Opinel

Blade Runner · Post by **Blade Runner** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:42 pm

Has any of you owned and used Opinel knives?? What is your opinion of them??
Gary

jonet143 · Post by **jonet143** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:53 pm

hey gary, they are great carbon work knives. been around since the late 1800s. they make all sizes. most have a ring locking mech.

justold52 · Post by **justold52** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:53 pm

To me they look as if you can not use them as a pry-bar.
But they look like a good sticking knife.
I like most here look and pass them by.

Diligence · Post by **Diligence** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:43 am

I've got an old 3" bladed model with carbon blade. It will get scary sharp, but it is starting to really loosen up as the wooden scale bears directly on the tang. I bought mine in France, many years ago and so only keep it as a reminder of that trip.

Cheers,
D

muskrat man · Post by **muskrat man** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:11 am

Hey Dill, try dripping water down in the hinge, it will raise the grain in the wood and tighten it back up.

as for the main question:
I have a 4" or so bladed model, gets very sharp and a good cheap working knife that does the trick. I've been meaning to get one of thier pruners.

nmikash · Post by **nmikash** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:33 am

I have an Opinel #7 with a carbon steel blade. They are relatively cheap and make a nice work knife for the money. They come in almost any size you could want and have a simple, reliable mechanism. As mentioned they get scary sharp quite easily. I have no problem with looseness of the blade yet, but have not had it for very long. If you are thinking of buying one Gary I would recommend them. For the price you won't be out much if you don't like it.

Nick

orvet · Post by **orvet** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:04 am

I have an Opinel paring knife. About 6" overall. Thin carbon steel, but man does it get sharp. My favorite paring knife. I think it was $3 from Smoky a couple years ago.

Dale

jonet143 · Post by **jonet143** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:09 am

there is nothing like carbon for sharpening. these old french traditional knive have been used by the french working class for a very long time. old ones are real good. new ones are ok.

Diligence · Post by **Diligence** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 1:13 pm

I'm sure you know, but the Red Stamp on the handle means it is stainless sandvik 12C27 steel and the Black Stamp on the handle means it is carbon, but I don't know if it's a tool steel or not.

At least this used to be the case.

Oh, and MM has it right on the money, a little water on the joint every now and then does the trick to tighten it up, but eventually, it loosen as mine has.

Cheers,
D

Hukk · Post by **Hukk** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 1:33 pm

Sandvik 12C27 is a specialty steel and I have it on a fixed blade Canal Street Cutlery. It's the drop point designed by D'Holder. I like it, a good steel.