A generously sized yet remarkably lightweight folding knife, featuring a 12 cm lockable blade. An iconic model from the renowned French brand with more than a century of heritage.
The blade features a clip point profile, crafted from high-carbon XC90 steel, and refined to a semi-matte polish. With a flat-full grind nearing zero-grind and minimal blade thickness, the knife delivers outstanding cutting efficiency.
The blade can be deployed using the nail nick, much like in Victorinox pocket knives. The blade is secured when open by the Viroblock lock, a mechanism patented in 1955. This steel ring, positioned around the handle at the pivot, is rotated after opening to block the slot for the blade in the handle, ensuring the blade stays firmly locked. The same mechanism effectively prevents unintentional blade deployment when folded. A brilliantly straightforward yet reliable solution.
Constructed from beech wood, the handle is ergonomically contoured to offer a secure and natural grip. Another notable benefit of the handle is its adaptability for customization. The simplest modification is drilling a lanyard hole at the end, but it can also be textured, carved, or stained according to personal taste.
Perfect for camping trips or woodland adventures, especially suited for enthusiasts of tradition and natural materials.
Technical data: Blade length: 120 mm Blade thickness: 2.2 mm Steel: carbon XC90 Handle: Beech wood Lock: Viroblock Overall length: 280 mm Weight: 110 g Manufacturer: Opinel, France
Opinel is a French knife brand whose history dates back to 1890 in Savoy. The founder, Joseph Opinel, created the first folding knife, No. 08, which quickly became a symbol of everyday use thanks to its simplicity and functionality. In 1955, the Virobloc locking system was introduced, later modernized, which is still the hallmark of the brand today. In 1985, Opinel was recognized by the Victoria and Albert Museum as one of the 100 best-designed objects in the world, and the brand's knives also found their way into the MoMA collection in New York. Production takes place in Chambery, with an emphasis on quality and ecology - the wood comes from French forests and the waste is used to heat the factory. Among the famous users was Pablo Picasso, who used Opinel for carving, and the knives themselves have become a symbol of simplicity, durability, and the French lifestyle.
King among kings, among large folders. Beats competitors like the CS Ti-lite 6 hands down. The handle ergonomics are amazing. Excellent for camping!
S...
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Very nice little knife, extremely sharp so there's no problem cutting anything. Just need to take care of the blade as it tends to rust, but otherwise, it's elegant. Works well in all conditions.
M...
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This is already my next Opinel. I use it as a kitchen knife, to cut meat, fillet fish (slim version), and even for repairs. Cheap and really good knife. With the carbon version, as long as it stays dry it won’t rust, and the patina doesn’t bother me at all. The cutting aggressiveness of the Opinel carbon is truly amazing.
M...
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It was supposed to be for longer trips in the field, but it ended up in the kitchen permanently. I cut everything with it and with minimal knife care I haven't noticed any rust, just a nice-looking patina.
A...
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I thought about getting the Opinel 12 for a long time because of its high price for an Opinel. I bought it on sale and recommend it because it's more of a scalpel than a knife. Factory sharpness is not perfect, you'll need to sharpen it up. Bought with kitchen and outdoor use in mind.
M...
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A great knife for the kitchen as well as for the outdoors. I use it practically every day. Carbon steel requires care, but it rewards you with long-lasting sharpness and more aggressive cutting compared to stainless steel.
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Very good large knife for preparing meals. Perfect for slicing and cutting meat as well as vegetables. Nice wooden handle and well-functioning lock. Recommended.
D...
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Great knife by a legendary, timeless company. Carbon steel cuts excellently. Even though it’s one of the larger knives, it’s very lightweight and pleasant to use. Remember that carbon steel needs a bit more care as it tends to rust. Recommended.
P...
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A hefty knife, but that's what I wanted—best for preparing food in the field. The steel rusts, so you need to be careful, but overall, it's a really nice knife, like all Opinels.
M...
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Great knife for the kitchen and for outings into the wild. We've grown so close, I practically use it every day. You need to take care of the carbon steel, but in return, it holds its sharpness for a long time.
M...
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In my opinion, the best knife for vacation food prep. It's large when opened and relatively small when folded. I prefer carbon steel because it holds its edge much longer, and with a bit of care, rust isn't a problem. If you're bothered by the specific smell, you can always choose Inox.
K...
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Classic. Beauty itself. Nice chunk of a blade but it's worth working on it.
K...
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Classic. Beauty itself. Nice chunk of a blade but it's worth working on it.
M...
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A substantial piece of knife, you can get a lot done with it.
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Big blade for the pocket, a bit too large, but in a travel bag it’s fine.
