The Opinel No.6; a classic French pocket knife. (And why you need one)
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2024
- Salutations, Ladies and Gentlemen! Today, I'll be discussing an iconic French classic; the Opinel No.6
Opinel has been making knives since the late 1800s in Savoie France. Their production methods have changed greatly since the beginnings of the company, however the design of Opinel knives remains virtually the same.
The steel primarily used is XC90 carbon steel, although 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel is frequently offered as well. These steels are easier to sharpen than many modern 'Super-Steels', due to being somewhat softer. I have noticed that the carbon blades are considerably sharper (and easier to render sharp) than the stainless steel models. Regardless, both steels are excellent, and are more than acceptable on knives in this price-range.
The handles on Opinel knives vary, greatly. The most iconic material is Beech wood, a common timber that grows near the Opinel factory. Even so, many other options are available as well. The models I featured in this video include Beech, Olive, Walnut, Oak and Padauk. The handles are very simple, being just a single piece of wood. The entire knife is comprised of five parts; the handle, the blade, a pin, and the two segments of the Virobloc locking ring. Overall, this makes the Opinel a simple, lightweight and undeniably classic knife.
In conclusion, these are outstanding knives for the price. The fit n' finish is amazing and the materials are of great quality. Opinel knives are easy to sharpen and maintain, (a little mineral oil goes a long way for both blade and handle!) not to mention their history and tradition. Opinel makes for a great old-school carry that's unlikely to offend or scare anyone, all while being a useful, simple and beautiful tool!
#gentleman
#opinel
#knives
#edc
#pocketknife
I love the way they grow incrementally! Apx. One quarter inch at a time! Just a bit thicker in 7,8,9! Wider blades in 7,8,9! I agree that the steel is great. The carbon is my fav! I broke my first 6 on an appliance box falling to bend thin tiny blade. My bad! Mora 511 or mora companion for construction! Food and plastic are more in line with 0pinel! Cuts cord very easy. Small tubing cuts straight and very east too! 6 for cargo pants change pocket. I put fine leather three finger lanyard loop on mine for little, ring and middle finger to keep pointer finger off blade, but free to pinch n grab work with thumb!
Thanks for watching! And I appreciate the longer comment!
Cheers!
Opinel is a great knife. I have several and have used them for over 40 years without breaking the blade. You used friendly as a description and I agree. Rotate the lock and use it like a fixed blade with no worries. They have a large number of Trade specific designs, such as pruning, and nice functional fillet knife that also folds. That one is great for backpacking trips. Mine are all Carbon steel. They take a great patina with time. I use a diamond rod to sharpen.
Excellent evaluation!
They really are a broad range, and I'm annoyed with myself for forgetting about the Slimline, Garden, Pruner, etc. I should discuss a few more of these...
Cheers!
It would make a good follow up. One thing that is nice is how Opinel have maintained a high quality level even with diversity and expansion.@@TheKnifeRaven
@@zworm2 That's the plan! I've got a nice selection of No.8s to go through.
Cheers!
@@TheKnifeRaven I will watch for them.
Nice video man! I bought my first Opinel last week, a No 08 to accommodate me on my first camping trip! :D And now I think I want a 06 as a EDC. Would love to try the carbone steel one but I agree they should offer it with other wood handles. Here in the Netherlands, you can get the Opinel No 06 pretty cheap via the web though. €10,80 for Inox and Carbone with beach wood. Oak, Walnut and Olive are €16,50 and Padouk with polished blade is €21,90.
I'm glad you're enjoying your Opinel!
The No.6 is a perfect EDC. I'd suggest Beechwood/Carbon as a first choice, but the Padouk model makes for a lovely gentleman's knife. All in all, they're great knives!
Thank you for watching and commenting!
Cheers from Canada!
Brilliant video, mate! You know I love Opinels. I owe a lot of my knife love to the Opinel.
This was a thorough look into them. That padouk one by they way 😍. I know you have shown that before but get's me every time. I'll have to put it on the list 😂.
Speak to you soon 👋
Hey there, SCK! Glad you enjoyed the video.
The Padouk model is currently sitting at €21.90 on their site. Just in case you were wanting to get one, soon! 😁
Hope you're well!
Cheers, as always!
