| One of the most recognized knives in the world is | | | | the machinery used in the manufacturing process |
| the Opinel Knife. It is a quintessentially simple, | | | | has been largely built by Opinel ever since its |
| sturdy, practical, low cost pocket knife with a | | | | operations commenced in 1890. Now the |
| wooden handle. The knife has been exclusively | | | | company employs advanced production processes |
| manufactured for over a century in the French | | | | in order to combine technology with |
| town of Saint Jean-de-Maurienne in the Savoie | | | | craftsmanship. |
| region. | | | | Opinel Museum |
| History | | | | Any knife enthusiast visiting France cannot afford |
| The simple and rustic Opinel Knife was created in | | | | to miss a visit to the Opinel Museum in Saint Jean |
| 1890s in a mountain village, Maurienne in France. | | | | de Maurienne. For hobbyists, professionals and |
| Joseph Opinel made this knife, inspired from the | | | | knife collectors, it is a great opportunity to see |
| heritage of his father and grand-father in | | | | exotic collections of the historic knife. The |
| producing edge-tools. Joseph produced his knives | | | | museum also features 100 year old machineries |
| in twelve different sizes, numbered from 1 to 12. | | | | that were originally used to manufacture the |
| Ever since then, all kinds of knife lovers have | | | | Opinel Knife. |
| used Opinel knives because of their basic simplicity | | | | Product Quality |
| and great dependability. Legend has it that Pablo | | | | The traditional Opinel Knife is recognized by its |
| Picasso used the Opinel Knife to carve stones into | | | | beechwood handle. The blade is made of high |
| female profiles and heads of bull. | | | | carbon steel, which gives it a very sharp edge. |
| Manufacturing | | | | But it must be protected from dirt and moisture |
| Opinel S.A. produces over 4 million units every | | | | in order to maintain its edge. In the last few |
| year, nearly half of which are sold all over the | | | | years, variants of the original knife have used |
| world. An estimated 210 million units have been | | | | other unique woods as well, such as oak, olive, |
| sold in the last one century. The company takes | | | | rosewood, walnut, and stained hornbeam. The |
| pride in the fact that every Opinel Knife is 100% | | | | knife is also available in stainless steel blades for |
| made in France. The design, research and | | | | those who want a more practical and |
| development of its knives are done in-house. Even | | | | maintenance-free product. |