In 1998, 25 years ago, I bought my first Opinel knife. I carried it and used it everyday. The handle was discoloured, the locking collar perfect and the blade although misshaped was as sharp as hell. 6 months ago I lost it whilst lambing. Searched everywhere to no avail. Still grieving and can’t bring myself to buy a replacement.
I feel that pain but with a zippo. I got it 20 years ago when I was 6 to take camping with my friends and Carrie’s it in my pocket every single day even though I never smoked. I was just always taught to keep a fire source on me. It was a brass zippo and had developed the most beautiful patina. I lost it a few weeks ago and have looked everyday since. I have been so crushed that I can’t bring myself to touch any of my other zippos because it just reminds me of my favorite. I feel your pain man… hope it turns up out of no where
Had one since I was a kid. They're good learner knives, easy to use with smaller weaker hands and easy to sharpen so less "sharp as a tennis ball" accidents. Not the end of the world when you loose one either. If you have an Opinel and a Swiss Army Knife you have a fantastic start in the outdoors and neither break the bank.
I have had my number 7 for nearly 20 years. Best edc knife ever. I have just bought the smaller number 6 as it's the smallest one you can get with the Vibrolock. And mine is used and abused daily, wouldn't be without one. Easily cuts through electric fencing rope and everything else I have put up against it. The only reason I bought another is because it's been resharpen loads and badly done, run out of blade but the best £8 I've ever spent
👍 Beautiful knife. I agree, the blade patina and darkened wood from hand oil does give amazing character. The fact you have carried this knife for 20 years says all that needs to be said about it’s usefulness. Thank you for sharing.
These really are fantastic knives. I’ve been using, and collecting to a minor extent, knives since I was 12 years old. I’ve been aware of the Opinel knives that entire time, but I kept thinking “How good can it be?” Bought one a couple months ago, and realize I’d made a horrible assumption about the Opinels quality. A bit disgruntled with myself for missing out all these years. Great review.
I bought one when I went to France on a school trip in 1983. Still got it, but the blade isn’t as wide, due to sharpening. Also,the the lock ring is worn, so in its open position, the blade isn’t inline with the handle,but I can’t bear to get rid of it. I don’t use it much now, as I have a Swiss Army Knife and a Gerber multi tool. ( which I’ve had since the mid ‘90’s). All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
Nice video...as a side note in around 2000 they changed the locking ring so that it could also be locked in a closed position, I've one of a similar age....they last forever.
The Opinel is as you say a classic. Opinel have been around since 1890. The Opinel knife is even in the New York Museum of Modern Art. I have had a few over the years in different sizes. The only thing I noticed wrong with your review is, the number denotes the size of the knife, and not the handle material. You can for instance get the #8 in beech, ebony, horn, babinga and many other including modern synthetic materials. But it remains a #8. That is the most popular size, it was up to 12 different sizes by 1897 and then I think #1 was dropped from the lineup somewhere along the way.
Oh, so that's the difference. On the official site they mentioned slightly coned shape to prevent hard opening when the wood swelled from moisture but it's hard to verify shape differences. Now I'm just going to check whether a particular retailer has a version that locks in closed position! Thanks!
I've just bought one. Initially just because i wanted it in my collection. But its quickly won my affection. I hope mine gains a long a storied history.
12:22 Just a quick correction. I know I'm late to the vid, but Opinels are not full flat ground. They are convex ground, fwiw. If you view the blade from the cutting edge on, slightly twisting it back and forth, you'll see it. Also is stated convex ground by Opinel. I (any many others) believed they were ffg until I owned one and saw for myself. Again, not a big deal. Excellent review! Thanks.
I wish those nife flipping reviewers would do reviews like this. This is honest like hey look how this has held up, I like it. I have a carbon 6 that's about 10 years old. It's my backup kitchendrawer filler. Sometimes I forget my victorinox upstairs and then I grab this when in need to open a box or for other pocketknife business. Holds up very well. Thinking of buying a luxury model for the office drawer. Not sure if I would go larger than 6.
An old gentleman that hunted with my friends and I would always say if a knife wouldn't rust, trough it away every time one of us came out carrying a new stainless steel knife. Have to admit stainless steel has gotten much better in later years. But I still love a good high carbon steel blades on my hunting knives.
Thank you for the video. It is a nice to see an old Opinel being shown off. Same design for the most part and still works like a champ after all these years even with the minimal care you've given it. Wonderful. I love mine and carry it everyday.
Edward L. I bought a no.9 Opinel in around 1985, which makes it 34 years old, and still going strong, I sanded all the varnish off and soaked it in olive oil as it had got a bit tatty looking.
