Inside the Opinel Factory
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- Опубликовано: 10 апр 2022
- Opinel has a thousand lives, like the tree from which it comes.
Eco-responsibility and transmission are at the heart of the brand's commitments.
Discover today the manufacturing and ancestral know-how of Opinel.
Opinel 2022 know-how film. 
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I make knives but in 95% of my time my EDC is an Opinel, the number 8 with the carbon steel blade to be precise. Best value pocket knife you can get for the money. A simple design, sharp out of the box and easy to sharpen when it got dull. I own a few of them, one is in my shop, one I carry, one is one my boat, my wife ows one so do my sons. A few I’ve lost. But at that price a loss won’t neither break my heart not my bank account.
I have carried a pocket knife every day since I turned 7 (in 1949!) when my grandfather gave me my first 'penknife' and have owned a few since. At present I have a Kershaw and a rather pricey little Spiderco.... lovely knives, sure... works of art in their way, but pretty expensive.
I have seen, but never closely inspected, an Opinel, so just a few days ago splashed the very small number of dollars (about one eighth of the cost of my Spiderco) on a little #6 Opinel, which arrived yesterday afternoon on the courier.
I am an engineer, and there is only one word to describe the Opinel design; it is Elegant. Simple in the extreme, totally functional and therefore very beautiful in its simplicity. No springs to break, no fancy latches to go wrong and the most ergonomic grip in the business, bar none! Impressive. The carbon steel blade is first quality (yes I tested it!), wonderfully thin and will cut with great efficiency.
Brilliant, and great to see a brand 'sticking to it's knitting' and continuing to make these wonderful tools exactly as they were designed to be. The modern machinery in the factory no doubt help not just to meet demand (and I cannot see that doing anything but growing) but also to keep the price at such an incredibly reasonable level.
Wow... just wow.....
I found my first Opinel on the side of the road in the Val de Tinee, Alpes Maritime in 1980. It’s been the easiest steel to maintain a good edge that I’ve ever owned.
That's where I lost my first Opinel knife over 40 years ago! ;)
I'm an American and bought an Opinel knife from a backpacking retailer almost 50 years ago. Over the years I managed to break to tip, but I re-ground it to a point and still keep it in my desk.
I'm English from Gateshead on Tyneside. Got my Opinel Knife delivered today. I got it with the spoon and fork attachments. The Picnic knife. With delivery it came to £25. For such a good quality knife, it's an absolute bargain. I'm overjoyed with the knife. Bravo Opinel. 👍
I’m Swiss and as much as I love the versatility, mechanical ingenuity and precision of our Victorinox SAK’s, I must admit I'm equally impressed with the simplicity of Opinels. And honestly right out of the box they are much sharper than the Swiss knives.
A piece of wood, a blade, a ferrule with a pin and the viroblock ring and the thing works perfectly. This is reduction to the max on a genius level. And it makes them extremely lightweight and low cost.
I also love how easily you can pimp and customize them. Color and/or reshape the handle. Drill a hole and add a cool paracord or leather lanyard. And with vinegar and/or mustard (of course French Dijon mustard works best) you can also paint or splatter the carbon blade versions or give them a damast steel look.
Such customized Opinels make great gifts.
I own ten Opinels in sizes of no. 4 to 12 and found the Numbers 6 to 10 the most useful. The no 12 was the only purchase I regret. The handle is waaay too long for being practical. It feels almost like a small machete, but being a folder w/o the ability to (ab)use it as one...
IMHO this is the size where the genius design reaches its limit. Although I don’t own the Opinel saw, I assume the long handle works much better there.
What is nice with opinels is that it's cheap and you can abuse them if necessary, and you can really choose the size that fits your hand. I really like the 9 and 10; ideal size would be 9 1/2
Also, there is #12 with serrated blade, which is supposed to be used as bread knife.
