Knife "Opinel" for lovers of tradition

Knife "Opinel" has long been popular with hunters and fishermen. Men with pleasure buy products of this French company, carry them with them, take on nature, on a trip. Due to the low price, this item is available to everyone. And although there are currently a great number of modern samples with better characteristics, knives "Opinel" reviews still have the best, there are no indifferent people among them who are versed in 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 untwisted competitors.

Historical reference

Opinel's foldable masterpiece 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 gave him both a place and tools. The main idea was to create a knife that is easy to hide in a pocket and comfortable to hold in your hand. To everyone's surprise, the enterprise has perfectly risen. In 1896 there were already 3 people working on it. And in 1901 15 masters worked on orders at the new factory. Since 1909 on his products, Joseph puts his own brand, according to the law of Charles IX.

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

Product Features Opinel

At the beginning of production, the enterprise produced 12 models, different in size. In 1932, the product No. 1 with a small 2 cm blade was removed from the outlet, in 1935 the same fate befell No. 12. Their manufacture was recognized as inexpedient. For today, folding knives "Opinel" have a ruler of 10 pieces 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 not hide it in your pocket.

The new locking device has been installed on knives since 1955. It is a rotating ring with a slot, the rotation of which prevents the spontaneous folding of the knife during work or unfolding it in the pocket. The original design was patented, received the name "viroblok." Install it on the model, starting with No. 6. To the number of such a product added the letters VR, for example, No. 7VRN (if the blade is made of carbon steel) or No. 8VRI (stainless steel).

Handles are traditionally made of wood, most often beech. Together with conventional products, the company also produces "thematic" and knitted loin knives.

The thematic line consists of fishing-hunting and sports models, whose arms are decorated with all kinds of patterns 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 the Savoyard shepherds carved on their knives. The thread on the handle is a complex and surprising picture that turns a classic work item into a work of art.

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

Feedback and recommendations to buyers

Everyone who has and uses a knife "Opinel", very satisfied with his qualities. The most convenient for wearing in a pocket is recognized as No. 7.
Products No. 8 and No. 9 are recommended for use in the city and in the country, nature. Model number 10 is already a bit too big. It is good as a cutter, suitable for heavier tasks. Well, number 12 can be bought as an exclusive gift. In his pocket you can not hide it.

The best carbon is recognized as carbon, because the blade is the most important thing to cut. Stainless steel is soft, easy to sharpen, but also quickly dull. The only drawback of a carbon blade is corrosion. But it does not rust, it just gets dark. It should be especially noted that the Opinel knife is not intended for use as a weapon.