What Happened!? Opinel Explorer No.12

[@gtl151]

These frustrations mentioned here all point to a very handy and versatile knife. I have big hands so the handle is not an issue and the hook is clearly designed to be prominent and sensible when attaching it to a pack. The cutting hook works simply and effectively. The fact that it can carve wood in true opinel style and light a fire so easily is a huge bonus. The knife is simple. Simplicity is powerful. When you are exploring or surviving, that is exactly what you must have.

[@ashab1]

Yeah but it’s nearly twice the size of the kansbol handle 😂 I agree with what he said in the video it’s just too large I like the straight edge blade and polymer handle though.

[@418emile]

1- in fishing the hook is very useful because you don't need to open the knife to cut the monofilament after having made a knot. Just configure the knife with the hook out before leaving for the fishing trip. 2- you handle the knife with your hand over the locking ring (that's why your handle protrudes a lot) you shouldn't do that. One day or another you will unlock the blade without noticing it.

[@MAGAMAN]

You just pointed out how terrible this knife design is. A good folder, like a Kershaw can be opened one handed, locks open when opened, and can be closed on handed. This opinel is useless.

[@asiancaulkasian]

The firesteel is the lock, the hook/ lanyard should not slip out without some manipulation of the firesteel. It is a no. 10 blade on a no. 12 handle

[@Jamiedoh789]

Yeah. The fire steel locks the cord cutter in place just fine if you just use it correctly. Its really not that difficult to work it out. I think hes just impatient.

[@DamionJR4923]

I wish they would make the regular Opinel's with poly handles. A number 8 with a poly handle for $20.

[@gideonstactical]

DamionJR4923 that is what the no8 survivor is but it is serrated. I would be all over it if it was plain edge

[@Minsang1st]

I have seen someone disassemble the opinel garden knife, take the blade (which has a nice drop/spear point and flat grind) and put it on the survivor. It seemed like THE PERFECT opinel knife that every opinel user would be all over. I tried to disassemble my opinel without success. If someone could do this for me, just take my money.

[@alexandredelecroix3351]

DamionJR4923 we do! N8 Outdoor

[@DamionJR4923]

Alexandre Delecroix Do you make it in full fine edge or is it just 50 50?

[@alexandredelecroix3351]

DamionJR4923 50/50. It’s a great compromise if you want to use your knife on both tough materials and food prep or light work with the straight edge!

[@anstef1485]

I think this review falls in the user error category. I saw on another channel (2nd chance George) how the hook / lanyard hole is locked in place by the firerod. He was able to demonstrate the correct use of all components of this knife. It may just not be the one for you.

[@robshirewood5060]

I wondered if the hook tool could also be used for making, or straightening hand-made arrows or fishing spear shaft , taking off bark for the Tines , might also be used to cut straps like a seat belt cutter. I can see other possibilities if used with locking mole grips.

[@neemancallender9092]

i was gifted my first Opinel in 80 when i was working a summer in Brittany France all the local farmers and workers carried was the #12

[@danwaxman2179]

I only purchased the no12 as a food prep/carver. I also have large hands so handle isn't an issue for me. I think to even compare a folder to a fixed blade is a bit unfair. I wouldn't say a mora is useless because it doesn't slice well, that's just not what it's designed for. Mind you if I were running out of things to chat about on my channel I too would probably clutch at straws. I exclusively use Mora's and opinels just make sure to assess the job Vs the tool.

[@Jamiedoh789]

Oh and another thing to add to this guys review. The handle on a normal no12 Opinel is pretty much the same length ( within a millimeter) as the no12 explorer.

[@Milli-gwop2]

Mora should start making folders!

[@nicoljos69]

i purchased this knife over a year ago, I haven't used much to test it, i just take it from my drawer once in a while just to play with it, the handle lenght for me is good because i have a large hand, the end hook dont bother me but if you think about it that thing is useful for many situations like for self defense or to cut a seat belt or break the car glass window in an emergency, it can be used as a hammer, I'm sure for anyone who hate this knife and would have no other choice but this knife in their pocket will find many ideas how to survive with this knife.

[@Resolute900]

@3:34 minutes you can see why that handle is big. It was designed to be a folding bushcraft knife that includes a firestarter, a whistle and a cutting hook.

