Best BUDGET Pocket Knife for Whittling! Opinel Carbon Steel Knife Review

If you are on a budget and only have $15 to buy a good whittling knife, check out Opinel's Carbon Steel folding knives! These knives are by far the best folding whittling knife you can buy for the money.
Knife Specs:
- Steel: XC90
- Rockwell Hardness: 57 - 59
- Comes sharp out of the box
- Good Edge Retention
If you want to see some other amazing pocket knife options for whittling and wood carving, check out my video here: • The BEST Folding Pocke...
For my full review, check out my website:
carvingisfun.com/opinel-carbo...
If you want to pick up one for yourself, check out Amazon to see current prices or check out Ebay for the BEST deals:
Amazon - amzn.to/30XnSO6
Ebay - ebay.to/2DAvbQu
Links to Amazon and Ebay are affiliate links, for more information click here: carvingisfun.com/affiliate-li...
#whittling #woodcarving #pocketknife

[@stonedape3285]

I have used my opinel no9 to create a shelter. Start a fire, prepare the food and then carve a form to eat with. Opinels are tough knifes

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

There is a reason Opinels have been carried on more Mount Everest climbing expeditions than any other knife. A very good review and Thanks.

[@cathan001]

source? Not because I doubt you but because that sounds interesting and I want to read more.

[@CaptainPupu]

100% behind this. Opinel was my first pocket knife I owned as an adult. It is a great every day knife. Sharp, has big blade, french made, well built, locking mechanism is real useful. I carved my very first spoon with this and some sand paper. granted, it looked more like a shovel but it was a start lol. You have great tastes in knife dude.

[@CarvingisFun]

Thanks! I do enjoy using my knives :) This knife was def a winner, especially for the price. Super light, comfortable to hold, comes razor sharp, and shaves off wood amazingly well. Great option for anyone looking for a good all around knife.

[@Frenchylikeshikes]

Captain Poop I'd be curious to see that spoon/ shovel. Always wanted to try to carve with an opinel but I was not even sure it was possible at all ( that knife is not really made for that).

[@johndagostino2451]

@@Frenchylikeshikes as they say not size or shape of tool it’s how you use it a tool don’t make a carver it’s the person using the tools 👍🦊🐾🇮🇹🍀

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Not too many zombie apocalypse types here. Good !

[@cripplermaximus]

I got a No.6 for myself and really like it. I have small hands so it’s perfect for me. I just got a No.8 to gift to my brother in law who does a lot of gardening. He’ll love it.

[@WilliamParmley]

I just bought my first Opinel, a No. 6 Carbone. Now, I have to say that out of the package it wasn't all that sharp. But just a couple minutes on a 1200 grit diamond plate and wow! Looking forward to carrying an using it.

[@CerealKiller669]

im gonna ask for this for christmas!! i wanna start carving so bad 🥺 thank you for the info brian your awsome 🥰💖

[@SH1974]

They are really good value. Opinel (especially those with carbon steel) is more than a folder - it's a statement. I've used the sizes 8 and 10 for many Years as EDC knife, still got some around in my outdoor bags. I once had a display with all the different sizes from #2 up to #13. But I have my knifes for use(*), not to collect, so I sold the collection. (* the first thing I've ever done with all my Opinels: cutting some green hazelnut or oak to liberate the blade from screaming "I'm brand new and unused") P.s. If You'll want to choose a small model, keep in mind that the size 6 is the smallest size that has the bladelock-ring.

[@jamiemaxwell2074]

I love my #8 for carving. I reach for it more than any of my other knives. Good review.

[@CarvingisFun]

They are indeed great knives!

[@aphexius3287]

I bought the Opinel Carbone No9 today as my first carving knife, looking forward to starting my carving career.

[@CarvingisFun]

Excellent! I still find myself using my Opinel quite a bit even though I have a bunch of other wood carving knives at my disposal. It is easily one of my favorite wood carving knives.