I also have some and 6-12 of which the 8 is the most used but i like the12. I also have the folding saw, mushroom knife, oyster knife, and garden pruning knife, and use them all regularly. To my chagrin i used to ignore the Opinel without the lock until i matured and realised how good they are but will always use the locking ones. I actually used a 12 to shape my guitar neck when i built a custom guitar, as a small "draw knife" two handed, and as a scraper for smooth shaping.
Nice! Thank you for this post. Very informative.
If you love Opinel, you should drive a miata
hey, weird question, are your hands big? My hands are kinda big, and I was planning to use measurements from the number 12's handle for my own custom made one, but if you say it's impractical I'll have to rethink it. Can a it fit in jean pockets ?
there is something, let´s say, basic cozyness in Opinel knives. my beloved grandmother had one (now i know it was nr 7) in Soviet Estonia - don´t know where it came from, because you could only dream of buying those behind the iron curtain. it went effortlessly very sharp again and was her best little knife in kitchen. i did not know how to close it, although interested in knives, i understood it is a folding knife. grandmother used it as a fixed blade. even today, as a knife enthusiast and collector i always keep nr 7 in carbon steel at home. i tend to give those sometimes away to non knife people and rebuy. again and again. thank you, Opinel, for the quality and timeless design!
A superb knife. Using no .8 since last ten years in India 🙏
I am collecting Opinel for ~30 years, amazing knives in all forms, the standard #9 being the best to my view, but the true art pieces are the Efille models! I use to bring a # 8 as present to my late father every year or so, he was using them to their limits in the farm, at the end of every year there was no blade left in them, but they had done a tremendous amount of work in his hands ! The best value for money in folding pocket knives.
Since childhood, I have been accompanied by penknives and knives, whether in the kitchen, for DIY purposes or as an everyday knife. I have a Victorinox, Boker, Morakniv, Higokonami for various jobs, and yesterday a gift of an Opinel inox no. 8! A beautiful opening knife, it doesn't scare you, it has the spirit of the era, only metal and wood, a beautiful thing :)
Felt I needed to say … thanks Opinel for making a great knife. Carried one since I was a kid & it’s been so handy.
In mass production, I give credit to the Europeans these people are masters in making the hard work easy. I love the ladies making the opinels with a smile.
Carried the same one that I first saw in a tobacconist store in Glasgow some 50 years ago. As good today as it was then. Blade has a wonderful patina, easy to sharpen and safe in the hand. I have purchased more for my family and friends. Makes a great and simple gift for anybody.
i just got my first opinel, no9 and i engraved it with hawaiian tribal carvings. i'll be carrying it with me for life
As much as there are good stuff from China too, it's nice to support a true European business, and have security the quality is top notch
I'm from Sardinia (Italy) we have a long tradition of knife making the "arresojas", but I have to say that Opinel kniwes are very good knives that endures a lifetime even with heavy use.
As does most people on channels like this, I have many many pocket knives. The two that I find in my pocket most are my Opinel #6 and #8. I Customized the handles. Nothing fancy, just a good sanding, burned with a blowtorch and varnished and gave the blades a nice patina. So simple and so functional for the money. The fact that you can customize the handles and blades with confidence in knowing you’re not taking a chance on an expensive knife is just a bonus.
The sharpest knife I've ever had❤
Truely the best knifes for what it costs, thank you!
... knives* ...
@@einundsiebenziger5488 auti boy
I'm an angler and the opinel is always in my pocket for other a decate.
Congratulations folks .
I’ve had mine for over 20 years now and it’s still just as good as when I bought it; I use it in the garden as well as normal general use, it’s not treated in any special way just cleaned and sharpened as necessary. Fantastic quality and design!
looks like a good place to work! Please don't ever change or outsource!
Love them. I live in Mexico and have collected them for many years.
Great KNIFE!!! ...Ingenious simplicity!!! I regularly buy new ones for myself . I can't stop! Every new one is tempting!! ❤
Simplicity and superb quality
I love mine. I'm on my third one, I buried my first one with a good friend after she passed and since I've had two more !!!