[@stonedape3285]

Tbh a tradional style opinel with a plastic handle would be nice

[@sebastianhabel7312]

I think the big handle is actually a good thing, but for an Opinel is way too expensive. And why didn' the make the guthook foldable, maybe lockable, and just put a simple lanyardhole in the handle? I mean, it's not like there was no space for it^^

[@cocabandi]

I totally agree with you. I love Opinels, and I Long for more models without wood-swelling handles. However, the handle is ridiculously long, I could do without the goofy hooks, but I haven't lost faith. This is a great company, and I encourage it to keep coming out with new models.

[@ScottieG59]

I have not purchased any Opinel knives yet, but I see why they are so popular. It reminds me why market testing is so important before going to production on a new or changed product.

[@gideonstactical]

Totally great my friend.

[@Anlushac11]

Not a knife for me but what I see is a glass breaker, slide other side out and you now have a seatbelt cutter. I do like the whistle and ferro rod built n.

[@gonzorudeboy]

Opinels have been the blade of choice in France for first knife for boys for decades. I gave my son one and I could not think of a better start in the world of blades. Btw I've seen this one here and I totally agree with you.

[@fischeswa-9]

Like the review and AGREE 100% on the issues with that knife. NOW about the No.8 Outdoor - I also agree the serration park is a NO NO, but I took mine and ground them off an reprofiled the blade to a convex - WOW now I have a fully water resistant stainless knife with a durable handle and whistle that I love and carry all the time on rainy days and can take to the beach. Cheers keep up the good reviews and honesty.

[@mademoisellebismuthbismuth3002]

I feel like there's something that I've missed. Every knife review of smaller, light duty knifes will tell you that the knife is good for peeling or slicing apples. Unless you do not have any teeth, why would you need a knife to eat an apple?

[@dominator146]

Hard to rip pieces off an apple for some people

[@bluetrue6062]

I can tell ya...dentures!😁

[@sellsidedream8766]

Overly critical I think. My 2 cents is that the handle is comfortable. The spark steel gets held in by the gut hook

[@gigiboxa]

it has a lock but in your case the orange piece is broken

[@albertolambach5395]

Картошечка под водочку.

[@zeljcvidovic342]

I got mine today, was really nice buy for 14.96€ . I agree that handle size is way to big, and those metal attachments are completely unnecessary.

[@EverydayTacticalVids]

Love me some Opinels but I agree with your assessment brother. Love that you describe it as ‘goofy’!

[@gideonstactical]

EverydayTacticalVids haha thanks!!

[@garybray8347]

could the gut hook also be used as a seat belt cutter

[@andropups]

Man, i have seen a video from military vet, who said that he always buy knifes with such "beltcutter". On most knives it is always open, so you may hurt yourself accidetially, or cut you clothes. In this knife the "beltcutter" can be hidden down or even removed, if you do not need it. I think it is very good engineering decision.

[@Bunczu]

What is the name of first one Opinel, the smaller one, the black shown before the big, green one No 12? Later is is mentioned that it is No 8 - really? I could find only ones in wood, not with a plastic. One thing more - is vibroblock really that usefull, really could be trusted? It is really rock solid compared to liner lock, axis lock? Im affraid that it is not. I think that vibro could fall off with heavy use.

[@evandean4443]

Try the no.8 outdoor, 1st opinel i owned and got me into these awesome knives.

[@TheDodge211]

i love opinel! perfect timeless design which is like 100 years old with very good materials and quality. The bladegrind is a full convex with a micro bevel btw and thats the point i dont like that much but with a bit time on the waterstone you get the convex to zero :)

[@ROE1300]

Sort of a good idea on paper, but not a practical application. Usually I complain about handles being too short, but that is one big handle. I agree with you about this knife and do love my Opinel No. 8 and 9.

[@danokitemanotoo1791]

You actually steered me towards this knife!

[@JuandelaCruz001]

Dang! The side-by-side with the other handles really shows how disproportionate the handle size is. Agreed with the hook thing getting lost easily too. I suggest testing the Opie Garden model with the stainless steel.

[@TonyNque]

How about - cutting car seat belts and breaking car windows in an emergency ? and using for food prep - like cutting cheese and bread and tomatoes ?

[@superfeschi]

Mine locks the hook extremely well. I almost can't get the fire rod out of the handle. So it the extreme to the opposite....

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I'll stick to one of the regular wooden handle models with a carbon steel blade.

[@caseyfrigginBlades]

Opinels have never been my thing for the sole reason that I prefer pocket knives with clips on them. I hate having them just bouncing around in my pocket , and if you're putting your folder in a sheath, you might as well stick a fixed blade. Like a mora knife. But yeah, I completely agree with you on this review. Btw, the Steel Will Roamers have finally released. I just ordered one last night, can't wait to get it!