Great review - 20 years of use is certainly testament to the quality of the knife. Far better than a lot of the rubbish manufactures try to flog these days.
Had one in my fishing kit since was a kid. I favor the size 7 not the 8 (its marginally under the UK knife length legal limit, sand fits the hand nicely) Have lost a couple, snapped one cutting turf for a fireplace- and abused and used them heartily. They beat knives that cost many times as much- you can hack through serious lumps of wood if need be, then resharpen with an emery board in ten minutes, and if you lose it its GREAT cheap tool from the French
No7 is an 8cm/3.14961 inch blade as stated on the Opinel website. This makes it over the Uk legal carry maximum, which is 3 inch’s cutting edge. The Opinel blade is from the point to the hilt making it all cutting edge as well as having a locking ring. There is no exception, any folding knife that locks is illegal. Be careful what you carry.
J ai eu mon premier opinel à 10 ans en France ont les achètent dans les bureaux de tabac ou droguerie ou super marche malgré tout les lames carbones commence à être rare les gens préfèrent l inox moi non j en au perdu en allant à la pêche à l armez ont avait tous notre opinel j en échangeait à l époque aux soldats us contre des camels ou autres car j était basé à Berlin Heureux qu un produit français vous plaise
English lawmakers are pretty stupid. They ban all knives longer than 3" and law-abiding citizens are forbidden to carry them. The criminals and terrorists don't bother and despite the laws they go out and stab anyone to death. Against such shitheads the British lawmakers do nothing, but are proud to have balls to forbid the "dangerous knives".
This video made me make my choice.... I want this version with the carbon steel blade and not a stainless version! Not only will it hold its edge longer when woodcarving wands... it's easier to sharpen.... and if you keep it dry like you did it won't rust... it will only get this beautiful dark patina! At first I was thinking of buying special oil for high carbon steel but after seeing the patina yours has by just keeping it dry and no oils used... yeah.. I want that patina in the future so no oil!😄 And a knife this cheap that is still great after 20 years.... 26 years by now if you still have it... I can't say no to that!! I'm looking for a knife that is great for carving wands from the Harry Potter movies and the Hogwarts Legacy game for a while now that isn't especially made for woodcarving and also one with no plastic or rubber on the handle. And it had to be foldable. Keep its edge for a long time before I have to sharpen it... and lasts long in general. And cheap.. so if I lose it, it won't be a big loss. But After seeing your knife... if I would lose it after owning it so long it would hurt a lot.. because all that patina has a story behind it. So you lose more than just a knife after such a long time.😅 So yeah.. this is the knife for me!
Thank you for the review, I didn't think they would make it to 20 years! I got a later no 8 model with stainless steel. However, the pivot is wearing so it is getting loose so I need to fix that and I have to find a way to get the lock to be good enough again to work properly. But, I know I won't. It is a solid knife but I do feel that there are better options, all be it, not for the same price. Nothing beats this value.
"Its tarnished over the years, but so have i." Lol. I like that. That patina gives character. For the knife and for the user. Good review bud
20 years! Hard to beat that review! :)
In 1998, 25 years ago, I bought my first Opinel knife.
I carried it and used it everyday.
The handle was discoloured, the locking collar perfect and the blade although misshaped was as sharp as hell.
6 months ago I lost it whilst lambing.
Searched everywhere to no avail.
Still grieving and can’t bring myself to buy a replacement.
I feel that pain but with a zippo. I got it 20 years ago when I was 6 to take camping with my friends and Carrie’s it in my pocket every single day even though I never smoked. I was just always taught to keep a fire source on me. It was a brass zippo and had developed the most beautiful patina. I lost it a few weeks ago and have looked everyday since. I have been so crushed that I can’t bring myself to touch any of my other zippos because it just reminds me of my favorite. I feel your pain man… hope it turns up out of no where
I'm using mine since 28 years, still no reason to complain. I've got the no.8 carbon steel.
Had one since I was a kid. They're good learner knives, easy to use with smaller weaker hands and easy to sharpen so less "sharp as a tennis ball" accidents. Not the end of the world when you loose one either. If you have an Opinel and a Swiss Army Knife you have a fantastic start in the outdoors and neither break the bank.
I have had my number 7 for nearly 20 years. Best edc knife ever. I have just bought the smaller number 6 as it's the smallest one you can get with the Vibrolock. And mine is used and abused daily, wouldn't be without one. Easily cuts through electric fencing rope and everything else I have put up against it. The only reason I bought another is because it's been resharpen loads and badly done, run out of blade but the best £8 I've ever spent
I'm happy to discover on YT your review. There are many people talking about Opinel knives, but no one AFTER USING OPINEL for 20 YEARS! Thank you!