I bought my first Opinel in 1980. As a wood carver and work knife, the carbon steel blades cannot be beat. I bought additional Opinals over the years for work and some as collector items.
My early Opinals did not have the lock on closing ferule which I always wished they did, so I made leather safety sheathes for them. I am glad they upgraded that part. I will have to check my collection to see if any have that upgrade. I also have 2 paring kitchen knives. Thank you Opinel for making such fine simplistic tools.
@@christga100 They hold a sharp edge much longer than stainless.
I've seen these floating around over the years then I bought a parts truck and found one in its glove box. I absolutely love it. No idea how old it is, but I do know it's got many years left in it.
You know, as far as product advertising goes, this is pretty good.
I have used my #8 for years, most often for food prep in or out of the kitchen. Razor sharp and easy to resharpen. The blade has a beautiful patina. so practical and simple.
Best folding knife in the world. Nothing cuts like them.
I like that fact that my Opinel No.6 Carbon just disappears in my pocket. It's basically weightless.
Doesn't dull easily and is easy to sharpen too. Ergonomically correct grip for a human hand, good quality and craftsmanship at a good price.
Jees- you'd think I was paid to say that lol but nop. Just like all the other comments I paid for my knife too lol. And will buy more when the time comes.
Ive had opinel knives since i was 8 im now 52 in uk ,had all sizes uses one everyday my trusty number 8 ,one of the best kives ive used look after it and it will look after you 👍
I love these knives. I like to buy them and give them away. Most people don't realize these days but to give someone a knife is a sacred thing. Kind of like taking your first deer or catching your first fish.
Was just given my first Opinel #8 by a friend. Very nice. Will be buying more Opinel prducts in the future.👍
Love my Opinels!
They are great
I really appreciate your knifes i got the nomad with fork and spoon for Christmas and every time I see an opinel on a flee market i buy it. I carve or burn my name in the handle
I love mine and use it everywhere, it's incredibly useful and elegant.
Bought my first one last year. Always wanted to try them. Now I have two in my collection and I want a few more. There are so many variants to try out, and I really love them. The old world style and feel, and the great performance in their blades. Timeless knives
I have two of different sizes. They are my fishing knives.
MMM... I just bought a #6 (my first Opinel) and it will be a great small game hunting knife..... I think I'll get a slightly bigger one for the more 'beefy' jobs, alhtough the little one would copy I am sure, that blade is very sharp and the steel is first quality.
Le top des couteaux à travers le monde.
Pour moi la lame carbone reste le top à aiguiser, et la plus belle avec sa patine. Longue vie à vous.
I have owned and used opinel knives for most of my adult life.these knives have served me well. Easy to maintain...long lasting and most of all they cut like a knife. I use em every day. Top shelf.
Such simple and reliable pocket knives that are affordable to anyone.
Got my first one back in 1975 when I was in French Commando school.
I like the simplicity and low cost of Opinel knives. I'd say they're more of a classical "whittling, rope cutting or apple slicing" type of knife. Good for casual uses where convenience, safety (locking ring) and fine edge are important. I have the larger model with corkscrew in the side as my "picnic knife".
They're definitely not a quick access spring-assist type EDC / defense pocket knife.
Best knives in the world in this sector, no contest. I'm particularly fond of the Walnut Inox - any chance you could make us a #7 in that series please please?
I have been using the number eights for over 50 years now, they are great knives for sure.
I got one from France a week ago, great knives. I own two.
What numbers did you bought?
достойные коллеги других французских гениев - льва, пиз..ы и елки. настоящий парадокс в мире ножей. как такое вообще можно продать? но - можно и такое.