[@nicholaspietrzak9992]

You can get clips for them now

[@jimzee6954]

Haha, oh the waves of trying to get something different on the market! I agree with your assessment. Once explorer or survival is placed on a product there's always a price increase. More thought in that product could've make it more useful as you pointed out! Once again thank you for the great review and taking the time to do the review for us!

[@gideonstactical]

Jim Zee thanks my friend

[@akguest5551]

For a general camp chopper and battoner what you you recommend I've had a look and the bk9 the TOPS anaconda and the TOPS tahoma field Knife . If you had to pick between the three which one would you take?

[@gideonstactical]

TTTactical A tricked out bk9 with the Kydex sheath and micarta handle scales.

[@akguest5551]

gideonstactical okay cool cheers for your quick response 👌

[@petemcpherson2259]

maybe it is supposed to double as a trekking pole!

[@gideonstactical]

Its about that long lol

[@GreenBadgerOutdoors]

I was wondering about this knife. thanks for the review.

[@fawain]

I currently own the Opinel No.12 Explore and can't say enough good things about it. I"m in total disagreement with all the "Nay Sayers" the beefy handle is one of the reasons I love this knife. After all - it's an Opinel, enough said.

[@neemancallender9092]

please review the #12 with the wooden handle I worked in Brittany in 81 I was gifted a #12 which was the standard size all the workers and farmers used

[@Mouthpiece985]

You got to be smarter than what you're working with you got a broken knife and don't know it

[@arturomoralagos1590]

Eliminate the gut hook and sacrifice the whistle. Cut the end of handle with care. For me, the best of this knife is the plastic handle. Set aside the ferro rod and put it in the backpack. You calculate the best size!

[@JPuckett89]

Meanwhile you can buy a schrade schf52m, 1/4inch thick, 10 inch blade, 1095, micarta scales,comes with a sheath,diamond stone,and fire steel, for less money.

[@realdealportugal]

Only problem its the plastic handle and the price.

[@adamsanderlin5476]

You should try the Gerber 06 manual.

[@MuvoTX]

Sadly I just can't find a way to incorporate an Opinel into my gear. Such capable blade geometry/heat treat and SMART steel selection. As a scout coordinator we are out in the rain/stormy conditions all the time. Gear gets SOAKED to the bone and kind of stays that way, and its just a way of life. So no wood handles for me. My dream opinel would be a plain edge No 8 Outdoor. I almost think the person who designed their traditional knives did not design the plastic handle models. Or someone on the design team had the perfect idea to make thermo-plastic handle versions, and someone else said we need to add a bunch of gimick-ey stuff to them. Too bad really... a No12 plastic handle would be a GREAT addition to my gear load.

[@christopherskipp1525]

Where would you suggest buying a "normal" Opinel (size 10)?; thanks for your feedback.

[@robshirewood5060]

I used to laugh at the Opinel, but totally revised that as i grew older and wiser about knives and tools, now i have many and use them regularly, great knives. I also thought the Canadian survival knife was a gimmick until i bought the Cold Steel version now i love that too. I have two Opinel No 12 one carbon, one stainless and cannot fault them, i might give this one a try too

[@WildTuscanyBushcraft]

I agree with you that handle make that knife similar to a spear 😀 ! I saw the version with the partially serrated blade, but personally don't like a plastic handle on retro style locking blade !

[@albertptran]

Please review more Opinel’s

[@davidrogers182]

I love my number 8 in carbon! Sharp as can be with natural patina.

[@briargoatkilla]

I was trying to gauge the size of it by looking at your hands. What glove size do you wear?

[@gideonstactical]

briargoatkilla haha large!!!

[@plainscrafter5374]

Enjoy content. I have not handled this knife, so forgive me if this is a really stupid question, but is it possible that the "guthook" is meant to be a ferro rod striker?

[@gideonstactical]

Smalltown Prep Only if you use the actual sharpened edge which then would ruin it immediately I thought the same thing at first but I don’t think so cause all the other edges are rounded.

[@Sblaze813]

I was coming here to ask the same question. I'm glad I read the comments first.

[@franciscopeixoto5537]

like you mentioned stick with a 12° size

[@dkoriss1]

You grabbed so close to the blade in order to prove your point for the big handle (which is a big plus because of the leverage you can apply and the other way around namely short handle is always a HUGE minus) that I actually believe that you cut your self ha, ha, ha

[@jameswoodard4304]

As of 2/2019: Amazon has the Outdoor w/serration for $32 and w/o for $39. This is basically the knife in the video w/o the hook thing. Apparently, not putting serrations on the blade costs $7? Unfortunately for Opinel, there are much better knives in this higher price range.