I did not think they were sturdy enough to last that long, so I have learned something here, thank you.
👍 Beautiful knife. I agree, the blade patina and darkened wood from hand oil does give amazing character. The fact you have carried this knife for 20 years says all that needs to be said about it’s usefulness. Thank you for sharing.
These really are fantastic knives. I’ve been using, and collecting to a minor extent, knives since I was 12 years old. I’ve been aware of the Opinel knives that entire time, but I kept thinking “How good can it be?”
Bought one a couple months ago, and realize I’d made a horrible assumption about the Opinels quality. A bit disgruntled with myself for missing out all these years. Great review.
Exactly the same thing here.. Always passed them by until I used one and now they are my go to knife...nothing cuts like an Opinel...
I'm a huge fan of these knives. For a single blade, you can't beat it. Great video!
Definitely one of the best knife in the world. I own a no.8 carbon steel too, I'm very pleased with mine.
I bought one when I went to France on a school trip in 1983.
Still got it, but the blade isn’t as wide, due to sharpening. Also,the the lock ring is worn, so in its open position, the blade isn’t inline with the handle,but I can’t bear to get rid of it. I don’t use it much now, as I have a Swiss Army Knife and a Gerber multi tool. ( which I’ve had since the mid ‘90’s).
All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
Nice video...as a side note in around 2000 they changed the locking ring so that it could also be locked in a closed position, I've one of a similar age....they last forever.
I also owned one for over 20 years. I now own a few of different sizes.
The Opinel is as you say a classic. Opinel have been around since 1890. The Opinel knife is even in the New York Museum of Modern Art. I have had a few over the years in different sizes. The only thing I noticed wrong with your review is, the number denotes the size of the knife, and not the handle material. You can for instance get the #8 in beech, ebony, horn, babinga and many other including modern synthetic materials. But it remains a #8. That is the most popular size, it was up to 12 different sizes by 1897 and then I think #1 was dropped from the lineup somewhere along the way.
Ywp. Blade size in centimetres. Except for the 13. That's in inches.
Oh, so that's the difference. On the official site they mentioned slightly coned shape to prevent hard opening when the wood swelled from moisture but it's hard to verify shape differences. Now I'm just going to check whether a particular retailer has a version that locks in closed position! Thanks!
I've just bought one. Initially just because i wanted it in my collection. But its quickly won my affection. I hope mine gains a long a storied history.
12:22 Just a quick correction. I know I'm late to the vid, but Opinels are not full flat ground. They are convex ground, fwiw. If you view the blade from the cutting edge on, slightly twisting it back and forth, you'll see it. Also is stated convex ground by Opinel.
I (any many others) believed they were ffg until I owned one and saw for myself. Again, not a big deal.
Excellent review! Thanks.
Maintained easy with a strop too
Just ordered a No. 9, can’t wait!
I wish those nife flipping reviewers would do reviews like this. This is honest like hey look how this has held up, I like it. I have a carbon 6 that's about 10 years old. It's my backup kitchendrawer filler. Sometimes I forget my victorinox upstairs and then I grab this when in need to open a box or for other pocketknife business. Holds up very well. Thinking of buying a luxury model for the office drawer. Not sure if I would go larger than 6.
An old gentleman that hunted with my friends and I would always say if a knife wouldn't rust, trough it away every time one of us came out carrying a new stainless steel knife. Have to admit stainless steel has gotten much better in later years. But I still love a good high carbon steel blades on my hunting knives.
Very good review! The only better feature of today's Opinel is the locking blade in a closed position otherwise still the same.
Best opinel review yet. They are the perfect pocket knife.
This is the best Opinel review on the net. It would be great if you can make a new review with that same knife.
Thank you for the video. It is a nice to see an old Opinel being shown off. Same design for the most part and still works like a champ after all these years even with the minimal care you've given it. Wonderful. I love mine and carry it everyday.
Just ordered #9 in carbon ))) Lovely and practical👍🏻
Wow that's a long time to own a knife! Amazed it's lasted. I've recently picked up 2 no 8. Glad it's a good choice.
Edward L. I bought a no.9 Opinel in around 1985, which makes it 34 years old, and still going strong, I sanded all the varnish off and soaked it in olive oil as it had got a bit tatty looking.
J ai celui de mon grand père qui date de 1971
My first year.... Love it and yes I would cry if lost it
Thank you excellent review and God bless you
Great review - 20 years of use is certainly testament to the quality of the knife. Far better than a lot of the rubbish manufactures try to flog these days.