[@whytho7858]

i got this knife specifically because i love your tutorials and i had no idea that you had a review about it

[@CarvingisFun]

Its a good lil knife :)

[@bohakkennes1288]

I'd love to see you carve a cool handle Design for a opinel with an opinel

[@CarvingisFun]

That would be a neat idea! I'll keep that in mind.

[@johndagostino2451]

@@CarvingisFun that is an idea yeah but some people make a Damascus blade for it but you know what the hell you can’t sharpen good knife out of bad steel if it’s not broke don’t fix it as for knife they great they come in crazy blade shapes and lengths even a great saw too I didn’t like sharp corners on my opinel so I whittled it round much more comfortable to use I prefer stainless steel version as you say carbon steel is low end of hardness stainless steel version is more stronger and don’t rust if you like it as a Bushcraft tool 👍🦊🐾🇮🇹🍀

[@xxneramacxx4435]

@@CarvingisFun that would be fun! You should consider that for a video if you ever are at a lose for ideas.

[@jeffwhitehead7990]

Carved a humpback whale out of a solid maple building block with that knife. Came out really well. I don’t know that I’d recommend maple as your go to carving wood of choice but, the opinel did the job.

[@TheStreamingEnderman]

NO.6 was my first carving knife. Still have it. Although I should give it a sharpen...

[@tonynapoli5549]

Highly recommended worth every penny .... just like the Mora range . Yes for me it’s carbon steel 👍👍

[@MrAllanAlvarado]

Good review. He reminded me that I had to buy my opineln nº6.

[@CarvingisFun]

Thanks! Good choice, kinda wish I picked up the smaller one just for the smaller blade length.

[@MrAllanAlvarado]

N°6 have 7cm of blade

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

My first Opinel is a #7 carbone. It can be made surgically sharp.

[@hburgtech]

I'm scared to carve now after seeing your hands, mate. Thanks for the very good review of the knife

[@CarvingisFun]

Hum? Whys that? The ace wrap and glove is to both help prevent nicks as well as give cushion when pushing the blade. With proper technique and safety gloves the chances of a bad injury is pretty low.

[@haroon_6715]

Ty so much

[@CarvingisFun]

Welcome!

[@trravisty]

sorry for all the questions but would this be better than a sak for just the carving part?

[@chuckfisher1351]

I love opinel knives. I gave one to my wife and every time she changes purses she put the knife in the next one. I carve too and every time someone sees mine they say what a cool knife and end up talking me out of it. Hahahah

[@jamesc7277]

Picasso apparently used an Opinel #5 knife (probably carbon steel - I don’t know that the stainless steel version was available in his lifetime) for his carving art.

[@inevitablecraftslab]

I want an opinel 2 carbon blade in my victorinox

[@DG-mv6zw]

Great review, thanks. How about the Opinel 10 slimline stainless steel for carving/roughing out etc? I think it's technically a filleting knife, but I'm torn between buying the #8 and the stainless steel slimline #10. (I have absolutely zero experience of either) Thanks. 👍

[@CarvingisFun]

The Slim Line knives are pretty nice, but I would be worried about edge retention on the SS blades over the carbon steel variants. The SS blades would be fine for general all purpose applications, but for a purpose driven wood carver I would pick a carbon steel version first.

[@DG-mv6zw]

@@CarvingisFun Hey thanks so much for the quick reply and the great advise. Based on your review I think I'll be ordering my Opinel 8 Carbon steel. I'm looking for a good roughing out knife that's not too expensive. Thanks again. Huge help. 👍

[@CarvingisFun]

You're welcome!

[@lorenray9479]

You gave away your secret techniques! Lol yes carbon is the tough one. Maybe up to 2x longer blade retention on helnp-wood type media!???!

[@nicholaspietrzak9992]

Piece of scrap red oak dowel folded the edge of the blade on my carbon No. 7 but any softer wood it’s been fine.

[@CarvingisFun]

The thinner edge is a bit more peone to rolling, but like you said softer woods than red oak are fine.

