how well Opinels can really cut.

Are Opinel knives worth it? Opinel has been making classic pocket knives since 1890. They make for a great personal investment or gift. Prices start at $17, so they’re not expensive but they don’t skimp on quality either — I’ve had mine for years and it works just as well as when I first bought…