When it comes to knives, there are what seems like an infinite amount of options and variables. Size, blade type and shape, the metal used, and on and on. It can be daunting for someone with a new interest to navigate.
Searching Amazon or BladeHQ or social media you’re bound to see tons of suggestions on where to start. At some point, someone is going to mention Opinel. And the number 8 seems to be the most common. I got the no 8 carbon version. Thinking that the carbon blade would help with the sharpness edge retention and all that good stuff.
Right out of the clamshell packaging this thing was crazy sharp. And still is after light use. I use it on boxes and some of my leatherworking. Fruits and some foods, after a good washing of course.
The wood handle is solid and very handsome. Small but comfortable in the hand. I love the look of this knife. So much so that I want to keep it nice and don’t use it for much. It’s become sort of my special occasion knife. Which is crazy, because it’s more than capable of handling almost anything you throw at it. Then there’s the price. This thing can be had for less than $25.
Solid wood handle, various color and wood options to choose from. Carbon blade that keeps a seriously great edge and sharpens well. A small size that fits a pocket well. What’s not to love!?
Well, I’m glad you asked. Or I asked for you.
It doesn’t come with a pocket clip. I love a pocket clip for ease of access so I don’t have to dig around my pocket for it. I have seen somewhere that you can get a pocket clip to add to it. But I feel that it would detract from the look of the knife too much.
Which is why I made a leather holster for it. You can buy holsters from Opinel. But since I do leatherwork it made sense to make my own. And I love the combo together, but I am a bit biased on this one.
The other issue I take is it’s not an easy open. It’s a folding knife but it doesn’t flick open easily as many others can. It’s the classic pulling the blade out with a thumbnail. I have found that you can gently rap the end on a hard-ish surface to help pop the blade out and make it easier to grab. I found it’s called the “Coup de Savoyard” and that makes ya feel just a Lil more classy when opening your pocket knife to slice up something. Even more so if it’s an apple and some cheese. Use this at your next party and you may end up sounding like a sophisticated knife connoisseur, instead of a crazy person with a knife.
With some great features and a few less than stellar things. Is this the best option for those new to knives and EDC gear?
At $18 on amazon (at the time of writing this) for a carbon blade and solid beechwood handle. It seems like a no-brainer. For me, you can’t go wrong. The negatives I do have with this knife are not deal breakers and are easily overcome if not completely overlooked. Certainly, they are outweighed by the benefits, even if you take the extremely affordable price out of the equation.
This may not be the best in your opinion but it sure is a great place to start.
I keep going back to the price.
For $18 it’s a solid knife. Even at a higher price point, it’s still a great knife. The value is incredible. This Opinel makes a great first knife. It’s great to get your feet wet and learn what you do and do not want in a knife. Even after you’re a few knives into your collection or as you refine your EDC you will still find yourself loving this knife.
Final thoughts
It may not be the best EDC knife.
It may not be the cheapest.
But when you balance features to price.
Get this knife. It’s a slim pocket carry, and knife you can rely on for regular use in most situations people will encounter regularly.
Reliable. Affordable. What more do you need for your first knife?
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