[@evandro4860]

Thanks a lot for this video! Quick question: for someone with smaller hands, would it be a better idea to get the number 6 instead? Since it would be a slightly smaller blade and maybe a little bit more precise?

[@abgebrueht]

Hey mate! Totally. All opinel-knifes are same built. Just use ur prefered size. Hope my answer helped you. (: -The blade 1 number smaller don't make that difference when it comes to precision. But it's up to you (:

[@CarvingisFun]

100% yes, pick up the #6 if you want a smaller blade. I actually used their handle measurements and matched one to the width of my hand when I picked mine.

[@mg9261]

what a nice young man :)

[@CarvingisFun]

Thanks :)

[@emmabee9672]

Hi, great video! New here and a total novice with whittling. Looking for what I need to begin with? Gloves? Opinel carbon steel knife no 7? No idea what wood to use either. Any tips please anyone? I've been watching and reading a lot but there are so many! Would really appreciate any ideas. Definetly subscribe! X

[@CarvingisFun]

Thanks! The basics you will need to start whittling are: a knife, wood, sharpening tool, and finger/hand protection. The opinel knives are a great and affordable option that many people like and use while being quite affordable. Other brands like flexcut and occ tools may provide you with a more specialized tool that you may like better as well. If you want to see my favorite pocket knives for whittling, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHjGiJWkfbCGgsk For regular fixed bladed knives, check out this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqXlWevZZ6nnZI Basswood is the main carving wood that most people use as it is easy to carve and has an even and uniform wood grain. For more info on what wood to pick, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qorQZIWZpppsf8k To keep your knife properly honed, a leather strop with polishing compound (green compound works great). For more info, check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn20ZWCaj9Rsb8k Finger guards and slice resistant gloves are important for beginners who are learning to manipulate a sharp knife while carving. I personally use a slice resistant glove on my off hand and finger guards on my knife hand. I reviewed a bunch of different options in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZWxhYGBq9-mfc0 For a full rundown of what you can use check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ3bd3ywiLtgkMU

[@joker_on_blitz2669]

None of my opinels have came sharp, allways some flat spots. Still, I do like my no. 9. But for the price of that opinel you can get something like the mora 120 which has a more ergonomic handle, comes sharp out of the box, is a proper fixed blade and has a shorter blade so you have a more usable tip. Granted it has a thicker blade stock at 2,7mm

[@CarvingisFun]

Interesting, the opinel I have in the video came way sharper than any mora I got in.

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Time to get out the sharpening stones. Don't forget to strop.

[@alexherrera3918]

Great review. You recomended carbon, can you please comment why not stainless steel? It is for my 8 year old son for the scouts....I think carbo will stain with edge.....why not stainless that may have a better look. Thanks Alex

[@CarvingisFun]

While Opinel's 12c27-MOD Stainless Steel is great for corrosion resistance, it does have a slightly softer steel when compared to the XC90 Carbon Steel. Because this video was primarily focused on using this specific knife for whittling and wood carving, the primary goal was a knife with good edge retention. But for a multi purposed knife, carbon steel may not be the direction you will want to go. I am both an Eagle Scout and was an Assistant Scout Master for some time and know for a fact that younger kids will benefit more from a stainless steel blade over a carbon steel blade for the exact reason you mentioned, corrosion resistance. Stainless steel will be much easier to maintain in a multitude of environments and uses allowing for more of a multi use roll that a scout will need. Go with the stainless steel for your son. It will be easier to maintain and not make him question if he should use/bring his knife in a location where it could rust or corrode.

[@alexherrera3918]

@@CarvingisFun Many thanks for your rapid response and advice . i already bought it !!!

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

A carbon steel knife WILL attain a grey patina with use. This is good. The only thing to watch for is red crusty rust. If you keep it dry or dry it after use that's not a problem. After I wash my #7 I hand dry it and then douse it with rubbing alcohol to displace any residual water, then let it sit a minute, then blow out any leftovers. So far this has kept it safe . Have fun with your Opinel, they're great knives.

[@raulcab.672]

Just copped one of these! What you mean about keeping it oiled?

