Knife review: Opinels - an overview of these affordable classics

[bazlur]

The opinael knife is from 18th century and still like Luis de Funtes like. Not good looking and low quality steel.

[MrDagon007]

@bazlur I respectfully disagree. I think that its classic design looks much nicer than all those black G10 handled monstrosities. And, it cuts like a devil.

[bazlur]

@MrDagon007 It depends of people, who never saw good Japanese knife or many knifemakers in the USA and Japan. I do sell Japanese kitchen knife, but I have all types of Japanese knife and they built with high tech and they have good hands and best steel in the world. Even German companies now using Japanese steels and doing work with Japanese knife maker. Did u watch or used high quality Japanese Damascus knife? That opinel are cheap knife mostly and used boring european woods.

[DaiReborn]

When I saw this video the first time I ordered a carbonne #8 immediately. Now I carry an inox #6 in olive wood every day and I am ordering another carbonne #8 to give to a friend that has no good knives.

[BushcraftHolland]

@MrDragon007. Indeed but isn't the corn blonde one of the luxurey models with rounden butt, where the plastic handled ones have the normal style handle and are of the 'funline' and cost about the same as the normal wooden handled ones?

[MrDagon007]

@BushcraftHolland The handle of the blonde horn Opinel is the same form as the normal Opinel 8. By the way, I am not sure what you mean with plastic handled Opinels. The handles of the brightly colored no. 7 Opinels are in fact painted wood.

[BushcraftHolland]

Very nice review! The viroblock starts with the no. 6. It is a very good design and looks a lot like the much older Nontron knives. Previous to the Gardning series they made a model with the normal handle but the spearpoint blade. They later changed to the new handlestyle. And also you have the Opninel with plastic handles.

[MrDagon007]

@BushcraftHolland And, of course, the luxury model in corn blonde as shown in the clip!

[RisingGreySun]

Is your native language German or French?

[avengedtheater]

@RisingGreySun I think he is Dutch..

[MrDagon007]

@RisingGreySun Flemish !

[SalsadeJindungu]

@MrDagon007 It's the "twelef" that gives you away. Limburg?

[TOBNMusique]

Très nice les couteaux mais quel accent épouvantable.

[BelairUSN]

actually, it isn't rust that forms on your carbon blades, it's a patina. (which is basically superficial surface rust) which is good, some people actually force a patina instead of letting it form naturally. it pretty much seals in your blade so it won't form actual rust.

[clusterguard]

Lovely knives with lots of history and "personality". Thank you for your reviews. Best from Spain.

[Graffer97]

jij zegt dat de nummer 7 voor vrouwen is maar dat is niet waar want het ligt maar net aan het doel waar je het voor gebruikt ik gebruik het zelf namelijk voor hout figuurtjes maken omdat het precies de goede lengte is.

[MrDagon007]

@Graffer97 Ik bedoelde enkel maar dat vrouwen, omdat ze meestal wat kleinere handen hebben, de 7 meestal liever in de hand hebben dan de grotere modellen. Zelf gebruik ik groottes 7 tot 10 courant, 6 en 12 soms.

[oflamemakero]

@MrDagon007 hee waar kan ik deze messen kopen?

[MrDagon007]

@oflamemakero een beetje overal. Bijvoorbeeld bij Timms in Oostende. Of google eens naar Couteaux Berthier.

[oflamemakero]

@MrDagon007 waar koop je deze?

[johnmadox]

Fortunatly in france we have French manufactured opinel since 1887 laws can't warning fixed blades........; thx Opinel the n°8 and n°7 are excellents every day pocket knives ...cheap lighter easy to sharp and clean...slicing saucisson and camenbert with an Opinel and friends around is a real happyness of course with a bit of french bread and red wine too...thats we call "casse croute" and opinel is an incontournable companion...Et voila !!!

[stepxunit]

Leuke videos maar mag ik vragen wat hier het doel van is ? al die messe hebben :P

[MrDagon007]

@stepxunit Het is een verzameling, zoals cds, dvds, postzegels, boeken, strips,...

