Knife "Opinel" has long been popular with hunters and fishermen. Men are happy to buy the products of this French company, carry them with them, take them on 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 designs with the best characteristics, Opinel knives have the best reviews so far, there are no people indifferent to them who are versed in similar products. There is something in this classic, already somewhat archaic item, that does not allow him to leave the stage, even against the background of new and untwisted competitors.
Historical reference
The Opinel folding masterpiece was born in the Savoy region in 1890. Joseph Opinel, at the age of 18, began producing knives for his neighbors and friends. His father, the owner of a small workshop, reacted to his son’s venture without enthusiasm, but allocated him a place and tools. The main idea was to create a knife that is easy to hide in your pocket and comfortably hold in your hand. To everyone’s surprise, the enterprise rose beautifully. In 1896, 3 people were already working on it. And in 1901, 15 craftsmen worked on orders at the new factory. Since 1909, Joseph puts his own brand on his products, according to the law of Charles IX.
For many 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 Cole, Jean-Louis Etienne and others. He achieved the status of a cult object, a symbol of French culture, is mentioned in countless books, songs. For good design, the Opinel knife entered the TOP-100 of the most beautiful objects in the world in the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1985 , and in 2006 it entered the Phaidon Design Classic directory as one of the 999 most significant projects of all time.
Opinel Product Features
At the beginning of production, the company produced 12 models, various in size. In 1932, product No. 1 with a small 2 cm blade was removed from production; in 1935, the same fate befell No. 12. Their manufacture was deemed inappropriate. Today, Opinel folding knives have a line of 10 items with a blade from 3.5 cm to 12 cm. There is also sample 13 with a 22-cm blade, but you won’t hide it in your pocket.
A new locking device has been installed on knives since 1955. This is a rotating ring with a slot, as a result of the rotation of which the spontaneous folding of the knife during operation or folding it in a pocket is prevented. The original design was patented, received the name "Viroblock". Install it on the model, starting with No. 6. The letters VR were added to the number of such a product, for example, No. 7VRN (if the blade is carbon steel) or No. 8VRI (stainless steel).
The arms are traditionally made of wood, most often beech. Together with ordinary products, the company additionally produces "thematic" and filet knives.
The thematic line consists of fishing, hunting and sports models, whose handles are decorated with all kinds 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 Savoy shepherds carved on their knives. Carving on the handle is a complex and amazing picture that turns a classic work item into a work of art.
Fillet models are characterized by a narrower blade from 8 to 15 cm made of polished stainless steel and a slightly altered shape of the handle made of horn or exotic varieties of wood.
Customer reviews and recommendations
Everyone who has and uses the Opinel knife is very pleased with its qualities. The most convenient to carry in your pocket is recognized as No. 7.
Products No. 8 and No. 9 are recommended for use in the city and in the country, nature. Model number 10 is already a bit big. It is good as a cutter, suitable for more difficult tasks. Well, number 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 be perfectly cut. Stainless steel is mild, easy to grind, but also dulls quickly. The only drawback of the carbon blade is corrosion. But it does not rust, but simply darkens. It should be noted that the Opinel knife is not intended for use as a weapon.