Opinel No. 8 - Overview and Review

[@manifestgtr]

Here’s the deal with Opinels. They’re easy to sharpen (even for novices), they’re lightweight, the lock is rock solid, the steel is good and the blade will cut for a long time in between sharpening sessions. I like the carbon myself but the stainless is just as good if you consider sharpening a task. When you pair all that with the price, they’re great traditional knives. You can get several sizes for the cost of a modern “budget” knife. If you’re into “tactical” looking, mall ninja, scare the neighbors stuff...it’s obviously not gonna be your thing. But for a traditional knife that *perfectly performs its function* and nothing more...that’s what an Opinel is. No. 6/7 in your front pocket or No. 8 in a bag...the No. 10 filet knife is also fantastic if you’re a fisherman.

[@TwinGunz]

Nothing beats a Opinel, nuff said. Dollar for dollar, nothing is better. And if you find it, please let us all know. 😂😂😂 I’m not saying it’s a tank. I’m saying if your using a knife for what’s it’s supposed to be used for, opinel is winner. You get carbon or 12c27n steel , if you need a tank of a knife, then in my opinion, you should probably switch tools, to a hatchet or axe 😂😂😂. Seriously tho, great all around knife, period. Another thing, the ergonomics is a 10/10 and that’s why I think people love ‘em. Nice lock up and excellent ergos!!

[@davidlogat9338]

Hi there. I am french and this is one my hobbies : buy old opinels for cheap and give them a new life- dismantle and clean. Then offer them to friends or so.

[@charliemcawesome5012]

It’s an old world tool. Appreciate that and you are on your way to understanding this knife. For some reason it’s more enjoyable to eat with than any other pocket knife. It just.... is.

[@billwessels207]

It's been around for over 100 years!

[@PinkPummy]

My Opinel no. 7 has quickly become my everyday carry, originally due to pretty restricting laws in my country, but in the end I really enjoyed it and it has become my #1 work lunch knife and I certainly won't want to miss it. What I especially love about them is that they are really cheap and very open to customization. The blade is pretty clean and flat which is great for etching and the handle is a pure block of wood so you can reshape it and paint/coat/oil it any way you want. Similarly to the Higonokami in Japan I find that the Opinel can be approached with a similar mindset by viewing it as a blank canvas that the user can make their own.

[@metal_complex]

Good point!

[@bryansammis998]

I know that feeling❤️😃👍

[@bradyblackburn4863]

To open it with one hand you do the 'Opinel knock'. Open the locking ring, then give the handle a whack on a flat surface down by the tip. Then pinch the exposed spine and flick. The knife is open.

[@lifeofjoyandcreation]

Cool advice, thanks!

[@christiencabaniss2636]

The Opinel Carbone No 6 is the best multipurpose whittling knife on the market. It's super lightweight, razor sharp out of the box, easy to sharpen, has a very thin blade. It checks all the boxes on a great wood carving knife.

[@gallowaystx]

There's no better picnic knife in the world. For cutting up apples and cheese, crusts off of sandwiches etc. My wife carries a number 7 in her pocket book and uses it every day at lunch. Not only is it non-aggressive but it's actually attractive and classy. I love Opinels.

[@SP-nt4sr]

A real man's knife. The greatest generation came back from France and Germany with these after world war II. So good they all carried these until they died. My grandfather included.

[@nkmsvwde5612]

"This knife has titanium blah blah and bearings blah blah.. but is it necessary..no..." I love this video and how both honest you were but also how much you respect somethings built. Thank you for the review I enjoyed it

[@thezieg]

The number = blade length in centimeters. Go for a N°9 or 10 as you can do a bit more outdoors with them. The N°6 sits in a watch pocket nicely, though. The fidget factor is quite high once broken in: Savoy knock and rotating the ring with the thumb is quite satisfying. EDC of the carbon blade is simple as they patina long before they rust. Take the Opinel challenge! Carry ONLY an Opinel for six months. You'll be amazed at how you don't need another knife very often.

[@whiterangerrr]

Challenge accepted! I have been carrying my new Opinel No. 9 DIY for a week now with a Leatherman T4 and don't think I would have a reason to go back to any other knife(rotation of opinels of course have a No. 8 and planning on expanding the collection). Would I need to ditch my Leatherman to stay true to the challenge?

[@Phaedrus87]

The heel of the handle is for tapping on something, heel of your boot, anything. The blade will open up, and be easier to open than searching for the nail catch.