[stepxunit]

@MrDagon007 Ja ok dat is dan wel zo, dat snapte ik wel maar liggen ze voor de show in een vitrine bv of gebruik je ze ? dat bedoelde ik meer :)

[MrDagon007]

@stepxunit Ik gebruik een deel van mijn messen, ik heb er uiteraard teveel voor gewoon gebruik. De andere zijn gewoon "mooie objecten", zoals anderen kristallen uiltjes op de kast zetten... Mijn Opinels worden alle veel gebruikt, het zijn echte favorieten, ik geef er soms ook cadeau. Kijk ook eens naar mijn filmpje v=kZWCslpE6cE met mijn display van een deel vd collectie...

[stoofleure]

bent gij van BELGIË

[Tmas176]

That guys voice makes me want to buy it. HAhaha

[76tammystanley]

@MrDagon007 you my friend make the best videos thank you. I find we have pretty much the same tastes in knives lol. Take care and God bless

[chucker173]

do you prefer the carbon steel blades of the stainless steel blades

[MrDagon007]

@chucker173 I like both, but I prefer stainless around food prep.

[mtlwarrior1]

@chucker173

just a note, but opinels stainless will still rust, because they put carbon in their stainless, so you might as well go full carbon for the cutting edge

[MrDagon007]

@mtlwarrior1 Actually, there is carbon in nearly all knife steels (except the specialist X.15Tn and H-1 and maybe a few others). It is the precise addition of other elements such as chrome etc that will result in blade steels that are both very hard and also stainless.

[Mindgrid]

I have a opinel 7. My grandmother gave it to me when my grandfather past away... It has a great sentimental value to me. I noticed that the blade can not be locked when it is in the closed position. it must have been added recently because this one must be at least 20 years old.

[MrDagon007]

@Mindgrid If I am not mistaken, the lock for closed position was introduced in the late 1990s.

Enjoy your fine Opinel, the size 7 is very practical and lightweight.

[wotajared]

I found a nr7 on a train while biking (with the shine of the blade). That one even had mud inside and dunno how much time it was buried.

I cleaned it at home . Still haven't used it much (We go to forests in autumn, for mushrooms). Didn't know anything about knives and found out Opines are excellent, great, I love classic robust stuff!

[MrDagon007]

@brungasto It is really quite close to an 8 in dimensions.

[educatorul]

how much do you have to pay for the horn version?

[MrDagon007]

@educatorul I forgot, I think about 75 euro.

[educatorul]

@MrDagon007 if you could remember where did you fond this price, let me know. i did a research and found prices over 100 euro/ like 130-140...

[MrDagon007]

@educatorul Google for the factory shop: opinel-musee , I remember that I bought it there and it is now 90 euro. I think it has increased a bit in price since I bought it a few years ago. It is a very fine luxury Opinel.

[marinuskristof]

yeaaaahh nen belg ;D

[xmoroseguyx]

Good Video, I had a beechwood no 10 I think,  I swapped it though, For a " Copy " Of a Swiss Army Knife, The reason was the blade was four inch`s long, One inch to long to carry in public, I didn`t know they made them with different handles or stainless steel version, Where I brought mine, They just varied in size, The smaller the cheaper, I do think I will get another one, But this time, I will get a three inch blade version to get round the law

[trcmn09]

@xmoroseguyx Bear in mind before you buy another Opinel that not only must the blade be 3 inches or less, but, the blade must not be a locking blade. Locking blades are ileagal to carry in the UK regardless of size!

[xmoroseguyx]

@trcmn09 I`m pretty sure a three inch Opinel pocket knife would be fine, A Copper could see it`s no flick knife

[trcmn09]

@xmoroseguyx A friend of mine is a cop and he told me that if the blade "locks", regardless of the blade length, then it's illegal to carry it on your person the UK. He even went on to tell me that if I took my Opinel with me when I go camping that I would still be breaking the law. Now how bloody daft is that? Of course he could be wrong, but I would have thought he was right? To be on the safe side, Google "British Knife laws", or something similar.

