Opinel is a well-known and established manufacturer of quality wooden-handled knives. The family-owned and run company opened its doors in 1890 and since then the name has been synonymous with design and quality.
Their most popular knife – the Opinel No. 8 – is a classic wooden-handled blade that is both stylish and practical and has been a popular choice since the 1950s. It was one of the first knives I ever owned and I felt that a review of this knife was well overdue.
The most common version of the No. 8 comes with a beechwood handle and a carbon steel blade but this knife is available in a wide range of handle and blade types.
Today I’m reviewing a stainless steel and Bubinga wood version of this classic folding knife.
Apart from the different materials used for the handle and blade, there is no real difference between this knife and the classic beechwood model. I own both knives and I personally like the look of the stainless and Bubinga wood better but it really just comes down to personal likes and preference. Any version of the Opinel No. 8 you purchase will be a great buy!
The first thing that really strikes me when I look at the No. 8 is that it has such a minimalist design. And that’s what really attracts me to this knife’s aesthetics. I love the sleek and plain design and I really think it gives this knife a distinguished air. It’s a gentleman’s knife.
The rounded handle design conceals a 3.25 inch blade that is masterfully finished and this stainless model really stands out from the standard finish of the carbon blade. The only thing you should keep in mind is that these stainless blades really attract fingerprints… so for the ultimate look, make sure you keep your blade polished and clean.
The basic design of this knife means that there is no clip of any description so if you prefer to carry your knife attached, you’re going to need a sheath, which can be purchased separately from Opinel. Opinel carries a wide selection of sheaths that range from the practical to purely for looks. Check out their selection today and you’ll find one to match your style and needs.
The leather sheath I purchased looks great, with clean branding and neat stitching. It’s not designed for quick deployment but then again, neither is the Opinel No. 8.
Whenever I’m asked to recommend a high-quality but affordable knife to someone, this knife is it. I’m not alone in this opinion either and it’s easy to see why. This knife looks great, feels great and most importantly, is super sharp. The 2mm Sandvik 12C27 full flat blade is one of the thinnest available on the market so you can be sure that it’s razor-sharp straight out of the box. Opinel really hit the nail on the head with this one and it’s obvious why this knife has been a favorite among consumers for over 60 years.
Both the carbon steel (XC90) and stainless steel (12C27) models hold their edge incredibly well in my experience. If, however, you live in a humid climate, I’d suggest going for the stainless blade as to avoid potential rust issues.
Although the No. 8 comes incredibly sharp at purchase, as with any knife that comes in at below $15, it’s not a bad idea to give it a quick sharpen before first use, just so you can really see the full potential of this knife. Opinel blades are a breeze to sharpen, so you’ll be done in no time. Check out our knife sharpening guide if you are unsure of the best way to sharpen your blade.
The well-made tip of the blade comes quite acute so I don’t recommend messing with it. My advice is to just leave it be. It works great just the way it is. If you do break it during use, the beauty of these cheap knives is that you can either regrind the blade to form a new tip or just purchase a completely new knife.
The Opinel No. 8 is constructed with a non-adjustable single pivot and is a great example of the benefits of keeping things simple.
The contoured handles are perfectly carved and are a real pleasure to hold. The rounded wood feels great in your hand. It’s simple, sturdy and easy to use.
The balance of the Opinel No. 8 is pretty much spot on. The central balance point is right behind the pivot, making this 1.6 ounce knife feel virtually weightless in the palm of your hand.
A rotating lock sits over the top of the single pivot and is very sturdy. I’ve never had one break on me but it is said that using this knife in an incorrect way may lead to the steel ring popping off and the lock failing. This knife is not designed to be used with excessive twisting or lateral pressure, so take care not to pry and twist when using it. However, that being said, I’ve been pretty tough on all the Opinel No. 8s I’ve owned and I’ve never had a problem.
Opening the blade is achieved through the use of a small nail nick located on the blade of the knife. I have heard some complaints about the blade seizing because of the knife’s lack of washers and wooden construction but again, I’ve never had this problem or any problem in particular with any of the No. 8s I’ve owned.
After opening the blade with the nail nick, simply engage the lock by turning the ring and the blade is fixed in place. It’s a simple concept that has been tried and tested over the years and continues to prove itself time and time again. The simplicity of this knife is its perfection.
The No. 8 has no choil and no hand guard to protect your flesh if you should slip while using it. So make sure to be very careful with what you’re doing and use your common sense to avoid finding out first hand how sharp these knives really are.
The Opinel No. 8 is incredibly comfortable to hold in saber grip as the rounded edges of the handle fill your palm perfectly. It feels just like holding a paintbrush or screwdriver so it’s a comfortable and familiar feeling.
Chocking is also very comfortable with this knife but I tend not to use this grip too much because of the lack of choil making a slight slip very painful. It’s also possible to get the skin of your finger caught in the ring lock. Not the ideal grip for this knife, in my opinion.
As with chocking, it’s possible to use this knife with a reverse grip but I don’t recommend it. Again, because of the lack of choil and hand guard, it’s easy for your grip to slip, and your hand to run along the blade. For that reason, I strongly advise using this knife in a stabbing motion.
Pinch grip, however, is very comfortable and this knife holds great in your hand in this position. It’s one of my favorite knives to use in this style.
Be aware that because of its solid construction, there is no real way to take this knife apart for cleaning and maintenance. So it might not be ideal for messy work such as field dressing or using in muddy conditions as any unwanted material that finds its way inside the pivot may prove difficult to remove.
But for an everyday carry, this knife is perfect. Because of its low price, it makes a great entry level knife as well as being a favorite among collectors because of its classic design and wide array of variations. As well as beechwood and Bubinga, handles are also available in oak and olive wood. They even make an outdoor non-wooden version of the No. 8 now too.
Final Thoughts On The Opinel No. 8
Value for money, you can’t get a better knife than this. For the price, you won’t find a knife that cuts near as well as the Opinel No. 8. And, regardless of price, the No. 8 is a beautifully crafted knife and a must-have for any collector or anyone with an interest in quality knives.
This classic folding knife has been manufactured in the same city for over 60 years and hasn’t found a need or a want to change in design or aesthetics. It’s this history that really makes this knife a stand-out among its contemporaries and an unbelievable bargain for the price.