I don't stray far from home without my Douk Douk or my Opinel No. 6. My No. 6 Carbone is over 10 years old and the patina shows its age! Thanks for the content.
Both are outstanding choices, my friend!
Cheers!
The only Opinel I have is a No. 6 in Carbone; I like it. Thanks for sharing about yours, excellent video. 👍Take care and Cheers!
Thanks for stopping in, my friend. The No.6 in Carbone started it all for me. Perhaps it'll be the same for you!
Cheers, as always!
Thanks for showing us these, they truly are a fantastic bang for your buck,,
I once tried to modify a number 6, to be UK legal, (with epoxy holding the ring in place.) and it was the most dangerous knife I ever used,, 🤯,, a great way to lose a finger,, ha ha,,
I used to have the filleting knife in Bubinga, with the polished blade,, it was beautiful, but I didn't really have a use for it,, 🤔,,
My favourite no.6, is the stainless Olive version,,
Great video btw,,
Cheers,, John 🗡️👍
Many people like to modify Opinels...but I've never been brave enough.
The Bubinga fillet is actually a knife I own. I just haven't had a chance to re-review it!
The No.6 in Olive is one of my favourites, too. I'd say it gets more carry time than Oak or Walnut.
Cheers, as always!
I own a buffalo horn handle nr8, one of my most favorite knives.
I almost got one of those! It's a gorgeous piece. You're lucky.
Cheers!
Great video, buddy! Cheers!
Thanks!
Cheers, as always!
Love Opinel.
They deserve the love and support, by all means!
Cheers!
I am a fellow Opinel lover however I only have one in No 6 size I find it a tad small, my preferred size is No 7 but most of my collection is No 8, besides the original pattern I have a garden knife which is great to use and I have the slimline Bubinga, in the more exotic range I have the limited edition Plane which was not much money and really nice grain it has the polished blade, I also have the limited edition in Beli which was quite expensive and rather disappointing grain pattern and colour, certainly nowhere near as good as looked in photo on Heinnie Haynes site. My other Opinel is the outdoor junior which because of the handle material is great in the kitchen not worried about getting it wet can be washed up with other cutlery, I use my other Opinels for peeling apples and cutting them up but have to be careful cleaning them after, in my experience the stainless is best for apple peeling and cutting up as when I tried one of my carbon knives I found it left a taste, I have not found the carbon to be any sharper than stainless myself in fact the sharpest knife I had out of the box was a Oak handled No 8, nearly sent it back because there were loads of little dinks all over the handle however as it was going to be a user I didn't bother and first time I used it I was amazed at the sharpness. Sorry for the ramble but as a fellow Opinel lover I am sure you forgive me.😁
You have an impressive collection, by the sounds of it!
A couple of the models you mentioned, I also have. (Bubinga Slimline, Plane No.8) Again, I'll likely do a few more videos on Opinel, as I have quite a few to catch up on.
I noticed you said carbon steel left 'a taste'...I can certainly back that claim. If I had to describe it, I'd have to go with "metalic blood". Most of the time, it's not too bad, but with fruit, the taste is quite noticeable.
Also, don't feel bad about rambling. You just sat through *my* rambles!
Cheers, as always!
Opinel, Camembert Cheese and Pain Au Chocolat - the French are not stupid! 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷👍
Opinel and Tomme au Marc de Savoie, a perfect pairing!
Cheers, as always!
And the women...
I only have one, it’s a 8 with walnut
I have that model, too! It's a great carry.
Cheers!
By the way concerning the Padouk I have seen a woodworker state that over time it loses its colour and fades to grey don't know if true time will tell.
I actually heard that, too. On one hand, that's a little sad, but on the other, it shows age and character.
Cheers, as always!
these are great knifes but, not for carry IMO. i love them in my tackle box or camp site.
They're a little bulky in terms of dimension, but extremely lightweight. I can certainly see how they'd make a great camp knife, but I enjoy them for daily carry!
Cheers!
A locking knife is illegal in use UK
Stop belabouring the point and smacking your lips before you talk.
The latter I've made a habit, albeit not one I'm proud of. The former is just my style of video. I have a lot of things I desire to say, and will often do so for extended periods of time. If you don't like the rambling, you can find another channel. 🤷♂️
Cheers!
You look like a MC jerkenstien