[@joschmoyo4532]

It's a working country man's knife. It's not a status knife, a Rambo wannabee knife, a hunting camp dick measuring knife. It's light, holds a decent edge and the wooden handle does not rust or make your hand sweat. It's an honest working knife. I have been working wood all my life so edge holding and sharpening are just an everyday routine. I hate chisel handles that are not wood and bling does not make for a good chisel. Most people don't realise that the opinel uses the same principal as a chisel handle. The collar holds compression around the handle to blade to hold it tight. Simple, effective.

[@BRYNWON]

I just bought two. One for me and one for my friend. I love how old school is it. It's lovely. I've been playing with it, admiring how cool it is. Great video. Thanks.

[@davidcarson7855]

I am a huge fan and the simplicity is an advantage when dealing with people not used to knives--especially since the lock isn't obvious and the wood on yours is beech

[@timbo4374]

Opinels are great slicers for food prep. They are also the most customizable knife available imo, and I even saw a video where a guy made it a free dropping one hand open and closable knife. I may do that mod, and since I love carving, I might make one a cool "my knife" version by carving a cool celtic design into the handle and staining it up nice.

[@doggodoggo3000]

if i can't open a knife with one hand I don't want it. First thing i did to my opi was mod it to be easier to open with one hand.

[@MrPatrickpiet]

@@doggodoggo3000 i could open it one handed out of the box...

[@doggodoggo3000]

@@MrPatrickpiet and now mine is even easier to open. i tweaked it to be the way that i wanted, its easier to to open and i shaped the handle as well as stained it.

[@olivierdelatouche9453]

hi! so i'im french and i had opinels since i was a kid, those you see the most are n° 7 and 8, those are excellent knives, i know a bunch of farmers, construction workers, scouts who carry and use them every day, if you take care of the blade, it will last for 30 years

[@yooyist]

It is actually pretty easy to disassemble. So sure it is cheap but it will last for a long long time if you take care of it a bit. And the design is genius if you think it has been created in 1890 (the locking ring in the 50's I think).

[@davidcarson7855]

I routinely open Opinels with one hand and do it with either hand and the fact that it doesn't snap open doesn't scare people and the lock is very discrete

[@bryanstone654]

Opinel 008 Tactical Weapon System. Opinel #6 on the other hand is a spectacular Gentleman Folder.

[@joi777]

It's not flat ground, it's convex ground. However I've noticed the slim line models are flat ground with a steep sec bevel, they are a lot less sharp from factory than the regular line.

[@cocabandi]

I added a Qwik thumbstud to mine which makes for easy deployment. The no.6 fits comfortably in my pocket; the no. 8 I carry in a sheath. I find the thin blade very practical for all my every day uses.

[@Ego_Katana]

Great knife for a tackle box, glove compartment, desk drawer.

[@gatorjohnny]

I carry my No. 8 in my left front pocket next to my bandana. They are round and wide but so light, you just don’t feel them in your pocket. As for needing two hands? Lol. It’s about four seconds to open and lock. What’s the problem? Everyone is always like “I want to deploy quick”. What are you doing with the huge chunks of time you save between the one second it took you to flip open your knife and the four it took to open and lock this one? Hahahaha. Opinels are probably the best slicers out there, and since knives only do one thing (CUT), I don’t see any other blade that can out work it. What’s “hard use”? It’s a knife. They cut. Boom. Opinel.

[@popcopone5172]

it doesn t bother you when you get low to the ground, low squad? from the N°6 N°7 and N°8 i want to go with the biggest that will not mess with my mobility at all

[@markgoldstein6265]

Bought one in blue for my daughter and when shes needed a knife it works well and is cute from France . so perfectly suited to her. My wife uses a knife harder and carries 2 small buck lock backs.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Best food knife to use in public looks like a classy steak knife lol

[@arguchik]

I just ordered a #6 in carbon steel. Was very tempted by the #6 Inox with a walnut handle. I may still pick that one up, but I want to feel the #6 in hand first. These seem like great knives to learn how to sharpen on, and the difference between stainless and carbon steel. ETA: I ordered the carbon steel because I want this knife for whittling, which means I want to put a razor sharp edge on it.

[@terrygwilson9628]

You will love the #6 in CS for whittling. I have the #8 & #7 SS. CS is better for this task. But I still love both SS. Is the #6 CS better than a Mora 120? Heck no. But the Opinel #6 is in my rotation when whittling. Great EDC in watch pocket. At 76 & in poor health, I enjoy things on the slow side. Locking & unlocking an Opinel is pure pleasure. Love it.

