Post by digitalpublius on Sept 24, 2013 11:44:46 GMT -5
Those who know that I am keen, (excuse the pun) on good knives, from time to time ask my opinion on the subject. Many of the knives I recommend can be pricey, so I thought it would be cool to feature a few postings highlighting high quality but inexpensive, (not cheap) knives. The iconic Opinel Knife is such a one.
Created 122 years ago by Joseph Opinel as a peasant’s knife, it has become a tool that has served kings equally well.
My knife seen here, I bought a couple of years ago as a collectable, is a carbon steel #8 model. The Opinels are made with a pretty beechwood handle and are diabolically elegant in their simple, yet highly functional design. But make no mistake, I would have no problem carrying this knife as a working tool. I just like it too much to do so.
The blade, with it’s deep nail notch, came very sharp from the factory. The carbon blade is easy to sharpen to shaving sharp level and retains an edge very well. The Opinels are also available in stainless, but I, as always recommend carbon blades, especially if you intend to make it a part of a survival/bushcraft kit. Carbon will throw a spark and is easier to maintain--just keep them oiled and you are good to go.
This is not meant as a quick deploy tactical knife, the Opinel has a rotating stainless collar that must be aligned with the blade housing in order to raise the blade. There is absolutely no play between the wood handles and the blade.
Once open, rotate the collar/bolster in either direction and the curved top locks the blade so that it is impossible for the knife to close during use. So simple it’s complex! Again, once opened there is no wobble in the knife. It gives a very sure feel and the handle has amazing ergonomics, very comfortable to use.
Lower the blade and rotate the collar to the left and the lower collar notch locks the blade closed. Opinel knives have been used by explorers, soldiers and adventurers for well over 100 years. Pablo Picasso used an Opinel for sculpture. The knife is both light and strong and makes for a great, high value, low cost EDC option. An Opinel will set you back just 10-12 dollars online including shipping. So they are the kind of thing you can order lots of, throw in your B.O.Bs. and even use as a barter item. And If you lose it, you won’t feel like the world ended.
From Wikipedia:
In 1985 the Victoria and Albert Museum in London selected the Opinel as part of an exhibit celebrating the “100 most beautiful products in the world”, featuring the Opinel alongside the Porsche 911 sports car and the Rolex watch. The Opinel was also selected as one of the 999 classic designs in Phaidon Design Classics, and has been exhibited by New York's Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) as a design masterpiece.
If you don't own one--I highly recommend them--if you do, sound of and tell us about your experiences with this true classic!