Knife "Opinel" for lovers of traditions

The knife "Opinel" has long been popular with hunters and fishermen. Men are happy to buy the products of this French company, carry them with them, take them to nature, on a trip. Due to the low price, such an item is available to everyone. And although there are currently a large number of modern samples with the best characteristics, the Opinel knives still have the best reviews, there are no people indifferent to them among those who understand such products. There is something in this classic, already somewhat archaic subject that does not allow him to leave the stage even against the background of new and hyped competitors.

Historical background

The folding masterpiece Opinel was born in the Savoy region in 1890. Joseph Opinel, at the age of 18, began producing knives for his neighbors and friends. His father, the owner of a small workshop, reacted to his son's idea without enthusiasm, but allocated him both a place and tools. The main idea was to create a knife that is easy to put in your pocket and comfortable to hold in your hand. To everyone's surprise, the company has risen beautifully. In 1896, there were already 3 people working on it. And in 1901, 15 craftsmen were working on orders at the new factory. Since 1909, Joseph has been putting his own brand on his products, according to the law of Charles IX.

For many years, the company's product has become a universal object, judging by its widest application in the world. The knife "Opinel" is still considered one of the best. With the same attention to reliability and simplicity of J. Opinel has developed new ranges of products for lovers of efficient cutting. This instrument was carried in the pockets of such famous artists, climbers and adventurers as Pablo Picasso, Alain Col, Jean-Louis Etienne and others. It has achieved the status of a cult object, a symbol of French culture, mentioned in countless books, songs. For a good design knife "Opinel" in 1985 entered the TOP 100 most beautiful objects in the world at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and in 2006 - in the directory "Phaidon Design Classics" as one of the 999 most significant projects of all time.

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Characteristics of Opinel products

At the beginning of production, the company produced 12 models, different in size. In 1932, product No. 1 with a small blade of 2 cm was removed from production, in 1935 the same fate befell No. 12. Their manufacture was deemed inappropriate. For today, folding knives "Opinel" have a ruler of 10 items with a blade from 3.5 cm to 12 cm. There is also a sample No. 13 with a 22-centimeter blade, but you can't hide it in your pocket.

A new locking device has been installed on knives since 1955. This is a rotating ring with a slot, as a result of which rotation, spontaneous folding of the knife during operation or unfolding it in a pocket is prevented. The original design was patented, receiving the name "viroblock". It is installed on the model starting from No. 6. The letters VR were added to the number of such a product, for example, No. 7VRN (if the blade is made of carbon steel) or No. 8VRI (stainless steel).

The handles are traditionally made of wood, most often beech. Together with the usual products, the company additionally produces "thematic" and fillet knives.

The thematic line consists of fishing, hunting and sports models, whose handles are decorated with all kinds of drawings and have different colors. For example, the creations of the series "Legends of the Mountains" are decorated with characteristic patterns on the handle, similar to those that Savoy shepherds carved on their knives. The carving on the handle is a complex and amazing picture that turns a classic work item into a work of art.

Sirloin models are characterized by a narrower blade from 8 to 15 cm of polished stainless steel and a slightly modified handle shape made of horn or exotic wood varieties.

Customer reviews and recommendations

Everyone who has and uses the knife "Opinel", we are very satisfied with his qualities. No. 7 is recognized as the most convenient to carry in your pocket.
Products No. 8 and No. 9 are recommended for use in the city and in the country, nature. Model No. 10 is already a little too big. It is good as a cutter, suitable for heavier tasks. Well, No. 12 can be bought as an exclusive gift. You can't hide it in your pocket.

Carbon steel is recognized as the best, because the main thing – the blade - should cut perfectly. Stainless steel is soft, easy to sharpen, but also blunt quickly. The only drawback of a carbon blade is corrosion. But it doesn't rust, it just darkens. It should be particularly noted that the Opinel knife is not intended for use as a weapon.