Opinel pocket knife The essential pocket knife with French craftsmanship

Among the different variations of the brand, the Opinel carbon steel knives numbered N°06, N°07, N°08, and N°09 stand out for their exceptional sharpness and robustness. With their ergonomic wooden handle and patented safety ring, these knives are ideal companions for daily use, whether it’s for DIY, cooking, hiking, or other outdoor activities.

Opinel in Carbon Steel – An Exceptional Cut

A High-Performance XC90 Carbon Steel

Opinel carbon steel knives are appreciated for their excellent cutting ability and ease of sharpening. The steel used, type XC90, gives the blade high hardness, ensuring perfect edge retention and great wear resistance. Unlike stainless steels, this steel requires more rigorous maintenance to avoid oxidation: it is therefore recommended to dry the blade immediately after each use and apply a thin layer of oil to protect it.

A Comfortable and Resistant Beech Wood Handle

The aesthetics and ergonomics of Opinel knives are ensured by their beech wood handle, sourced from sustainably managed French forests. This hard and resistant wood is characterized by its light hue, ranging from yellow to pinkish, as well as its small natural dark veins. To improve its durability, each handle is varnished, thus protecting it from stains and moisture.

A Unique Safety System: The Virobloc Ring

Invented in 1955, the Virobloc safety ring equips all Opinel knives from N°06. This stainless steel mechanism consists of two parts, one fixed and one sliding, allowing to lock the blade in an open or closed position. This system ensures optimal safety during use and transport of the knife.

The Different Sizes: Find Your Ideal Opinel

The Opinel carbon steel knives are available in several sizes, each corresponding to a specific use. Here is a comparison of the models N°06, N°07, N°08, and N°09, to help you choose the one that best suits you.

Opinel N°06 – Compact and Discreet

• Blade Length: 7 cm
• Handle Length: 9.5 cm
• Weight: 26 g
• Ideal for: small hands, light daily tasks, discreet transport

The N°06 is the smallest model equipped with the Virobloc safety ring. It is perfect for daily use and easily fits in a pocket or bag.

Opinel N°07 – The Perfect Balance

• Blade Length: 8 cm
• Handle Length: 10 cm
• Weight: 34 g
• Ideal for: precision work, versatility, an intermediate knife

With a slightly longer blade than the N°06, the N°07 offers a good balance between compactness and performance. It is suitable for both small and large hands.

Opinel N°08 – The Iconic Knife

• Blade Length: 8.5 cm
• Handle Length: 11 cm
• Weight: 45 g
• Ideal for: versatile use, DIY, cooking, outdoor activities

The N°08 is the iconic model of Opinel. Its versatility makes it a preferred companion for all uses: cooking, hiking, DIY... Its size allows for an excellent grip while remaining portable.

Opinel N°09 – Power and Large Grip

• Blade Length: 9 cm
• Handle Length: 12 cm
• Weight: 57 g
• Ideal for: large hands, cuts requiring a longer blade, intensive use

The N°09 is designed for users seeking a larger cutting surface. Its longer and robust blade is ideal for more demanding tasks.

Why Choose an Opinel in Carbon Steel?

Opinel is an iconic brand, and its carbon steel knives offer several advantages that appeal to enthusiasts of cutlery and authentic tools:

✅ Formidable sharpness: The XC90 carbon steel ensures a clean and precise cut.
✅ Easy sharpening: Quickly resharpened for a consistently flawless edge.
✅ Simplicity and robustness: A minimalist yet ultra-effective design appreciated by generations of users.
✅ Natural and durable materials: A warm and ergonomic beech wood handle.
✅ French manufacturing: Expertise passed down for over 130 years.

Maintenance and usage tips

To keep your Opinel knife in perfect condition:

1. Clean and dry the blade after each use to prevent corrosion.
2. Apply a thin layer of food-grade oil to the blade for protection.
3. Sharpen regularly using a sharpening stone or suitable honing steel.
4. Avoid prolonged contact with water to prevent damage to the wooden handle.
5. Lock the blade with the Virobloc ring for safe transport.

Conclusion: A daily essential

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a handyman, a cook, or a collector, an Opinel carbon steel knife will meet your expectations. With its different sizes, exceptional sharpness, and timeless design, it remains an indispensable tool and a true symbol of French craftsmanship.

Choose a reliable, durable, and authentic knife, and bring Opinel excellence into your daily life!