Opinel is a legendary French knife manufacturer with over 130 years of history. The company was founded in 1890 in Savoy, France. Its creator, Joseph Opinel, designed a simple and reliable folding knife that has remained almost unchanged to this day. A key milestone in the evolution of the Opinel knife was the invention of the Virobloc safety system in 1955 by the founder’s son, Marcel Opinel. This rotating metal collar locks the blade in both the open and closed positions.
The main advantage of Opinel knives is their combination of simplicity and functionality. Most of the range still consists of pocket knives. An Opinel folding knife consists of just five components: the blade, handle, pivot, rivet, and Virobloc locking ring. The brand uses two basic types of steel: stainless and high-carbon steel. All knives feature the classic beechwood handle, though some models use other types of wood or modern materials. Opinel folding knives are numbered: models No. 2–No. 5 are tiny knives for carrying on keys or as a keychain. Models No. 6, No. 7, and No. 8 are classics for everyday carry (EDC), with No. 8 being the most popular and recognizable Opinel knife.
In addition to folding knives, Opinel produces kitchen knives and outdoor folding knives equipped with whistles and bright handles. Opinel children's knives are also very popular. The “Le Petit Chef” line includes a child’s kitchen knife with a special handle ring, a vegetable peeler, and protective finger guards in various colors. There are also folding knives for children with rounded tips and bright handles: “My First Opinel” and “Outdoor Junior.”
The secret of the brand’s longevity lies in its adherence to tradition: the company is still run by the Opinel family.
