5 Reasons an Opinel Makes a GREAT EDC Knife!

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[@stevelewis7263]

Many people laugh at Opinel's because they're not beefy tactical knives, but Opinel's were designed as a peasant knife to be used from cutting string, to cutting and preparing food, if a peasant wanted to chop down a tree they used an axe, Opinel's are great little knives and sorely under-estimated.

[@KnifeThoughts]

👍

[@stevelewis7263]

"Peasant" is a generalised term especially in European countries for those people who are indeed of low birth, even if they are skilful artisans. and my use of it was not intended to be derogatory.

[@davids9549]

Opinels are so much better than they've any right to be. I have around twenty. The #9 is the best fishing knife I have. The #10 is a great bushcrafter, The #7 is my go-to lightweight hiking knife, and the #6 is an ideal picnic companion. The #8 remains the jack-of-all-trades. I got a #12 out of curiosity but find its only use is as a travelling chef's knife. Perfectly good steels which are easy to keep sharp, and thin blades which make slicing a joy. The only problem is the way the handle swells when wet. I impregnate mine with as much oil/wax as possible which lessens the issue, and if it gets really stuck you can open it by using the 'Savoie Tap' which involves hitting the pointy part of the handle butt against a hard surface - it works! Also, some of the other wood options are more stable - walnut is my favourite.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Thanks for watching!

[@MS-zb5fr]

Perfect comment! It was great to read it!!! I 100% agree!!! Do you use more Inox or carbon?

[@davids9549]

@@MS-zb5fr Thank you! Since last year I have promoted the #6 Walnut to Best Ultralight Hiking Knife (28g!), and Opinel have released a #9 in Walnut, to take the Best Fishing Knife spot. I started off with Carbon, but I now use Inox much more often. I find the steel (which is Sandvik 12c27) performs as well as the carbon, is just as easy to sharpen, but its main benefit is not corroding when wet and not tainting food.

[@MS-zb5fr]

@@davids9549 thank you for this valuable information. I think I have to buy a no6 and no8 in walnut too :-). I am so impressed by the opinel no7. I just bought it and thought I would never use it. Now I like to use it for food prep in the kitchen all the time. Quite impressive how good it slice carrots and pepper. And so sharp. Lies great in the hand. Super lightweight. I just love it.

[@davids9549]

@@MS-zb5fr You do need to sharpen them from time to time, as neither the Carbon or the Inox will hold an edge for long - although they do sharpen up very easily. While a #8/#7 will perform most everyday tasks capably, a #10/#9 Inox will wow you in the kitchen! The #10/#9 Carbone is a great field knife, outperformed only by a fixed blade (go for whichever fits the size of your hand best - the #10 is great for large hands).

[@cgraham1968]

I appreciate you showing the different sizes

[@KnifeThoughts]

Glad it’s helpful

[@jjcahill8934]

I agree with you that Opinel knives will handle the vast majority of knife cutting tasks most people will encounter. They excel beyond most blades in normal cutting and slicing tasks due to their outstanding blade geometry! Thanks for sharing!

[@KnifeThoughts]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomaschainey3230]

Great video thanks. Learned a few new things.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Thanks for watching! Check out my other videos

[@likebutton3136]

I love that they have a carve your own knife option and it come with a little book too. They seem like a really good company.

[@william731]

I’ve carried a no.8 carbon steel knife for many years, it works great for everything. Modified of course 😎

[@GrantHendrick]

Thank you for your review.

[@timbo4374]

Opinels are great! A real classic. You are spot on as far as being mod friendly. I saw a vid where a guy made his into a one hand opening and closing mod, which I am seriously considering doing myself. They are great slicers too! My nbr 7 with olivewood handle is so thin behind the edge, it even cuts when it's dull, lol. They are hard to beat for the money.

[@KnifeThoughts]

For sure! I think cutting when they're dull is a feature

[@davidcarson7855]

the standard Opinels are fairly easy to open one handed--but then again I prefer the 10 and 12 since I have big hands so the additional space to pinch the blade helps

[@811stever]

This review is so damn good... you are a natural. Thx!