[@popcopone5172]

@@terrygwilson9628 what s up. was wondering if you could guide me a little. from the N°6 N°7 and N°8 i m unsure which to get for that every day carry, die with it type stuff. for front pocket, to be able to fully crouch down with it in the pocket and not feel it is limiting movement/ poking me in the side. cutting fruits and small uses in the rural scene. this is first time i m buying a pocket knife, opinels seem really neat and i like the simplicity, which one would you say?

[@willm5375]

I carry mine (no. 08) in a snug open top leather belt sheath or back pocket. It does work well for regular guy, regular knife use tasks like whittling or cutting up food, spreading butter, opening mail, cutting cardboard etc. and it isn't as scary to the non knife types. I occasionally soak the handle in mineral oil to keep it nice, it also makes it more water resistant, and i touch the edge up with fine fine ceramic. I really just enjoy it's classic style and simplicity.

[@stonedape3285]

I use mine for bushcrafting It never failed me If it breaks i will buy a new one

[@billwessels207]

Don't get the handle wet or you will cause the wood to swell. Then it becomes almost impossible to open and close until you lay it in the sun to dry it out and shrink the wood. You can disassemble it and widen the groove slightly to help with this problem. Several pretty good does on disassembly and maintenance on KZbin!

[@dgrantreiter]

As for one handed opening in utility situations remember it's intial design function was a French picnic knife as it was the custom a long time ago in the French Alps or countryside to take picnics or maybe whittle, or cut cordage (String ) holding parcels together. The No.8 (Original size) is not a bushknive or working knife as we define them now. One handed opening is a modern technique for modern design folders. It's a knife you use as a camping food prep etc or package opening. Not processing cardboard all day at work. Its a blade so yes it can cut but it's very light duty designed. Fine slicing. I'm focusing on the No. 8 size. specifically. I use a 9 for more general purpose functions and leave the 8 for food or very light duty dual hand opening tasks....like mail etc

[@ZENO357]

I just bought one of these out of curiosity and haven't used it yet, so my opinion of it is still being formed. But it strikes me as the equivalent of buying a Volkswagen Beetle back in the day. Cool design, has character and historical significance. Fantastic when first designed, no doubt. But does it stand up to modern designs? I actually can't see how it does - I've bought some really great knives for similar costs (two Sheffield folders for $15 and $18). But maybe after I slice an apple I'll see the appeal and become a fan. At any rate, it is fun to just hold it - the wood handle is very appealing, as it the 'antique' nature of it. Given its price and the fact that it's still made in France, I'm glad that I bought it and hope that they keep making them. ,

[@Ghost225100]

I have several Opinels. #8 in both Carbon and Stainless and in both standard and slim blades. They are terrific, hard use knives! I DID add pocket clips to several of them

[@sharpbeard1049]

Best folder for food prep imo. I use my n°10 everyday and prefer it to my endura.

[@pete6705]

I have one of these that I actually got in the French Alps near where they make them. So I'll always keep it to remember that trip.

[@bryanstone654]

I have always wanted to watch a serious review of the Opinel no. 8 ever since Nick Shabazz did his Opinel 0008 Tactical Weapon System review. Thanks. The No. 6 is more pocketable and better for EDC because its blade is under 3 inches. In bubinga wood with mirror finish blade the No. 6 is the poor man's Mnandi. For a pocket clip use a screw eye on the back of the handle with a P7 suspension clip.

[@billwessels207]

Always lock the blade in the closed position by rotating the locking ring. Prevents accidentally opening and possible cuts!

[@oscar_jjuarez5266]

Great tool to have when doing yard work & my to go for when i need to propagate some of my plants from cuttings/prune my training bonsai plants 🪴 or dice fruit @ work & clean gunk from my nails 👍 but definitely not a heavy duty rip & tear tool . Don’t regret owning this knife !

[@nyxobs7198]

I just watched 25 minutes review of a opinel.. I’d fucking do it again.

[@lorenray9479]

Lunch box fruit knife!. Trim a fray. Open packs. Cut zip ties. There is a belt pouch that looks cool. My neck knife is on the way!

[@heavyweightsound]

When you started talking about the triad lock I had to go and look it up to find out what it was. Coincidentally, While I was browsing the cold steel knives I found what I think is a cold steel version of an opinel knife. 🤯 It's at Blade HQ: Cold Steel Twistmaster 3 Folding knife I tried to post a link but KZbin deleted it

[@DillonG71]

for me opinels are just old school cool. If the design is enough for your daily needs then it works. If you need one hand opening and thicker steel then you prefer something else and thats fine. peasant knives are cool and i buy them to keep them in producton because i like them. i also buy crazy modern folders with supersteels.