Cutting onions with the no.6 while watching this Video. I use my Opinels everyday
Awesome,they get a nice patina if you have a carbon one
The best EDC in the world, I have a standard carbon steel #8 in my pocket every day and have done for thirty plus years. Easy to sharpen, holds a razor edge, and they just keep improving in looks the longer you have them and the more you use them. I have pocket knives that cost me twenty or thirty times as much but I brush them aside to pick up the Opinel every morning.
These must be the happiest looking people working in a factory setting, I've ever seen on any 'how it's made' style show
Love my Opinel. Never leave home without it
in Russia, they love Opinel knives
en Russie, ils aiment les couteaux Opinel🙂
I just ordered an 8 yesterday. My first Opinel.
Great little knife,I have my number 8 for a few years now
Wow, you made the point of showing as many women as you could on the production line. You must be so forward-thinking and progressive. Well done you. You've ticked the right boxes
But no EMs so a total fail old chum.
Most of the people in this video were men?
il n'y a rien de progressiste la dedans les femmes peuvent travailler à l'usine comme les hommes c'est certes manuel mais pas physique
Quand les hommes allaient à la guerre en 14/18 les femmes fabriquaient des munitions
I believe the robots were the forward thinking part
@@joep5080 Selling the brand, laying off local employees and offshoring to cheap labor country is the forward thinking part?
Best knives ever for the money! I would quite literally go to war to prove this point.
They are garbage
You probably could go to war with one
Soon you can try it out
Sorry, Mora of Sweden is better.
I think Sweden has just declared war. 😂 👍
Il miglior coltello per rapporto qualità prezzo
Personalmente adoro la versione con lama in acciaio inox
😎👍🔥
Best value for money knife I have ever found. I have 3 and will surely collect more. I daily carry one and find it so handy.
I'm English and own more than one Opinel, a great product, tried and tested!
Illegal to carry in UK plods on the way chum !
Si en France tout fonctionnait comme OPINEL ça irait beaucoup mieux 😊
globalement ca ne fonctionne pas si mal ?
Elegantly simple design. Obviously, they got it right a long time ago. That's why they have been around for such a long time.
I always have a carbone no.8 with me and have gifted many of these to friends! Love them!
I don''t believe factory workers is all smiles like the video suggests... But 'Made in France' is a badge of honor. Even better when it's priced reasonably.
Love these Knives
I collecting knifes for a Long Time! In the forrest i am really lucky, with my Opinel Knifes! Greatfull! Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland, vom Earl! 👍😁😎🌲🌲🌲🍀🍀🍀
I have had one opinel For fifteen years! Carry it daily, it's getting worn and loose. but fifteen years, and tri monthly maintenance with a good whetstone and i can still shave with it :)
I love mine simple, elegant, and timeless. I’ve stropped mine to a razor sharp edge, it’s such a joy to use. Reminder to keep them dry and they last a lifetime.
Great knives! I have several of them!
Simple and brilliant. I've got many knives but this is the one I go to all the time.
The factory sharpness isn't what it used to be.
But at some point one needs to learn how to maintain the knife anyway.
This is something one still really owns. (no kill chips and subscription service)
The blades are made from good steel. So they take on a fine edge and hold it rather well.
After initial sharpening I only needed a leather strop to bring it back to shaving sharpness.
These knifes are very light weight and compact, so it's easy to carry them at all times.
That results in a lot of use. And I modified the grip to fit my hand better.
With a bit of care, those knifes last a long time.
They really grow on the user and become a little treasure.
My favourites are the N°9 in carbon steel and the N°6 in stainless.
I'm also preparing a stainless N°8 as a gift for a friend who likes to travel light.
That means sharpening, removing hotspots from the grip, removing the laquer and treating it with linseed oil, making a custom leather pouch and building a leather strop.
i love all the smiling women as they do the most monotonous work in the world.
must be a great work environment.
