Review
OPINEL
No.7 VRN
Description: Folding lock knife with wooden handle
Ever since I can remember, my father has always carried an Opinel knife with him, largely for whittling or a thousand minor cutting tasks. My first Opinel knife was presented to me as a Christmas present about four years ago: a No.6, the slightly smaller version, but no less robust.
It lasted until about five months ago, when the blade broke (I was stupidly using the thing as a screwdriver). I bought myself a No.7 as a replacement. They only cost about £6, but boy are they good. The handle is made from a single piece of carved wood, comfortable to hold, with the 3" blade recessed in a groove down one side. The locking mechanism is simple--a rotating section of stamped steel--and the blade is without a spring. Importantly, the knife is sharp right out of the box.
Opinels come in a range starting at No.1 (keyring size) to No.13 (nine-inch blade). The No.7 is a good middle ground: not too small for heavy cutting tasks, but not too large and heavy either.
In use, the knife is comfortable to hold, thanks to the gracefully curved handgrip, and has a pleasing balance in the palm. The sharp curve at the tip of the blade is ideal for carving small, delicate objects. The flat section of the blade is easy to keep sharp, thanks to a high carbon content in the steel and an ideal pitch to the edge. Through normal use, the blade evetually aquires a blackened, weathered appearance that looks quite attractive (this is a coating of trace compounds, largely oxides and carbonates, produced from contact with green wood).
It is worth remembering that the blade is not made from stainless steel, so it will rust if not properly cared for.
Things I love about this product
The quality; the rugged look the knife aquires over time; the way you can lock the blade shut as well as open.
Suggested improvements
The ordinary carbon-steel version of the Opinel is fine for many tasks, but I would like to see a seperate stainless steel version.
Verdict
A high quality camping, fishing or hunting knife at an attractive price. The traditional look and feel is a refreshing change from the increasingly technical world of outdoor gear.
Contact
Opinel No.7 VRN
OPINEL
No.7 VRN
Description: Folding lock knife with wooden handle
Ever since I can remember, my father has always carried an Opinel knife with him, largely for whittling or a thousand minor cutting tasks. My first Opinel knife was presented to me as a Christmas present about four years ago: a No.6, the slightly smaller version, but no less robust.
It lasted until about five months ago, when the blade broke (I was stupidly using the thing as a screwdriver). I bought myself a No.7 as a replacement. They only cost about £6, but boy are they good. The handle is made from a single piece of carved wood, comfortable to hold, with the 3" blade recessed in a groove down one side. The locking mechanism is simple--a rotating section of stamped steel--and the blade is without a spring. Importantly, the knife is sharp right out of the box.
Opinels come in a range starting at No.1 (keyring size) to No.13 (nine-inch blade). The No.7 is a good middle ground: not too small for heavy cutting tasks, but not too large and heavy either.
In use, the knife is comfortable to hold, thanks to the gracefully curved handgrip, and has a pleasing balance in the palm. The sharp curve at the tip of the blade is ideal for carving small, delicate objects. The flat section of the blade is easy to keep sharp, thanks to a high carbon content in the steel and an ideal pitch to the edge. Through normal use, the blade evetually aquires a blackened, weathered appearance that looks quite attractive (this is a coating of trace compounds, largely oxides and carbonates, produced from contact with green wood).
It is worth remembering that the blade is not made from stainless steel, so it will rust if not properly cared for.
Things I love about this product
The quality; the rugged look the knife aquires over time; the way you can lock the blade shut as well as open.
Suggested improvements
The ordinary carbon-steel version of the Opinel is fine for many tasks, but I would like to see a seperate stainless steel version.
Verdict
A high quality camping, fishing or hunting knife at an attractive price. The traditional look and feel is a refreshing change from the increasingly technical world of outdoor gear.
Contact
Opinel No.7 VRN
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