[@rustyknifelover4463]

I put this in the same venue as Morakniv. Classic, affordable, but better options exist. I may buy one though.

[@michaelc3416]

After hearing about Opinels for years I finally broke down and ordered one in olive wood tonight. I have tons of EDC knives, and this one won't make it into that role. I just bought it because it's old school cool and a classic. And it's CHEAP! And after going to too many steak restaurants with dull as hell knives, I can see one use is to through it my vehicle, toss in a pocket when going out to eat, and using it as a folding steak knife. I've resorted to this with my EDC knives on more than one occasion, but always hate grinding the edges of my good knives on ceramic plates. With an Opinel, who cares? I can also see this as a woman's purse knife for the woman that occasionally wants to be able to cut something, but isn't a knife person, and doesn't want to look all tactical and shit...

[@ConcernedCitizenPPCA]

Waiting for your review on the Opinel No. 13... I want to see it up against your other size comparison knives 🤣

[@scottlowther7698]

This is the knife I would lend to my non "knife guy" friend. Don't want him ruining my favorite EDC. 😊

[@darkru8913]

They made a sword version of the opinel a while back I think

[@TripleEEDC]

I’ll probably pass on this even at the price. I’m too obsessed with fidget factor. I will say that I picked up one of these in a camping store and it was WAY lighter than I thought it would be.

[@sherwinpalacio3227]

I have Opinel knives.They are not bad cutting tools considering it's price😁

[@MrPatrickpiet]

the number just indicates the blade lenght in cm. no. 8 = 8 cm blade..

[@jasonerickson1867]

I thought they were convex grinds I have the number 6 and it is convex grind with a microbevel I sharpened out the microbevel and wow is it sharp

[@miguelreyes481]

This knife is a fantastic cutter period it is awkward to carry in pocket because of no clip lol..i look at these as old french soldiers knives

[@popcopone5172]

proper review. i ll buy this knife in no.7 or 8, probably a no.7

[@deniskozlowski9370]

Opniels are very cool and historic but I prefer that Antonini Old Bear. You should do a review of that brand.

[@prwgeo8312]

....they have softer steel ,420 something, not even close to opinels

[@doggodoggo3000]

as far as your blade lock debate. the blade will break before the lock ever will. So i agree with that other guy.

[@prwgeo8312]

They all obsessed with the prying....the knife is for cut,even more a simple folder! Just saying 😊

[@Jerry-l5i4x]

A few options for edc in France I’d say!

[@davidcarson7855]

your Opinel has a beech handle

[@MrHomolka]

Great review! Seems plenty sharp and fairly cheap enough as a bang around/spare knife.

[@thrashingeverydaylife]

I'm a what is the deal with this knife person/viewer lol just went on a backpacking/rockclimbing trip and a friend had one got it in my hand finally and liked it so I ordered one online and am putting it in my backpacking pack. Problem solved I like knives with pocket clips so for one to live in my backpack for food and other stuff is perfect! Nice video!

[@emielhoekstra]

it's your clumsiness that makes it so difficult to open it with one hand 😂

[@ShortcutReviews]

Meh. I found the egros are poor without reshaping, but they are fun any easy to mod. Nice Review, I have a 7 and 8 modded, and they are OK, but they never find their way into my pocket....

[@prwgeo8312]

When you work a lot of hours with the opinels in the field you will appreciate the shape of the handle. No hot spots .It dedicated for the use not so much for the pockets! 😉

[@sorenwitte7637]

It's an opinel just sand it flat. Just pop the collar take the pin out sand where the pin was with 15 grit sandpaper about put it back together presto one handed. Ore use your teeth

[@LL-wc4wn]

Absolutely awesome knife for cutting your sandwich in half

[@suasponte6002]

Well done.

[@Cukito4]

I think almost nobody is going to need a knife while up in a ladder. I think anyone who wants this is mainly standing on the floor.

[@Smartax1307]

It’s convex not flat

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Carbone all the way !

[@fredriklundgren1943]

I’m a what’s the deal guy 😀

[@JamesBond-qv2ht]

Looks like junk to me.

[@frankrosebrock4424]

How can one talk with so many words about a knife for half an hour without showing even one practical test how it performs? Who cares about the exact measurements, weight, kind of steel etc.? Not a useful review.

[@metal_complex]

Who cares? Have a look at my sub count. Peace out guy ✌️

[@devlieg72]

25 minutes to talk about a peasant's knife? They're good working knives at a cheap price. Not Rambo stuff.

[@metal_complex]

Poor guy doesn't know where he is

[@trollhunter7764]

No 8 is the original not number 1