[@CarvingisFun]

Carbon steel blades are prone to rust. If you take care of the blade it will last a long time. If you are to ever leave it in long term storage put a thin coat of oil (mineral oil, 3 in 1 oil ect) it will protect the steel.

[@MrFernandoXXI]

Hello again! Do you think that the opinel n8 is to big to used for carving?

[@CarvingisFun]

Howdy! Its not necissarily "too big" but it can be a bit harder to add fine details to the wood with.

[@MrFernandoXXI]

Understood! Thanks!

[@warmsamuel3323]

Beginner to wood whittling here, looking for a first knife, debating between the Opinel No.5 or the Flexcut KN13, which one would you say is the best choice? My hands are relatively small so I’m looking for a small but comfy handle as well. I’m leaning more towards the Opinel right now just because the blade’s a little bigger than the Flexcut, so I can go from smaller projects to bigger ones without having to spend money on more knives in the long run, any tips?

[@CarvingisFun]

Howdy! The issue you may run across with a longer knife is when you want to add smaller details, the blade may be a littler harder to control for the smaller cuts. Trying to find that balance could be a little bit of a challenge, but a blade that is 1-3/4" long (as suggested by Doug Linker) seems to be that perfect balance of length to fit most whittling needs. The Opinel No5 will most definitely work, but I do have some reservations on the KN13 as I have heard the fine tip can be brittle. I have heard from several people that they broke the tip on their KN13 and had to reprofile the knife. Maybe the KN12 or the KN14 would be better fits for you if they are available. The KN12 blade is about 1-1/4" long and the KN14 blade is about 1-3/4" long. What country are you in? There are several other knives that may work for you too, but availability may be dependent upon what country you live in.

[@warmsamuel3323]

@@CarvingisFun Sounds great, I’ve been going back and forth on this question the last couple of days lol, but I think you’re right, I’m probably gonna play it safe for the time being and go for a smaller blade. I’ve heard the same kind of things about the KN13 which is why I started debating the Opinel in the first place haha, but I’ll look into the KN12 and KN14. I’m actually in the UK as it happens, it’s harder to get the top ranges like Helvies and Drakes unfortunately, unless they’re shipped from other European countries or from the US, which is super costly ): So I think my safest bet as it stands is either a Flexcut or Opinel, but at the moment I’m back leaning towards the smaller Flexcut blades, just starting out so I dont wanna get too big for my boots early on lol. I’ve heard a lot about Pfeil’s seeing as they’re easier to get within Europe, but at the same time I’ve heard a lot of negative stories about these, which leaves me a bit stuck... It seems that everytime I’m close to going through with a certain tool, I hear somebody say that there’s another that’s better...vicious cycles 😂 But ofc I want to make sure I get the best blade possible for what I’m interested in, which is small detailed figures atm. Thanks for the detailed reply, appreciate your advice and quick response!!

[@CarvingisFun]

You're welcome! Pfeil makes good chisels and gouges but their knives need the cutting edges reprofiled our of the box. If you know how to put a good edge on them they will be fine. Still, given the choice between flexcut and pfeil knives, it's flexcut all day long.

[@warmsamuel3323]

@@CarvingisFun Turns out Pfeil’s a lot more difficult to get in the UK than I thought...rip 😂 So sadly the only V Gouge I could find for an affordable price and the right angle/ length was a cheaper brand called ‘Faithfull’, personally never heard of them myself, but just curious if you have? Apparently V Tools here are super rare, especially the good brands like Pfeil and Flexcut, which is a bummer but...oh well! Thanks to your and other’s advice, I’ve made a decision and went with the Flexcut KN12, probably the best suited knife for what I’m interested in making...not a bad price either lol, thanks a bunch once again for all your help! 🙌

[@CarvingisFun]

Haven't heard of "faithfull" but I have slowly compiling a list of tool websites world wide in the hopes of making a master list for everyone. You could look up a company called Two Cherries (aka Kirschen) or Stubai Tools for v-gouges. Here are some other websites that may have some tools for ya. I haven't owned some of the tools they are selling but lets hope they are good: www.oldtoolstore.co.uk www.workshopheaven.com/hand-tools/chisels/carving-tools.html bristol-design.co.uk/

[@bolman125]

How would you sharpen this knife? Remove the secondary bevel? Or keep it?

