Opinel Classic Original No. 6 - Carbon Steel Folding Knife 18

Opinel pocket knives are globally popular. If what you want is a lightweight dependable single blade pocket tool, these work very well. Yes, the handle may absorb moisture and swell up, but keep using it and with time the action will smooth out. Stropping is an easy and effective way to keep it sharp. Cardboard works well, especially when loaded with buffing compound. Paper, especially rough paper, can be used for a strop, too. Honing is also effective, using almost anything to hand. Another Opinel’s blade, the back or side of a kitchen knife, the stainless handle of an ordinary fork or spoon, as long as the surface is smooth and free of nicks and burrs, and even the top or bottom of an aluminium drink can, or the matte edge of a glass shelf or top of a vehicle window; any of these surfaces, and likely many more, can serve as an effective hone. If your posh pocket knife is too nice to use for some jobs, an Opinel is a fine choice. Slipping the locking ring off with external circlip pliers makes the No 6 UK friendly. Don’t just lock it shut and force the blade open with ordinary pliers. The more recently made locking rings have a detent that rides in a groove in the mating inner ring. Forcing the locked blade open used to work well to remove the locking ring but the newer design is resistant to this method to make the knife lockless. The nail, or pivot, will likely deform the surrounding wood, resulting in a blade action that is loose, for at least some of its rotation. So circlip pliers are the best option to remove the locking ring. Discovered this the hard way. Larger sizes can also be made UK friendly, but of course the blade will have to be shortened to no more than three inches, from handle to tip in the open position. The locking ring can always be pressed back on, if desired. Opinels are inexpensive, widely available, very capable, sturdy within sensible limits, and will last for decades with modest care. Very, very heartily recommended. As is HH!

I knew that Opinel knives have this problem but hoped that it wouldn't happen with mine Opinel No 08. Unfortunately it stucked in a locked position after the first use (apple was cut, then the knife was washed with clean water and dried with a napkin). I have oiled it and used the "tap" tip from the Opinel's website to open the knife but it's still very hard to open and close. It means that this knife is not good for wilderness, only indoors using. I would't want the situration like that when I am outside.

I know many sing the praises of the Opinel, but they're poorly designed: the nail nick is too close to the handle and the blade becomes incredibly hard to open as the wooden handle constantly swells. They're poorly designed and poorly finished. The knife I received was no different. I removed the locking collar and tried to remove the pin in order to release the blade so that I may sand and seal the wooden handle, but the pin is wedged in a way that it can not be easily popped out. I'm going to try filing the edges of the pin in order to pop it out, but had the knife not been so poorly designed and finished, I would not have to do this. No one should have to modify a brand new knife in this way. Service from Heinnie, like always, was impeccable.

I got the usual 5* service from this website. Never had a bad experience. The knife itself arrived completely blunt for the top third of the blade. Fortunately they’re pretty easy to sharpen and it’s now up to scratch.

A design masterpiece - fabulous working knife in kitchen or outside.

Lovely knife and a very nice edge too!

always liked these knifes good for light jobs and if you take the lock off you can carry it in the street planning on getting another

This is a knife I have wanted for very many years, this knife has been around since 1890, I have no hesitation in saying that this the best knife in the world. I love it, it is a thing of absolute beauty and made with such skilled craftsmanship. My only criticism is that I had to sharpen it when I first received it, but my goodness I had forgotten just how much of a joy it is to use a razor sharp blade. I only use it for general food preparation but I know it is capable of far more than that. No one but me can get their hands on it. I just can't praise it enough, it retains its razor sharp edge with no problem. I cannot fault this knife except that I am reluctant to share the secret of it with anyone else.

You can't beat an opinel, a real workhorse in the garden, workshop and kitchen. The carbon steel blade means it can be sharpened for years. Happy memories of slicing sauccison in the French sunshine