[xmoroseguyx]

@trcmn09 Well, I believe there is a general by law, Which states that if you have a genuine reason for carrying in public, Then it`s fine, For example, A fisherman, Carpenter or plumber etc.. Don`t know if camping would count as a genuine reason! Don`t really see why not myself, I guess if this cop is right though, Then in the UK, The only known legally safe option, Is the Swiss Army Knife

[trcmn09]

@xmoroseguyx Now that makes sense to me.Probably a hunter or fisherman would be allowed on the day, but, other than that well? Just goes to show though what the world is coming too? I mean I could have a knife in my pocket in the middle of Marks & Spencer's, but. I wouldn't dream of stabbing some poor bugger with it?There again I suppose not everyone is like you and I? As I say though; there probably is some by-law. Just make sure you don't go fishing in the middle of a night club, hahaha

[mkultra2300]

@trcmn09 So a 2" locking blade fruit knife is considered more dangerous than a conealed 10" meat cleaver? The UK must really hate it's law abiding citizens. That's disgraceful.

[trcmn09]

@mkultra2300 I fully agree with you my friend! But it is true...no locking blades whatsoever in the uk. It's down to the amount of stabbings on the street over here which is known as "The Knife Culture". However, a pocket knife with a blade that doesnt lock, and providing the blade is no longer than three inches, is allowed. Yes the UK does have totalitarian laws!!!

[mkultra2300]

@trcmn09 That's insane. What does that protect exactly? Hand surgeons careers?

[RisingGreySun]

It's sad because my country is only 30 years older than this knife

[NamronSeven]

Nice video. I always rated Swiss Army Knives - and they are great in urban environments. But they are no match for Opinel outdoors. Since I've moved to a more outdoor/garden environment, the Swiss knives remain in the drawer and I use the Opinels (8s, with carbon steel, very sharp but oxidised/oiled finish).

Only problem with them is cutting yourself shaving whilst showing off to young nieces and nephews.....lol

[NWoodsman]

You have some very nice Opinels! I like Opinels and carry an Opinel #8 in my camp cooking kit for food processing for over 10 years now. Had this awesome slicer sharpened after last year's summer vacation and I expect it will serve me well for another decade.

[digitalstudioCZ]

Nice show!

[Microglia1]

Another fantastic review.

[joeleke88]

Dat is som riel nise Engels.

;)

good review though

[Soundtrackzz]

I have an opinel with a carbon blade that i just bought. I use it for food preperation. However i notice that the blade is getting a patina to it no matter how much oil i put on it. Is it alright to use a carbon blade to eat food, even if it has a patina on it? Thanks

[MrDagon007]

@Soundtrackzz It's inevitable that it will develop a patina, and this happens quicker with food.

Just use warm water to clean it, then wipe it dry and then best to add a bit of oil.

When clean it is ok to use for food - our ancestors did that for centuries !

[CLOCKWORKORANGE346]

deutsch ???

[mollymasta]

@Mrdagon007 btw ik heb nu een opinel n°6 in carbon steel. Maar hoe moet ik et onderhouden want hij begint te roesten ?

[MrDagon007]

@mollymasta Just wipe the blade dry after use. It will stain though, nothing you can do to prevent that, but that's not the same as rust. If you're not going to use it for a long time, then you could wipe the blade with a bit of oil.

[MrDagon007]

@MrDagon007 I mean put a bit of oil (I use a neutral cooking oil) on a paper towel and wipe the blade with it.

[mollymasta]

@MrDagon007 if it's possible can you make a movie how to sharp the knife ?

[mollymasta]

@MrDagon007 wat is eigenlijk het verschil tussen inox en carbon steel kwa performance ?

[MrDagon007]

@mollymasta I have the impression that carbon steel cuts a bit better when sharp.

[TheRacerRich]

How do you keep the handles from getting dirty when you use an Opinel for food prep? Does the wood not absorb all the juices?