[@KnifeThoughts]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidcarson7855]

Opinel knives was established about 1890 and I appreciate the discrete locking system

[@KnifeThoughts]

Awesome!

[@davidcarson7855]

@@KnifeThoughts since I prefer the 10 or 12, being able to open one with either hand and lock it is an advantage if you are around people who aren't comfortable with knives being used--especially compared to the large Cold Steel folders

[@CChallinor]

As an aside the 'lock closed' feature was something introduced around 2000, I've No8 models with the feature and without.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I've got two Opinels, a #8 and #12 fillet knife. I'm still trying to get behind them but I'just can get used to the collar lock and the the lack of a spring on the blade. Agreed, simplicity at its best and the steel in the blade is as good , if not better, than other knives in their price range. Great video, thanks for sharing. I'll have to read your article when it comes out! Thanks

[@KnifeThoughts]

Thanks! The article is out now. I have to say that it frustrates me when they get sticky and hard to open.

[@davidcarson7855]

part of it is carrying an Opinel until you get used to it and in areas where knives are less common, the discrete lock is useful

[@babalegangster7359]

I've always feared blade spring would cut my fingertips so its a good aspect to me

[@cocabandi]

Yes indeed. I have one on my no. 8, one on a sodbuster, and one on a knife I bought in Spain. Works great! You could actually out one on a smaller Opinel - the nice thing about them is that they're so easilt modifiable - just cut a wedge with a file to guve yourself a little room if yiu gave to. Try it!

[@KnifeThoughts]

I'll have to give it a try!

[@Pinki2019]

Good video. One tip if the wood swells from moisture. Get a miniature wireless dehumidifier (Eva-Dry is one brand) and put it in a sealed container with the knife and it'll go back to normal.

[@knifedelights7473]

Great info. Thanks.

[@carlosdumbratzen6332]

I still have the nr 7 my dad bought me as a kid. Great feel and I had it with me in so many occations. I much prefer it to any other knife I had. Resharpened it alot of times and I dont think it will ever break

[@tomt5745]

no 7 is perfect for a hand just growing up, wanting to explore the outdoors. good grip. 40 ys later, i prefer the no 5 or even no 4.

[@roymartin3433]

I too have a no.7 that I have had for 40 years a great knife that I will pass on to a grandson

[@cocabandi]

I added one of them thumb opening studs, which I bought on eBay, to my no. 8, and now one-handed opening is easy. I live the thin blade on Opinels - makes for a great travel knife.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Definitely!

[@hugowarmlander6255]

If you add the thumb stud. can you flick the knife up in one motion? Thinking about getting one.

[@bladesandmore8833]

Nice review of the Opinel knives! I am going to pick one up!

[@KnifeThoughts]

Nice! Which size?

[@bladesandmore8833]

I think I will go for the #8 which is about the standard size for me.

[@KnifeThoughts]

I think that's their standard also

[@bladesandmore8833]

It will be a good place for me to start.

[@davidcarson7855]

they make very good carry knife since they are light for their size and easy to keep sharp--I like the discrete lock

[@MS-zb5fr]

Exactly! 100% agree on the blad thickness topic. 99% of knifes today are a thicker than needed and a lot even too thick for practical use. 150 year back in time all knifes where a lot thinner. I LOVE the Opine #7 inox right now. Also perfect for cutting in the kitchen.

[@KnifeThoughts]

A thin blade cuts well

[@KnifeThoughts]

A thin blade cuts well! 👍🏻

[@MrPhillyval]

You can pronounce it like this : o-pee-nell. The number of the model usually matches close to the length of the blade in centimeters : n°3 = 4, cm n°4 = 5 cm, N°6 = 7 cm, n°7 = 8 cm, n°8 = 8.5 cm, n°9= 9 cm; n°10 = 10 cm... The N°1 and N°11 don't exist anylonger (since1935). But the n° 13 has a 22 cm blade length (8" 2/3).

[@KnifeThoughts]

Great info, thanks!