[@CarvingisFun]

I would actually modify the secondary bevel and is what I did on mine. There are plans for making a vido on exactly what I do, but make the edge angle smaller and more smoothed out.

[@bolman125]

@@CarvingisFun thanks very much! I will try and tell you the results!

[@Wimmle]

Except stainless holds it edge longer and better BUT carbon can be made sharper easier and quicker

[@2371Anita]

I once had a no 8. And I really didn't like it. Almost as if you carve with air. Their is no weight to it. Didn't like it at all. But now I'm thinking of buying an Opinel again. You use a no 7. I have smal woman hands. Do you think a no 6 would be better for smaller hands? Or maybe even a no 5

[@CarvingisFun]

I picked the no 7 for myself as I measurd the width of my palm and compared it to the length of all the handles to find a good match. Just a heads up, anything smaller than the no 6 won't have the blade lock. These knives are indeed super light, which makes them perfect for throwing into your pockets.

[@2371Anita]

@@CarvingisFun I ordered a 6 and a 5. Non locking is no problem.

[@goldensack_fieldadventuref4538]

@@2371Anita Pablo Picasso sculptured its figurines with Opinel N°05...

[@m005kennedy]

How about some information on your glove?

[@CarvingisFun]

Gotcha covered in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWPYmKOdd8xrq7c

[@vahidrezasharafkhan394]

Is there any big difference between carbon steel or stainless steel in case of wood carving?

[@CarvingisFun]

Originally, I would have said yes but really its all in how the steel is heat treated. Look for a blade with a rockwell hardness between 58 and 61for best results. Usually you will find this in carbon steel blades but some stainless steel blades can be hardened to this level as well

[@vahidrezasharafkhan394]

@@CarvingisFun Thank you very much for the reply, I bought a Opinel No.8 Stainless steel. I hope it will be in this category of stainless steel which are hard enough for carving. Do you have experience of Opinel stailess steel knife? Your videos are perfect. well done.

[@CarvingisFun]

Thanks! The opinel SS knives are a little on the softer side, but if you are carving softer wood and maintain the edge every 20 or so minutes of carving you will be fine.

[@xmoroseguyx]

If you want a smaller blade but with the locking collar, You can cut the blade down

[@CarvingisFun]

Yep! I've seen a lot of people doing this too.

[@sinkhole777]

You could also pop the collar on a smaller opinel and file or grind the lock into the collar. Planning on doing this with my old no. 5

[@omarghetti]

buying a n6 for 8 euros for my first carving knife :)

[@CarvingisFun]

Good choice and a great price !

[@jaxf1243]

what wood is he using

[@CarvingisFun]

I'm using basswood in this video.

[@trravisty]

is the opinel no8 better than swiss camper?

[@CarvingisFun]

Depends on criteria. The camper has excellent utility, but the no8 with carbon steel has better edge retention. Both will need some work on the edge, but the no8 has a locking blade and more comfortable handle. On the other hand, the camper has knives, a saw, and othet utility items that make it universally useful.

[@trravisty]

@@CarvingisFun ok thanks ill go for the camper because i need the saw

[@trravisty]

@@CarvingisFunis the non carbon one still viable?

[@CarvingisFun]

Yep!! Just keep it honed sharp and you will be fine.

[@trravisty]

@@CarvingisFun thanks im going to buy the beaver craft strop and the work sharp micro to keep the no6 sharp

[@carlosmatosfanpage2856]

How can you afford all these knives?!?