[MrDagon007]

@TheRacerRich For food prep I use mostly the big 12, and then only the blade must be cleaned, or the 7 for finer work, and most of my 7s have coloured handles which already protect against most of the moisture.

[yorkvilleangler]

Great knives. Bought a slim #10 because I wanted a folding fillet knife. Loved it, so I bought a slim #8 in Bubinga. Just ordered a regular #6 in Olive wood. Good review and you have a nice collection.

[evilsquirrel56231]

Bought the no. 10 in stainless, looking forward to buying no. 12 in either stainless or carbon these days. Very good review!

PS. I love your accent and your English is very, very good for a non-native speaker :)

[cianw10]

anyone know where i can get one of those specal edition no.8 ones? the one with a dark handle? ps i live in UK

[MrDagon007]

@cianw10 Google for Couteaux Berthier. It's a french web shop that ships abroad, and they have an extensive collection.

[Fisch8441]

just want to say: well done!!

[vazy666]

excellent presentation 

[weaselunit123]

Thank you for the video!

I recently purchased my first Opinel, a No.12 carbon, for use as a camp knife. It has been wonderful for me, and I see more Opinels in my future.

[bas406]

Dutch? xD

[MrDagon007]

@bas406 Belgian...

[bas406]

@MrDagon007 ja ... zag ik later pas :)

[kaspermaertens]

@MrDagon007 Van waar als ik vragen mag ?

[promgikc31]

@bas406 hee allesgoed vete opinel

[kingmichaelb123]

i got one of these knifes from a store in America for seven dollars it has an opinel blade and handle but it also says coghnal above opinel on the handle does anyone know why? is it a cheaper version I'm guessing? but besides that name on the handle its exactly the same made in France by opinel and everything.

[kjcolt]

hallo zuider buur ik ben ook fan van opinel het was een van mijn eerste messen

een#10

[tdcollector]

l really like your accent !!!!! :D

[ekserchina]

@tdcollector I can put money on it that this is a German accent.

[MrDagon007]

@ekserchina You just lost your money :-)

[ekserchina]

@MrDagon007 Dammit...hahaha...ok how about Austrian? Don't tell me it's French! :)

[MrDagon007]

@ekserchina You keep on losing money... Belgian; Flemish part, which is like Dutch but nicer sounding ;-)

[S4M10L4]

I just got the No. 8 Olivewood Inox and the blade is VERY stiff to unfold and fold. Should I oil it or will it loosen up over time?

[MrDagon007]

@S4M10L4 This can indeed happen, and it will loosen a little over time. The tradtional solution is to hold the closed knife, back end down, and hit the table; the shock will then slightly open the knife.

[S4M10L4]

@MrDagon007 Yes I saw that technique in your video. I can just about get it open but it's a bit of a struggle! I was thinking perhaps I should oil it but I don't want to interfere with the olive wood; it smells just like olive oil. Thanks for the reply :)

[newhuskytwenty]

@MrDagon007 try the painted versions, I got a red one with stainless steel and even drop in te snow and let there some time it doesn't get stiff. Of course, I drop some oil in the area of the joint from time to time...

[MrDagon007]

@newhuskytwenty Yes, indeed: I have a few painted #7s and they suffer less from moisture than the classic ones.

Would 't it be cool to see an Opinel with a micarta handle?

[geeceegeecee]

@S4M10L4 It definitly will loosen over time ! And I do bellieve You'll have time since my Opinel is in my fishing box or backpack for 20 years !

Nice choice my friend !

Ps : by oiling it to early, You may allow dust to accumulate in the tiny corners, so really no need to hurry (vaseline oil would be usefull in a good couple of years ...).

[auraofgloom]

I use an Opinel 12 for cooking- it is the best food slicer I've ever had and has a much more comfortable handle then any other knife I own. Also its folding nature makes it great for camping and safer with kids about (locks shut or open)

[SkodaMart]

Thanks for the review, I have just found my 20+ year old Carbon steel No6

[usercalin]

great video. i just ordered a carbon steel no8:D

[ProfVonW]

Outstanding review! I wish one of my local cutlery stores stocked these.

