Opinel is a French knife brand established in 1890 that manufactures carbon steel and stainless steel folding pocket knives in Savoie, France. The Opinel No. 8 is the brand's most popular folding knife, featuring a 3.28" blade, beechwood handle, and Virobloc locking mechanism. Opinel produces over 4 million knives annually, from the compact No. 2 keychain knife to the No. 13 outdoor folder, with traditional craftsmanship recognized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1985.
Opinel No. 8 Folding Knife with Virobloc Lock
The Opinel No. 8 folding knife measures 7.59" open with a 3.28" blade length and weighs 1.5 ounces, making it the most versatile size for everyday carry, camping, and food preparation. Available in both XC90 carbon steel and 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel, the No. 8 features the patented Virobloc rotating collar that locks the blade open during use and closed for safe pocket carry. The beechwood handle provides secure grip without adding weight, while the yatagan blade profile delivers efficient cutting geometry for slicing tasks. Smaller models include the No. 6 and No. 7 for compact carry, while the No. 9, No. 10, and No. 12 offer longer blades for heavier outdoor work.
XC90 Carbon Steel vs 12C27 Stainless Steel
Opinel carbon steel knives use XC90 high-carbon steel with 0.90% carbon, providing superior edge retention and easy sharpening compared to many stainless options. Carbon blades need maintenance with mineral or olive oil to prevent rust and develop a natural patina over time. Opinel stainless steel knives feature 12C27 Modified Sandvik steel with 14.5% chromium, offering corrosion resistance for wet environments and food prep without the maintenance demands of carbon. Both steels use convex grinds sharpened at 30-40 degree angles, maximizing edge durability while allowing razor-sharp edges with basic sharpening tools.
French-Made Beechwood Handle Pocket Knives
Opinel folding knives feature beechwood handles sourced from sustainably managed forests in the French Alps and Jura Mountains. The varnished beechwood provides moisture protection while maintaining natural grain texture for secure grip during extended use. Each knife consists of five components: blade, wooden handle, fixed metal ferrule, rivet, and rotating Virobloc collar (on No. 6 and larger models). This minimalist construction eliminates springs, liners, and screws found in modern tactical folders, reducing failure points and overall weight. Alternative handle materials include olive wood, walnut, bubinga, and hornbeam on select models and limited editions.
Traditional French Folding Knives Since 1890
Joseph Opinel designed the first Opinel folding knife in 1890 in Albiez-le-Vieux, creating a simple working knife for farmers and tradesmen in the Savoie region. The design has remained largely unchanged, with the Virobloc safety ring added in 1955 by Marcel Opinel and updated in 2000 to lock the blade closed. Opinel knives are marked with the "Crowned Hand" emblem, representing the hand of Saint John the Baptist from the coat of arms of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne with a crown symbolizing the Duchy of Savoy. The brand maintains manufacturing in Chambéry, France with a team of 150 employees producing traditional pocket knives, kitchen knives, and specialty models for gardening and outdoor use.
Buy Opinel Pocket Knives - Available Models and Sizes
Opinel knife sizes range from No. 2 through No. 13 (No. 1 and No. 11 discontinued), with blade lengths from 1.36" to 8.875" corresponding approximately to centimeters. Popular everyday carry sizes include the No. 6 (2.75" blade), No. 7 (3.1" blade), No. 8 (3.28" blade), and No. 9 (3.51" blade). Larger outdoor models include the No. 10 (3.92" blade), No. 12 (4.7" blade), and No. 13 (8.875" blade). Models No. 2 through No. 5 use friction-based opening without the Virobloc lock, while No. 6 and larger feature the rotating collar locking system. Each size is available in carbon or stainless steel with various handle options including standard beech, premium woods, and colorful painted finishes.
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