[@janibeg3247]

I have a #8 Opinel. It is just to pretty to use in the woods. So i usually use my old Gerber in the woods.

[@barking.dog.productions1777]

Opinels are great knives, I've been using them for over 30 years!

[@frogmaster83]

The point you made about the wood swelling in damp conditions and pinching the blade. That's what the little lump (under your pinky finger) is for. Tap it on a hard surface and the blade pops out a bit. The is a French term for this, but I cant remember. Regards JB.

[@davidcarson7855]

coup de Savoyard (Savoy blow)

[@frogmaster83]

@@davidcarson7855 That's the one! Thanks. JB.

[@paddyspotatopeelers2154]

Hello mate got new cards today in the post Monday. Atb paddy 👍☘️😀

[@KnifeThoughts]

Awesome Paddy! Thanks for watching

[@riggelinlol3570]

i have the 9. my dad bought me that one in france in a sick hunter shop. first time i got to hold a gun in that shop btw

[@KnifeThoughts]

Very cool 👍🏻

[@JustBetterShorts]

Friend showed me that the butt of the knife is shaped that way for when it swells. Tap the heel against something upside down and it raises the blade to where you can pinch it

[@madtownangler]

I have one that I super glued open and filled the place were the blade goes in. I use it as my paring knife and don't get food inside of it.

[@b.tripathy991]

Very good knives. I use no.8.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Nice!

[@felinebline7154]

Antonini and M.A.M are fantastic.

[@manifestgtr]

IMO, Opinel #6 and #7 for EDC. The 6 disappears in your pocket. You never know it’s there. That’s what I really like about that one. The 7 is a littttllle bit more obvious....not much. It’s not big enough to bother you at all and honestly, I usually “forget” it’s there. I keep a #8 in my bag, too. It’s the nicest in your hand so if you wanna do some more involved work, it’s nice to have it close by. It’s just a little too big for your front pocket in my experience.

[@tomt5745]

the older i get, the smaller i prefer. no 7 when growing up, exploring the woods. now at 50 i prefer no 5 or no 4.

[@loveisthething]

The nr6 is the first one with the lock

[@slick_slicers]

It’s really nice o find a knife that’s cheaper here (UK) than in the US! It doesn’t happen very often!

[@KnifeThoughts]

Haha I'm sure!

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

#6, the smallest locking blade, is my pocket knife.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Nice!

[@hanfei6871]

Tha sharp point on the handle is not just for pinky resting, if the wood swollen up and the blade won’t come out, you can tap the point on hard surface and pop the blade out. Learned it the hard way as it’s not a prime piece for wade fishing.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Thanks for the info!

[@onemanghetto2429]

#10 is my fave yes it's big but also lightweight so no big deal to carry and a longer blade means more likely to have a sharp spot somewhere! Just kidding I sharpen regularly.

[@KnifeThoughts]

They're definitely lightweight

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Find I'm coming back to more traditional designs in my choices generally. Maybe I'm just getting old ....but classic design lasts.

[@slick_slicers]

I shot a wee video on the wee totie no.5 today. It’s the largest uk legal from the factory one. I like the no.7 as it feels right in my hand.

[@KnifeThoughts]

I'll check it out!

[@slick_slicers]

Logan Stout it’s not up yet as I shot several in one go and they’ll go out over the nest week/10 days. If you’ve ticked the bell.

[@davidcarson7855]

your hands are smaller than mine--the 8 is borderline too small for mine the 10 is as small as I like for an EDC

[@adammcguinness9950]

I carry a No.9 stainless Opinel to work each day. I use it to cut up my tomato for lunch. I did take a carbon No.9 to begin with but it left a taste in my food and discoloured my apple. Stainless is better for food.

[@DF1.j]

My father had opinel knife for 10 years 😂❤️

[@davidcoleman2796]

I have a no 6 . It's a nice little knife . Sharp . Light. It has the lock on it . I slip it right beside my wallet in my back pocket . I like to take it with me biking. To the beach . Outdoors . No I do not take it on a night out . I do not take it to a bar . Only crazy people do that . Look at the knife crime in London .