[@OrenValach]

I agree that it is to large, but i think that you missunderstood this folder.

[@charlescollier7217]

What happened? Something like this: "How can we convince people to pay 3-5 x the price they normally pay for our knives?" "Let's stick some useless, cheap gimmicks on a knife and tell people it's "survival gear." Stay tuned for the next one that comes with black paint and is "tactical."

[@gideonstactical]

Charles Collier haha totally

[@commentername9737]

"Hey, Mora is getting people to pay $50 for full tang, we need to find a way to raise our price point too..."

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

can you store your tent in that handle? its enormous!

[@reynaldorivera7641]

I myself like the knife, but I prefer full tang over folder

[@EarlyMist]

I'm waiting for the updated version based on this. If the guthook could slide in from the back end of the handle and stay locked then 👌 Dat handle doh...they may as well add another 5 - 8 inches either end and make it a dual weild 🤣

[@cuchulainn1967]

I OWN A " REGULAR" N#12 ( WOOD HANDLE/ CARBON STEEL/ ALMOST 5 INCH BLADE) WHICH COST ME ABOUT $20.- ...THAT KNIFE NEVER LET ME DOWN!

[@myimorata7678]

I like it. I'm going to go out on a limb and say ppl who don't like this model would actually love it if it was the only thing they had.

[@armADa_GS]

I was about to buy one but changed my mind thanks to you

[@EDCAdventures1991]

Good review. Spot on. Gut hook is just a waste of space and if you know what you're doing, you don't need one anyways.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, Yup, I'm sort of a steel snob. But I love a good size handle and a great lock-up on a folder. I think I found one. Please do a review on the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter Folder. Seriously, it's made in the Carpenter CTS-XHP Steel, pretty good stuff, the handle is lite made out of G-10 that is very comfortable to hold and use. Of course the lock-up is a Lockback Tri-Ad, It sort of reminds me of my Benchmade Bushcrafter #162 profile. Infact, since cold weather is just around the corner. I decided to bring out my Cold Weather Basic Trio. My Modde Rodent 6, my 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet with now my new Agawa Canyon 21 Boreal Saw. I normally added my Mora 510 as my Neck Knife. But how compact and strong and lite my C. S. Ultimate Hunter Folder is, I decided to go with my Ultimate Hunter Folder instead. I still bring along my Gerber Multi Tool. I use it alot to take the hot pots off the fire, open can's, and mine has a Awl which I carefully use to untangle paracord, and other necessisary tasks. In my case, I like larger handles. I think before you shoot of a round, get use to it. I know you will change your mind. As far as price. The material it's made of is more expensive.,,.p

[@gideonstactical]

Paul'ie 4X I’ve had my eye on that night for a while seems like it could be a good one

[@paulie4x1]

gideonstactical I know you'll like it. It's a good knife for the money.,,.p

[@mattfinish2196]

This is one of the best channels out there!

[@gideonstactical]

Matt Finish thank you so much matt

[@dwstrange334]

Thanks for the honest review!

[@marycahill546]

Crazy idea. This will not sell. Love their normal slicers and their paring knives.

[@Diebulfrog79]

The bad thing about it's a rehash of the one that Cold Steel put out a 30 years ago. Good video.

[@Eurotrash4367]

What is the artist/song playing at the intro?

[@BigCrazyOutdoorAdventures]

Thumbs up on the video! Its a weird looking knife and your right its the handle. I've been looking to buy the Mora Kansbol good comparison. Found your channel via BudgetBugout good interview over there. Good advice. Thanks for sharing!

[@gideonstactical]

Big Crazy Outdoor Adventures thank you my friend!!

[@alincoman1411]

Folosesc așa ceva de trei ani, foarte mulțumit de el, cu cârligul mic tai cordelina, centuri de siguranță, nailon de pescuit, e edc-ul meu preferat

[@bobwampler3387]

Opinel, stick with what you do best.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Opinels are cool but I'm not in love with them. More of a novelty thing for me never my first choice for anything. They're awright that's about it.... for me.

[@commentername9737]

cyclist01222 good beater/whittling knives, or camp food prep. That's about it.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Yup

[@ronsegall457]

You are demonstrating the product completely wrong! The "notches" on the plastic part of the fire steel is meant to lock in place the caribiner hook in one position or the gut hook in the other position.k The handle is longer to accommodate the length of the fire steel for storage!