My Number 6 is about the same age, and has about the same patina. Nice to see yours. Mine was even cheaper since it was a gift, lol.
i have the same i got it since 1982 my bro offered me very nice knife i love it
Beautiful knife, lovely patina, and great review. 😊👍
Just got one, love it. Perfect pocket knife
Had one in my fishing kit since was a kid. I favor the size 7 not the 8 (its marginally under the UK knife length legal limit, sand fits the hand nicely) Have lost a couple, snapped one cutting turf for a fireplace- and abused and used them heartily.
They beat knives that cost many times as much- you can hack through serious lumps of wood if need be, then resharpen with an emery board in ten minutes, and if you lose it its
GREAT cheap tool from the French
No7 is an 8cm/3.14961 inch blade as stated on the Opinel website. This makes it over the Uk legal carry maximum, which is 3 inch’s cutting edge. The Opinel blade is from the point to the hilt making it all cutting edge as well as having a locking ring. There is no exception, any folding knife that locks is illegal. Be careful what you carry.
J ai eu mon premier opinel à 10 ans en France ont les achètent dans les bureaux de tabac ou droguerie ou super marche malgré tout les lames carbones commence à être rare les gens préfèrent l inox moi non j en au perdu en allant à la pêche à l armez ont avait tous notre opinel j en échangeait à l époque aux soldats us contre des camels ou autres car j était basé à Berlin
Heureux qu un produit français vous plaise
Thanks for the review, good info 👍
The patina on that knife is gorgeous, fine video there. These knives grow on you like a great pair of broken in boots.
Bought a no.6 carbon for today for £7.49. Can't argue with that for value for money!
Greetings from Northern Ireland....subscribed
Holy crap, I bought this thing in a store randomly cause I needed a cheap folder.
20 years and it’s in this shape. I bought a good knife
I agree a great knife have #9
This was a really nice and thorough review of this Opinel knife you did here. Really great video. Why don't you have any subscribers? You do now. 👍
I prefer the 10 and 12 because I have big hands and carpal tunnel syndrome--I am glad I don't have to deal with English knife laws
English lawmakers are pretty stupid. They ban all knives longer than 3" and law-abiding citizens are forbidden to carry them. The criminals and terrorists don't bother and despite the laws they go out and stab anyone to death. Against such shitheads the British lawmakers do nothing, but are proud to have balls to forbid the "dangerous knives".
Great Video Thank You sir.
thanks.
Opinel is great
I just purchsed one this week
Agree with everything you said.
This video made me make my choice.... I want this version with the carbon steel blade and not a stainless version! Not only will it hold its edge longer when woodcarving wands... it's easier to sharpen.... and if you keep it dry like you did it won't rust... it will only get this beautiful dark patina! At first I was thinking of buying special oil for high carbon steel but after seeing the patina yours has by just keeping it dry and no oils used... yeah.. I want that patina in the future so no oil!😄 And a knife this cheap that is still great after 20 years.... 26 years by now if you still have it... I can't say no to that!!
I'm looking for a knife that is great for carving wands from the Harry Potter movies and the Hogwarts Legacy game for a while now that isn't especially made for woodcarving and also one with no plastic or rubber on the handle. And it had to be foldable. Keep its edge for a long time before I have to sharpen it... and lasts long in general.
And cheap.. so if I lose it, it won't be a big loss. But After seeing your knife... if I would lose it after owning it so long it would hurt a lot.. because all that patina has a story behind it. So you lose more than just a knife after such a long time.😅
So yeah.. this is the knife for me!
Thank you for the review, I didn't think they would make it to 20 years!
I got a later no 8 model with stainless steel. However, the pivot is wearing so it is getting loose so I need to fix that and I have to find a way to get the lock to be good enough again to work properly. But, I know I won't.
It is a solid knife but I do feel that there are better options, all be it, not for the same price. Nothing beats this value.
You may be able to fix it by popping the lock off and peening the pin that holds the blade in place
Does the lock not work at all?
Just purchased my first No. 8 in carbon steel this morning...
👍
Кто то за год купит 10 ножей, и не найдет среди них своего любимого ножа. Кто то купит опинель, или викторинокс. И будет счастлив всю оставшуюся жизнь
нож прекрасный, если кольцо слишком легко вращается я обычно снимаю его и осторожно сжимаю его в косяке двери и одеваю снова на нож
I use a No.6 and 12. Opinel make great knives.
for me, an 8 is as. small as I can go since I have big hands and carpal tunnel--I prefer a 10 or 12
The locking mechanism has been given an alteration since that one was made.
Is the new lock better or worse?
@Duncan As far as safety goes, is it still safe to use?
15 pounds! My Opinel #8 weighs less than 6 ounces.
illegal to carry around in the uk unfortunately without good cause
What a boring ...review 😞 !
Sorry.