[@toolsgear2695]

Why didn’t you just add a groove where the nail nick is instead of reshaping the entire handle? I’m asking because I’m about to mod one. 👍

[@KnifeThoughts]

Iirc it was for ergonomics

[@peetamberrobins]

Most opines float & they only need a little olive or vegetable oil to keep the blade from sticking also the factory employ many disabled people

[@ericdpeerik3928]

No 13 is a bit of a gimmick. It's like a two-handed pocket sword. The No 8 is the one I like as a medium sized knife. Like you said, if you bang it up, there will be no tears, because they're not too valuable.

[@danieloshea3326]

Do the blades lock open

[@KnifeThoughts]

Some do

[@MegaBoilermaker]

These knives are designed for people that WORK (perish the thought) ! Most of Europe's working Fishermen and Anglers. There is noting like trying to use a knife with frozen wet fingers in a rolling boat in shit weather to convince you of the wisdom of the Opinel design.

[@davide1771]

The point at the back of the handle is designed to bang on a hard surface to assist opening...you didn't need to shave the handle.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Yeah several people have told me that. Pretty dumb “feature” in my opinion to be honest.

[@colinmurphy2214]

@@KnifeThoughts it’s less of a feature and more compensation for an engineering shortcoming. Since wood swells when it gets wet, if your knife gets wet the wood may clamp down on the blade slightly, making it difficult to pull out. That’s when it’s good to be able to bang it out. Other than that I’ve never had to use it

[@jeffreydahmer3995]

I wish Opinel had a fillet knife with a synthetic handle

[@ironxonyoutube1262]

Opinel by Simba la rue everyone listen

[@03bigdave]

Easy there Edward Scissorhands

[@KnifeThoughts]

😂👍

[@03bigdave]

@@KnifeThoughts good times..anyways thanks for the review I'm really considering one for a work knife.

[@bluedude9567]

Savoy is pronounced "savwa" in French.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Thank you! I wish I was better at French

[@dgrantreiter]

it's pronounced OH-pinel Long "O" not opp like operations. It's not a matter of speaking French it's just a name like Porsche which is pronounced Porsch-eh My name is Reiter " Writer" but people say Reeter... incorrectly. it's just a respect thing

[@lucasmills1246]

Oh-pee-nell

[@wumboqwark]

Only 6 seconds in and I'm deciding that I'm not about to watch 15 minutes of bruh saying opanle instead of opinel lol

[@KnifeThoughts]

👍🏻

[@JR-pr8jb]

Ugliest knife ever made. And yet, with their great reviews, I'll try one. Besides, the French are brilliant (just kidding!).

[@slick_slicers]

Your pronunciation of Opinel is close enough, I’d tend to go for ‘op’ as in ’hop’ , ‘in’ as in ‘inn’, ‘elle’ as in McPherson. Savoie is more close to ‘Sav’ as in have’, ‘wah’ as in wah-wha.

[@KnifeThoughts]

Thanks!

[@lompe666]

Shame you ruind the No9.

[@TheFIreBird24]

Opinel - (o-peen-el)

[@KnifeThoughts]

Thanks

[@macmiddlebrooks1]

I'm going to have to disagree. The HUGE barrel-shaped wooden handles relegate the Opinel to a cool curio that feels at home on a picnic, but not much else. Even the smallest model has a handle that is just too "round" to tote around in a pocket.

[@KnifeThoughts]

My tastes may have evolved since making this video tbh

[@Dreyno]

And yet they’re one of the most common pocket knives in the world. They make 15 million a year. That’s not curio numbers. Apart from SAK, probably the most carried pocket knives in the world.

[@drunkonkerosene]

Huge handle? It's perfect 😊

[@kingcobrahs]

you mean "liberal" friendly knife, don't want to hurt anybody's feelings.

[@ChasetheLights13]

Im from the future. I’ve got something to tell you about a “red wave” that never happened in 2022. Spoiler Alert.