The Opinel Pocket Knife

The Opinel pocket knife may not be as wellexperimented with different handle materials and
known in the western world as perhaps it shoulddifferent blade steels. Throughout these changes
be, but it is a icon of sorts in Europe andthe iconic look of the Opinel knife has remained as
especially France where these knives have beenfamiliar as always.
made for over 100 years. Simple in design andThe Opinel knife, exported all over the world, is
modestly priced, this is an easy knife to useconsidered a source of national pride in France.
which anyone can afford.Over a 100 year history, the knife has become a
The Opinel story started back in the 1890's in thepart of French culture and has endeared itself in
town of Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne in the SovoieFrench daily life. The Opinel knife is used equally
region of France. The Opinel Knife Company wasby laborers and professionals, men and women,
founded by Joseph Opinel and run as a familyyoung or old, rural or city dweller. It truly is an
business. Even today, the Opinel family continueseveryman's knife in France and can be found in
to run this business according to the sameuse in the markets or in pockets and kitchens all
principles of success that have served them forover the country.
so long. The basic principle of this success is:As for the technical details, the knife is made with
make a good product at an affordable price anda high carbon blade which does require care to
people will come back for more. This guidingprevent tarnishing. If preferred, it may also be
principle has not failed yet in over 100 years.had in stainless steel. All Opinel knives open with a
Opinel knives are made in virtually the same waynail knick as there are no thumb studs or spring
they originally debuted so long ago. Consisting of aassist on these knives. The handles are typically
wooden handle, a blade, a pivot pin and a metalmade of varnished Beech, Olive or Pearwood and
collar, these knives are simple but effective. Thetake on a pleasing patina with age. There are a
blades of the Opinel knife have long been madenumber of different handle and blade
from a high carbon steel which will take anconfigurations from very small pocket knives to
extremely keen edge, although it will requirelarger hunting/skinning type knives to special use
occasional resharpening.knives such as the Hawkbill model. The locking ring
Three changes have been introduced over timeis designed so it may be twisted either to the
and have served to improve an already greatright or left and will lock the knife open or closed
product. Opinel began building an ingenious safetyin either direction. The Opinel knife is very
system into the metal collar of the knives. Thislightweight and thus easy to carry. It is not an
safety system is a locking ring that when twistedexpensive knife and therefore is within reach of
locks the blade open or closed. This feature isalmost any budget. If lost or broken another may
unique to Opinel knives only. Opinel also hasbe purchased without financial strain.