[@LRoutdoorsmen]

I don’t understand why companies are obsessed with adding other tools to a knife. A knife is a knife. A firesteel is a firesteel. Etc. why are we still trying to put as many features as possible on a knife?

[@richardjohnson8988]

Love the vids and your content

[@jamesaritchie1]

As cool as Opimel knives are, a pocketknife with a single blade in the wilderness makes about as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. The entire point of a pocketknife in an environment where it will be used a lot is so you can have multiple blades to do multiple tasks. This means a Stockman, a Trapper, or a Hunter, preferably in that order, if yoou want to do a lot pf carving. A Stockman is one of the best carving knives ever made, and is certainly better than any fixed blade knife. Professional woodcarvers the world over use Stockman pocketknives. Taking a pocketknife with a single blade into the woods just means you now have two fix blade knives, one of which is not very strong. I know slip joint knives usually don't lock, but I also know that's a poor excuse for not carrying one. Woodsmen, long hunters, frontiersmen, mountan men, and you name the group have been using them for hundreds of years without a problem. So do Boy Scouts. This is the knife that did nearly all the knife work for each of groups. Fix blades were only used for self-defense, and for skinning and processing large game animals. That's it. Everything else from carving to survival was carried out with a pocketknife that had more than one blade. It's still this way when you get away from KZbin. The Opinel is a decent at home knife when all you intent to do is open packages, cut string, and slice cheese, but it's about as poor a choice for the woods as you can make. All pocketknives woith one blade are poor choices, but of them all, the Opinel is the weakest. It's only attribute is that it locks, and this matters only to those who have never learned to use real pocketknives, and know nothing about them.

[@josephosburn3477]

Interesting, but your knife must be broken because the ferro rod is designed to lock the hook the open and stowed position...

[@MrSATism]

Want an Opinel Explorer No. 12? Buy a regular Opinel No.12. Thanks for letting us know about the downfalls of this product!

[@SSG1445]

yeah, all is OK, but you have a small hand compared to me, for me, the handle is too small

[@oldgeccko8207]

LOL it's too Big for Your Hand! That's the problem I've been seeing, trying to add Everything to a knife, 😫

[@gideonstactical]

old geccko totally lol

[@greekveteran2715]

Opinels are full convex not full flat grind...

[@gideonstactical]

I have not seen that on mine

[@greekveteran2715]

Opinels are slightly convexed from the spine to the micro bevel.They can't get more convex than that because their blades are thin but they are convex! I always use my strop to keep them sharp and eventually the blade becomes full convex! Check closer! Nice video again,keep up the good work! Sorry for my English,I come from Greece.

[@Sherrodja]

A hacksaw to the handle and reshape the end of the handle and you're good to go. But one has to wonder what they were thinking when they designed the knife.

[@mrjumbolegz6483]

They should have named it the Opinel Gimmick.

[@TheOkiehick]

What kind of hat are you wearing in this video?

[@brianlash154]

Gut hooks have been laughed out of the hunting community from what I seen. Real hunters and historically, they used their hands to pull the stuff out

[@5angels332]

Begs the question why would they bother ? Stick with what they are famous for. Keep 'em coming Aaron.

[@gideonstactical]

5 Angels I totally agree Thanks for watching and thanks for your support.

[@totalmayhemleather4030]

I wonder if the handle is to long lol

[@lr44x13]

Imagine complaining about knife size, that you picked the size of. Like you could just order number 8 instead of number 12, its your fault that handle is "goofball".

[@Cynocehali]

This is a dumb comment lol. The dude is reviewing the most popular size.

[@FactFinderGeneral]

This is what happens when outside companies want to cash in on the "bushcraft boom" but don't do full research.

[@mackenziestrawn3071]

if that thing didn't have the gut thingy it would be awesome

[@Smartax1307]

Little correct, convex grind

[@danmuscarella5892]

I must be the Exception I like it

[@censusgary]

It’s a two-handed sword.

[@jarrodwesterlund464]

If you said get a #12 carry a lighter and a whistle this video would have been a minute long. Lol. This knife looks like every other knife company trying to make a multitool. Wrong tool for the wrong time.

[@gideonstactical]

Jarrod Westerlund I would 100 percent agree with you

[@usualsuspect5173]

Looks like a project knife that needs a new handle...send it to me I'll take care of it...