Partner Profile: Opinel Pocket Knives
"Since 1890, we've been making quality tools and knives in Savoie that are simple, effective, durable and affordable."
- Opinel, "Who we are"
Founded in Savoir, in the heart of the Alps, Opinel draws its inspiration directly from the majestic territory it all started in. Filled with mountains, forests, lakes, streams, and traditions, Savoir and this french folding knife are steeped in that old world romantic mystery...
Since the creation of the Opinel Pocket Knife in 1890, these simple but hardy knives have been passed down from generation to generation, and has become an integral part of Savoyard and French cultural heritage.
Mentioned so many times in literary and musical works, the name Opinel had to be added to the Larousse dictionary in 1989!
Like all legends, it has its rituals, and connoisseurs are accustomed to releasing the blade by tapping the back of the handle on the table, a legendary gesture known as the ‘Savoyard blow’.
The Opinel Pocket Knife has become a world-renowned design benchmark. Celebrated as a classic among classics, it was selected by the V&A Museum as one of the 100 most beautiful objects in the wold, and entered the collection at the MoMa in New York.
All this to say that the Opinel pocket knives are an icon for a reason and their design, price point, and variations have always spoken to us at Kent of Inglewood, which is why we continue to carry such a vast amount of them.
Personally, one of my very first knives growing up was an Opinel No. 8 and I remember the simplicity of it spoke to me in a way that I hadn't felt yet for pocket knives. I knew this was a tool, and it was special. The wood grain handle, the collar lock and the thin blade with their very cool logo featuring a hand below a crown. I was hooked and have been ever since.
Now I get to enjoy so many different Opinels for many occasions, but in an attempt not to ramble and help you find your own special Opinel, I'll list some of favourites here!
The Mushroom Hunter's Knife by Opinel is one of my absolute favourites for so many reasons. That curved blade makes it incredibly easy to guide around the back of mushroom to free it from the forest floor, and speaking of forest floor, the brush on the end allows you to clean it off on the spot if you just can't wait till you get home to sample your bounty.
A unique knife with a specific use, but if it inspires you to get out and go do some foraging, it's well worth it as a present to yourself or a loved one. (You can turn an apple pretty easy with it too, just saying!)
No, I didn't plan that apple reference just for this next one, BUT the No. 6 Opinel is one of my favourite "picnic knives" as I call them. Something smaller to keep on you to cut some snacks up with while chilling in a park or to open up your new shaving gear package from us!
It's a sharp, classic knife, and for the price its unbeatable in my opinion.
The No. 8 Opinel is often sited as their classic size. This is the one most people vibe with as it fits the hand perfectly and has a long enough blade to tackle most any task. From whittling while camping, to cutting a steak dinner, this knife is in the pocket and bag of many many folks. The swirly grain of their olive variant is my favourite choice for the No. 8.
Click the photo below to check out our entire Opinel Collection, or click HERE to view the rest of our pocket knife brands.
