EDC essentials such as camping and mountain climbing, “Klappmesser“. The knife brand that can be said to be the representative is [Opinel]. Introducing the charm of [Opinel], which has been loved by EDC men for over 120 years, recommended products, and how to handle it!
What is Opinel?
French long-established knife factory [Opinel]
French knife factory [Opinel] was born in 1890 in a small village in the mountains of Savoie, France. The knife, developed by Joseph Opinel, was named “Opinel” after him. With a history of over 120 years, the knife is functional and durable. And the beech wood of the handle part feels warm, practical and simple design.
A long-established brand [Opinel] that is said to have been used by the painter Pablo Picasso. The beautifully designed folding knife was selected as one of the “100 Best Beauty in the World” by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London in 1985, and is also listed in the catalog of the Museum of Modern Art in New York!
Opinel’s [First Knife]
A knife that is familiar as a living tool
In France, Opinel’s hometown, it is customary to give knives to children of appropriate age. Then, adults will show how to use it together in daily life and camping so that it can be properly incorporated as a [living tool].
First knife [Round tip]
Opinel’s “Round Tip Knife” has been selected as the first knife to give to such children. The overall rounded design, easy-to-hold size, and cute handle illustrations make it easy for children to get a knife for the first time. After making a full-scale knife debut, it can be used as a butter knife. Recommended not only for children but also for beginners of EDC knives.
Four charms of Opinel
Opinel has become a long-established factory that has continued for over 120 years. Introducing the appeal of Opinel, which has been attracting EDC men for a long time despite its simple design, from four major perspectives.
The charm of Opinel 1. “Reasonable & Simple”
Opinel’s functional and simple design. It has a very simple structure, just a blade attached with a pin is housed in a wooden handle with a notch. Due to its simple structure, it is easy to use, maintain and customize. And because it is loved by EDC men and mountaineers all over the world, it can be wholesaled at a reasonable price. That is the great attraction of Opinel.
Opinel’s charm 2. “Two kinds of materials”
Two types of materials, “stainless steel” and “carbon”, are used for the blades of Opinel knives. The design and appearance are very similar, so be sure to check this “carbon” or “stainless steel” along with the size when wholesaling.
Stainless steel used for general household knives. It is easy to maintain because it is sharp and does not rust easily. Stainless steel knives are easy to handle and recommended even for beginners. The handle or blade is engraved with [INOX] (meaning stainless steel in French).
Carbon (carbon steel), which is also used for Japanese knives, is characterized by its high hardness and sharpness. It is easy to rust and needs to be properly maintained. However, the appeal of carbon blades is that you can enjoy the fun of caring and customizing them, such as sharpening the blade, processing black rust, and processing oil. The carbon knife is engraved with [CARBONE] on the handle.
The appeal of Opinel 3. “Safety to carry”
In 1955, Joseph Opinel’s son Marcel developed the “Viroblock” system, which allows the blade to lock securely when carried. This system, which is simple but surely secures safety, has been inherited and adopted in the current model (from No. 6).
With the safety lock applied.
With the safety lock removed.
Models after 2000 have been improved to a structure that this Viroblock can be applied even when used, making it safer to use.
Opinel’s charm 4. “Full size and design development”
Opinel is available in sizes from No. 2 (blade 35 mm) to No. 13 (225 mm), and among them, No. 6 to No. 10 are convenient and practical sizes to carry. (Note.1) Production of No. 1 and No. 11 was discontinued in 1939. (Note.2) No. 13 is more like a saw than a knife. It is attractive that you can choose the size according to various situations such as emergency portable knives, for women with small hands, and as a substitute for kitchen knives at camping and barbecue.
Opinel Ten Piece Set
In addition to the size of the blade, there are variations in the material and design of the handle part. The common material is beech, but there is a diverse lineup of products such as tonerico, rosewood, carbon fiber, beef bones, cherry blossoms, walnuts, and olives. There is also a model with a design engraved on the handle, which seems to be an irresistible collection with plenty of charm for Opinel fans.
Some models have a leather strap attached to the handle part from the beginning, but there are many people who enjoy customizing by making holes after purchase!
Introducing 12 recommended Opinel
From here, we will introduce 12 recommended models that are practical for EDC activities such as camping and mountain climbing from the Opinel lineup. Find the perfect Opinel for your application!
There is a slight difference in weight between carbon and stainless steel, but it is a list of [blade length and weight] of frequently used sizes. (Stainless steel knives are a little heavier.) There are detailed sizes available, so it is recommended that you actually pick them up at the store to check if they fit your hand.