Cosmos 1999 survivors used Opinel!😎
I have several. they're dope. Sharp. Light. Much better than swiss knives (much sharper, and more importantly, an opinel has a safety lock. Swiss knives dont, making them incredibly dangerous).
iI have a good number of folding knives … fontenille pataud, Sog, SAK, Flakniven etc
Day to day use, camp kitchen use, weight, usability
Utility and overall value … none compare for value to an OPINEL …
These are the best value knives available and I just restored an OPINEL 8 found in a house clearance drawer to a proper usable knife that I can more or less date to 40 years back. So these things last if you tend them a bit too.
Best in the world and still made here in france
Well done
Have one now. Will be buying another soon. Great knife.
brilliant knifes wouldn't be without one had them for many years thankyou
A buddy of mine stole one from a local fishing shop when we were kids and his mother was too embarrassed to take it back, me being the bad influence best friend/brother she gave it to me for some reason. Anyhow this was about 16 years ago when I was / we were around 12/13.
I still have it and carry it regularly and we still use it to fillet fish. Still a wicked sharp knife after years in the mud and water. Rusted on me once or twice being left in a pocket for a few days after fishing. Little sandpaper and WD-40, quick touch on a ceramic stone and a strop you can't even tell.
My unlce gave me one from 1978 he said he bought it and that one has a nice patina and a nice dark color to the handle after years of being used and absorbing oil from your hands.
You guessed it, wicked sharp just like a brand new one.
These knives stand the test of time like only a few other knives can.
If I ever had the money to spend I'd order a bunch of them and give one away everyone I see out fishing.
This is that legendary old pocket knife that your grandpa uses for everything and somehow never loses its edge.
P.S. the shop owner knew us and he saw my buddy take the knife, but we were good kids and he was a really nice old man, he's since left the body, but he was that old shop owner who was a badass WW2 vet in his youth and a very successful highly regarded man in the small town we lived in who was humble in his old age and enjoyed spending his days opening up his shop and talking to the fisherman who came in.
He totally knew he took it but never raised a fuss. That's why my buddys mom was too embarrassed
I've had my Opinel in my pocket for more than 45 years now,
mostly every day….
🚲Grüße aus der Wetterau… Michael
Just ordered a Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife with Beechwood Handle👍
Jimo
Very nice overview in a beautiful countryside setting!
Vive la France...!!
Had a green one for many years, took a lot of punishment, but still carved my steak when literally all my knives where in the sink. I only realised it was famous after I lost it and began looking for another one.
I want one !
The best pocket knives of their range.
Einfach richtig gute Klappmesser. 🙂
Super !!!
Thanks. Amazing !!!
Best Knive for evry Days .😊
Una auténtica chulada, me encantan 👍
I love mine!
love love love
Is it possible to get a replacement locking sleeve as i have what would appear to be a very rare occurrence, in that my sleeve cracked through the centre and i discovered rust along the edges of the crack?
No. 1 is high on my wish list.
I’ve got two. 1997 and 2017. Side by side you see the wear on the wood and the amount of blade that has been honed off.
Okay, mind blown. When I was a teenager my dad gave me my first Opinel and told me they were made by hand by French monks in a monastery. Just checked Wikipedia to see if that was EVER true.. nope. Beautiful knives regardless. Just so functional.
Seeing all those colourful knives though I was a bit disap-... you can get it in BLACK!!! (My original Opinel, which I still have, though with a much smaller blade than I started with because of over-enthusiastic sharpening, I painted blue and red with a graffiti tag on it, but I was just a teenager.)
Those workers are every bit as dedicated to quality and their art as a monk would be in his religious practices....so your dad was correct in some ways.
I have a few Opinels & like them, but seeing glimpses of how they are made saddens me because I realise the true lack of craftmanship behind most products in the modern world.
love my opinels
I use 8 and 9
Great knife to have in the workshop ( wooden boat builder, UK )
this video makes Opinels seem way cooler and fancier than what they really are. It's literally just a knife.
These are good knives. Mine has a corkscrew in it- pretty complex for an Opinel!
Yes, that yellow color would help when camping, so as to not lose it!