[@CarvingisFun]

Combination of haveing a bunch of them already, a good job, and a side buisness. Plus, I rotate out some knives that I wont use with others I want to try. Fun fact, I don't watch TV or play too many video games. Instead, when I get home from my day job, I work on my side job. The majority of these videos are shot between 10 pm and 2 am :)

[@carlosmatosfanpage2856]

Carving is Fun oh nice, I’d love to be as productive as you 😆What is your side job if you don’t mind me asking?

[@CarvingisFun]

Internet marketing/selling paintball equipment. I've slowed it down considerably this year due covid, but it still makes a good amount of money.

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

If you're going to use a knife for any amount of time you MUST learn how to do that yourself. If I can do it , anyone can.

[@bosesebi6685]

The man with bandaged fingers explaining knife handling..

[@CarvingisFun]

the man with finger guards made from cheap ace wrap so I can choke up on the blade you mean?

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Opinel is crap 💩 in Canada 🇨🇦,super expensive and you have to pay for shipping even if you have Prime (Amazon) I prefer my Mora Companion MG Carbon...

[@CarvingisFun]

out of curiosity, how much are they up there? I'm trying to get a worldly perspective on real world prices.

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Carving is Fun Cheapest one is $26.49 but shipping is $24.99 and you get Inox not a Carbon steel,that's why I like my Mora MG Carbon which was $18.99 at the door,,so now you might understand my frustration,anyway I find Opinel flimsy,,you should check out Cold Steel Kudu or Eland and let me know what you think...

[@CarvingisFun]

I'll check them out, thanks for the info!

[@stevesinclair4159]

Sorry but the Opinel is only useful for slicing Garlic, French Onions , stinky French cheese & maybe a bit of gardening . The French are reputed to use it in the garden & then use it in the kitchen without cleaning it off first before cutting Garlic & their disgusting runny cheese ! I really can't take serious a video about the Opinel knife, its simply a badly made / rough finish barely sharp out of the box inferior knife totally incomparable to the quality , finish & sharpness out of the box to any Swiss Army knife.

[@CarvingisFun]

Considering the price of the Opinels and specifically picking the carbon steel versions as pointed out in this video, it does offer some significant advantages over a SAK like edge retention, locking blade, and affordable price point. But I do have to agree that the finish quality has gone down over the past few years but a couple minutes on my stones and strop give me a blade that I would gladly use over any SAK for whittling.

[@stevesinclair4159]

@@CarvingisFun Sorry, this is not a personal attack on your integrity as video blogger or me being deliberately rude to a stranger on the web but Swiss Army knives are multi-tools for general use by working people, farmers, technicians, craftsmen, hobbyists , campers & the military unlike Opinels which IMO are simply not in the same class or category as a SAK. If you like its the difference between a Rolls Royce & a Trabant, if you gave me one for free I would snap the blade & throw it straight in the trash can

[@CarvingisFun]

Lol, I hear ya on intended purpose but my focus of the video was purely about using this knife specifically for whittling. You are correct, they aren't in the same class or catagory. Also, not to be an attack on anyone who likes their SAKs, but I prefer my Leatherman's and carry at least one of them with me every day. If given the choice I would gladly toss the SAK in the trash can and keep my Leatherman Charge that I have been carrying with me for the last decade :) Had the original Gerber Flik for the prior decade and should have just chucked it (eventually did) but man was it fun to just flick out the plyers! But before that, I have a few SAKs I would take with me until my dad let me borrow his Leatherman.

[@stevesinclair4159]

@@CarvingisFun I have not owned a Leatherman for a decade since I retired early from work. I never carried one in my pocket but I used one as an office tool for some 30 years & gave it to my replacement & as far as I know he is still using it . Even at home I have never used one nor for that matter a Swiss Tool as I have enough regular full sized tools & a dedicated SAK home tool kit of 5 useful SAK's - the Cybertool M, the Deluxe Tinker, the Ranger, the Spartan Lite & the 84mm Watch Opener SAK

[@CarvingisFun]

I hear ya. Since Im all over the place, just having a tool at my hip comes in handy almost every day from sitting inside a multi milion dollar machine to being out in the woods :) its a nice addition to my normal tools but always in arms reach.