The Opinel No.6; a classic French pocket knife. (And why you need one)

Salutations, Ladies and Gentlemen! Today, I'll be discussing an iconic French classic; the Opinel No.6

Opinel has been making knives since the late 1800s in Savoie France. Their production methods have changed greatly since the beginnings of the company, however the design of Opinel knives remains virtually the same.

The steel primarily used is XC90 carbon steel, although 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel is frequently offered as well. These steels are easier to sharpen than many modern 'Super-Steels', due to being somewhat softer. I have noticed that the carbon blades are considerably sharper (and easier to render sharp) than the stainless steel models. Regardless, both steels are excellent, and are more than acceptable on knives in this price-range.

The handles on Opinel knives vary, greatly. The most iconic material is Beech wood, a common timber that grows near the Opinel factory. Even so, many other options are available as well. The models I featured in this video include Beech, Olive, Walnut, Oak and Padauk. The handles are very simple, being just a single piece of wood. The entire knife is comprised of five parts; the handle, the blade, a pin, and the two segments of the Virobloc locking ring. Overall, this makes the Opinel a simple, lightweight and undeniably classic knife.

In conclusion, these are outstanding knives for the price. The fit n' finish is amazing and the materials are of great quality. Opinel knives are easy to sharpen and maintain, (a little mineral oil goes a long way for both blade and handle!) not to mention their history and tradition. Opinel makes for a great old-school carry that's unlikely to offend or scare anyone, all while being a useful, simple and beautiful tool!



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