[Blade length / weight comparison] ● ♯6: 7.0 / 30g ● ♯7: 8.0 / 40g ● ♯8: 8.5 / 50g ● ♯9: 9.0 / 60g ● ♯10: 10.0 / 80g ● ♯12: 12.0 / 110g
Recommended Opinel Knife 1. [No.7]
The No. 7 knife, which is easy to fit in the hands of women, is a convenient size for cutting and shaving fruits and condiments like a petty knife.
1-1. Opinel-OPINEL Stainless # 7
1-2. Opinel-OPINEL Carbon Steel # 7
- Weight: 40g ● Blade: 80mm ● Materials: Blade / High carbon steel, Handle / Beech
Recommended Opinel Knife 2. [No.8]
No.8, which is considered to be the standard size, has an exquisite blade length and handle length. When cooking outdoors, this clears most things!
2-1. Opinel-OPINEL Stainless Steel # 8
“We use French Opinel, which is not an exaggeration to say that it is the best knife in the world in terms of name, price range, operability, practicality, design and quality, on a daily basis. Standard stainless steel # 8 is useful for cooking and as a companion to wine and cheese. The simple and highly functional locking mechanism is great.”
2-2. Opinel-OPINEL Carbon Steel # 8
Recommended Opinel Knife 3. [No.9]
For men with big hands, No. 9 is a size that is easy to hold and put effort into. The weight of 60g is also comfortable when cutting.
3-1. Opinel-OPINEL Stainless # 9
3-2. Opinel-OPINEL Carbon Steel # 9
- Weight: 60g ● Blade: 90mm ● Materials: Blade / High carbon steel, Handle / Beech
Recommended Opinel Knife 4. [No.10]
No. 10 with a blade length of 10 cm is a size that is very useful as a kitchen knife in camping and barbecue.
4-1. Opinel-OPINEL Stainless # 10
- Weight: 80g ● Blade: 100mm ● Materials: Blade / stainless steel, handle / beech
4-2. Opinel-OPINEL Carbon Steel # 10
- Weight: 80g ● Blade: 100mm ● Materials: Blade / High carbon steel, Handle / Beech
“Although it is # 10, this is the one for practical use rather than the standard # 8. It’s big enough to eat meat and vegetables. I will process black rust tomorrow.”
Recommended Opinel Knife 5. [Trekking Series]
The “trekking series” is a type in which a leather strap is passed behind the handle. Available in sizes No. 7 and No. 8. The beech material on the handle is colored with a string, so it is not only cute but also recommended to prevent loss!
Stainless steel # 8 with leather strap
Khaki with leather strap 41430 Camping equipment Knife (Men’s, Lady’s)
- Color: Blue, Khaki, Red, Slate ● Blade: 85mm ● Weight: 54g ● Materials: Blade / Stainless Steel, Handle / Beech
Recommended Opinel Knife 6. [Corkscrew Knife]
This is a design in which the wine opener is stored in the handle part. Wine while enjoying cooking outdoors. It’s nice!
Stainless # 10 corkscrew knife
- Blade: 100 mm ● Material: Blade / stainless steel, handle / beech
The handle of the knife is made of beech wood and the blade is made of stainless steel. The knife is a unisex product. Opinel is a knife customed by a skilled star craftsman.
Recommended Opinel Knife 7.
This is a material whose handle part is easy to grip and strong against impact. It is a reassuring design for the outdoors that can be used without worrying about getting wet or caring for it during or after use.
Opinel Outdoor # 8 Blue 41450
- Color: Blue, Green, Gray, Orange ● Size: Overall length: Approx. 195 mm ● Blade length: Approx. 85 mm ● Weight: 62 g ● Materials: Stainless steel, polyamide, glass fiber
Recommended Opinel Knife 8. [Limited Model Ebony]
This is a limited-edition model, and the design uses the famous wood “ebony” for the handle. The price goes up dramatically, but the jet-black luxury of the famous wood is a knife that you want to carefully care for and make it a living thing. This luxury is perfect for gifts!
Opinel-OPINEL Stainless Steel # 8 Ebony
- Weight: 59g ● Blade: 85mm ● Materials: Blade / stainless steel, handle / ebony material
Handling of Opinel
➀ Don’t forget that it is a blade!
One thing to keep in mind when carrying an Opinel is that it is a “blade”. Depending on how you possess it, you may be caught in the “Firearms and Swords Possession Control Law” (Firearms Law) or the “Miscellaneous Crimes Law”. Please refrain from wearing it continuously in your daily life, follow the rules of handling, and enjoy life with Opinel.
