Knife "Opinel" for lovers of tradition

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Knife "Opinel" has long been popular with hunters and fishermen. Men are happy to buy 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 at present there is a large number of modern samples with the best characteristics, Opinel knives still have the best reviews, there are no people who are indifferent to them among those who understand such products. There is something in this classic, already somewhat archaic item that does not allow it to leave the stage even against the backdrop of new and hyped competitors.

Historical background

Folding masterpiece Opinel was born in the Savoy region in 1890. Joseph Opinel at the age of 18 started making knives for his neighbors and friends. His father, the owner of a small workshop, was not enthusiastic about his son's undertaking, but gave him both a place and tools. The main idea was to create a knife that is easy to hide in your pocket and comfortable to hold in your hand. To the universalSurprisingly, the company has risen beautifully. In 1896, 3 people already worked on it. And in 1901, 15 craftsmen were working on orders at the new factory. Since 1909, Joseph puts his own brand on his products, according to the law of Charles IX.

Over the years, the company's product has become a universal object, judging by its widest application in the world. The Opinel knife is still considered one of the best. With the same attention to reliability and simplicity, J. Opinel has developed new product ranges 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 reached the status of a cult object, a symbol of French culture, and is mentioned in countless books and songs. For its good design, the Opinel knife was included in the TOP 100 most beautiful objects in the world in the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1985, and in the Phaidon Design Classics guide in 2006 as one of the 999 most significant projects of all time.

Features of Opinel products

At the beginning of production, the company produced 12 models of different sizes. In 1932, item No. 1 with a small blade of 2 cm was removed from production, in 1935 the same fate befell No. 12. Their manufacture was recognized as inexpedient. Today, Opinel folding knives have a line of 10 items with a blade from 3.5 cm to 12 cm. There is also sample No. 13 with a 22 cm blade, but you can’t hide it in your pocket.

The new locking device has been fitted to knives since 1955. This is a rotating ring with a slot, as a result of whichSpontaneous folding of the knife during operation or unfolding it in your pocket is prevented. The original design was patented, called "viroblock". It is installed on models 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 (made of stainless steel).

Handles are traditionally made of wood, most commonly beech. Along with conventional products, the company additionally produces "thematic" and fillet knives.

Thematic line consists of fishing and hunting and sports models, whose handles are decorated with all sorts 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 carving on the handle is an intricate and amazing picture that transforms a classic work item into a work of art.

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

Reviews and recommendations for buyers

Everyone who has and uses the Opinel knife is very pleased with its 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 number 10 is already somewhat 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 dulls quickly. The only downside to a carbon blade is corrosion. But it does not rust, but just darkens. It should be specifically noted that the Opinel knife is not intended to be used as a weapon.