Does Opinel make any other sizes of the Garden Knife besides No8?

[MrDagon007]

To my knowledge the Garden Knife only exists in size 8.

FYI you may also want to watch my other Opinel-related videos uqT3ktsLdt8 and TQekiLaBHG4

[AAAnikka]

I got a stainless steal 6 perfect for work outside but do you prefer carbon?

[Airrifle2]

@AAAnikka ive got a carbone 6 but i have not had a stanless steel i think theyre eaqual from what ive heard

[auraofgloom]

@Airrifle2

I dont like the stainless Opinels so much - the steel is harder and I think has a more brittle edge, and wont hone as sharp as quickly. Just my opinion, but I like the carbon better.

[MrDagon007]

I like both, with a slight preference for stainless as I often use Opinels on food.

[DrunknShooter]

My brother had one when we were kids. I think I need to buy one now for myself. Very nice review thank you.

[KURGAN44]

Nice review! I currently have a no 7 and like it as a good backup camp knife. I as looking at purchasing another Opinel, do you recommend a no 8 or a no 9?

[MrDagon007]

I would go for a 9 or perhaps even a 10 to make more difference in size. While not EDC-able because of its size, I also strongly recommend the 12 - it's great for outdoor cooking. I have a separate review clip about it and the Spyderco Rock Lobster.

[natsukuga]

aside from the differences in resistance to rust.....which blade metal is stronger...carbon steel or stainless steel ?

btw nice blades

[MrDagon007]

I think they are more or less similar in that respect.

The tip is rather fragile btw, I managed to bend it on two Opinels.

[dkhaliel]

Totally agree about the tip. Even though the price is very reasonable I was disappointed with the fragility of the tip. Mine bent when I was merely making a small starting hole for a screw in a picture frame.

Otherwise a good knife for the price.

[PipeChat1]

Excellent video, Thank you!

Did not know they did a horn handle.....this is perfect for when Im on the boat fishing,

[skil1977]

are they easy to clean if they get dirty such as getting food in the wood where the blade folds?

[MrDagon007]

It's a bit a hassle to clean them, I try to be careful enough not to let stuff in the handle or near the end of the blade..

[wetend123]

Like a few below me i thought french + well made bah...but i have heard nothing but good comments and have ordered one for use at work :D

[JPnetherlands]

Great overview. I have scorned them until know, but I stand corrected. Have to get one now!

Merci MrDagon...

[stripymccatpuss]

I always thought these knives were shit, cheap french crap.......

Untill I bought one.,.,...

They are THE sharpest knives I have..5 and counting

BIG FAN !!!!!!!!!

[yalgret2]

I'm jealous

[julesdemax]

zij gij nen belg

[888zzz]

Since because of the Opinel blade design they stay sharp a long time and are easy to sharpen wouldn't stainless be a better choice because the carbon, even though it's better quality, rusts fairly easily? Do you prefer stainless or carbon in Opinels?

[MrDagon007]

True Opinel enthusiasts tend to prefer carbon steel. In my case, I use my Opinels quite a lot around food, and in that context I prefer stainless steel Opinels..

[po990099]

I had to get one, I pick as my first Opinel the Slim No8 in Olive wood!

[yobbos1]

I have more than a dozen Opinels and they are by far my favorite brand of knife. Did you know the company is still owned by the Opinel family and every aspect of the construction of the knife is done locally? They even build their own manufacturing machinery. Bravo Dagon, another great video.

[MrDagon007]

Yes, perhaps I should have mentioned that it is still an authentic family company. As it was, I was already struggling to fit my video within the 11 minutes YouTube time limit!

[YayILikePie]

I can't believe how many Opinels you have. That's quite a collection there. I just might have to pick up one of those 1mm ones.

[miro44one]

nice! I just came back from town with a no7:) My 3rd Opinel, they really are fantastic.

[po990099]

Nice review Dagon! keep them coming

MG

[garrity5]

i do believe my next knife purchase will be an opinel:)