“(Prohibition of carrying blades with a blade length exceeding 6 cm) Article 22 The length of the blade measured by the Cabinet Office Ordinance, except for business or other justifiable reasons. Do not carry a blade that is more than 6 centimeters in length. However, this shall apply to scissors or foldable knives with a blade length of 8 cm or less measured pursuant to the Cabinet Office Ordinance, or blades other than these blades, of the type or shape specified by Cabinet Order. Not.”
Article 22 of the Firearms and Swords Possession Control Law
The “Firearm and Sword Law” stipulates that it is prohibited to carry blades with a blade length of more than 6 cm. However, this does not apply if there is a valid reason or if the blade is a folding knife with a blade of 8 cm or less. Under the “Miscellaneous Crimes Act”, ● Regardless of the size of the blade, it is illegal to keep it hidden. When carrying it, make sure that you can clearly see the purpose of use, such as putting it in a tool case or cooker, and carry it while paying attention to the storage method.
➁ Check the lock for carrying
It’s a foldable Opinel that’s convenient to carry around, but make sure it’s locked properly when you store it in your backpack or kitchen goods. Also, don’t forget to lock the model that locks during use for your safety!
➂ Blade / handle care / custom
Like household knives, Opinel knives need to be maintained to maintain their sharpness. After using it outdoors, it tends to be left wet. It may lead to rust on the blade part, deformation and mold on the handle part, so take proper care. In the next section, we will introduce the maintenance and custom methods such as “black rust processing”, “oil processing”, and “blade sharpening”.
Wachsen Sie mit Sorgfalt und Individualität
Mit etwas Aufwand vor dem Gebrauch und der richtigen Pflege entwickeln sich EDC-Messer zu scharfen, langlebigen Messern. Passen Sie Ihre Klingen und Griffe individuell an, um Ihr eigenes EDC zu entwickeln.
(Hinweis) Eine unvorsichtige Anpassung des Messers kann die Sicherheit beeinträchtigen. Seien Sie daher bitte vorsichtig.
Care / Custom ➀ Black rust processing of carbon blade
Carbon knives are prone to rust and can reduce sharpness. By covering the blade with black rust processing in advance, it is effective in suppressing red rust. (Note) Black rust processing is effective only for carbon blades. There are various methods for black rust processing, but it is relatively easy to obtain. (Representative material) ● Silicon off spray ● Water resistant paper ● Tea (tea bag) ● Vinegar
Here, empty cans are used to generate rust with tea bags of vinegar, lemon juice, and black tea. ● Fixes rust with the black tea ingredient “tannin”. The time for soaking in the liquid varies, but it is important to clean the blade first and foremost in order to process it evenly. Make sure to remove any dirt or oil before starting work.
In this video, the blade is removed and rusted. Please try to reference. Also, when working with the blade removed, be very careful, such as ● wearing gloves and ● storing his parts properly.
Care / Custom ➁ Handle oil processing
The material used for the handle of a general EDC knife is beech. Natural lumber absorbs moisture and causes swelling and distortion. This makes it difficult to put in and take out the blade, so it is recommended to perform “oil processing” in advance as a waterproof treatment that makes it difficult to absorb moisture.
Es ist üblich, trockenes Öl wie Leinsamenöl, Sesamöl und Walnussöl sowie EDC in einen verschließbaren Beutel zu geben, es 24 Stunden lang einzuweichen, es dann 24 Stunden lang zu trocknen und zu polieren.
Care / Custom ➂ Blade sharpening
Der empfohlene Winkel zum Schärfen die Klinge von EDC beträgt 20 Grad. Versuchen Sie, den Klingenwinkel an den Verwendungszweck anzupassen. Carbonmesser sind leicht zu schärfen und eignen sich perfekt für den Anbau. Darüber hinaus weist ein gut gepflegtes Messer im unwahrscheinlichen Fall eines Unfalls möglicherweise weniger Kratzer auf. Seien Sie beim Schärfen der Klinge sehr vorsichtig!
Opinel Sharpener
- Material: Steel ● Size: Approximately 130mm ● Weight: Approximately 14g
If it is difficult to sharpen the blade with a whetstone, this compact sharpener is also useful.
Zusammenfassung
How was it? France’s long-established & classic folding knife “Opinel”. Why don’t you use the stylish and functional Opinel knife as an EDC companion and safely by observing the rules?
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