OPINEL. Which "larger" one should I consider for next purchase ?

H

HARDBALL

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
923
Hi all,

I own two or three Opinel No. 8's which is really the "Goldielocks" of the Opinel line being an excellent "all around" size "Pocket" folding Knife imho.
That being said (just because) I'm thinking about purchasing a "LARGER" (than No. 8) Opinel. So, pray tell, which is your favorite "LARGER" Opinel Knife
that you actually use/proves to be useful ? Of course I realize the "LARGER" Opinel Knives are not a true "Pocket" Knife per se (more of a Pack/Kit Bag I would think).
Photographs of your big Opinel's (especially in use) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

HARDBALL
 
Which opinel would you folks recommend for use as a camping food prep knife? I usually use my buck 110 but wouldn’t hurt to purchase an opinel as well. I’ve seen lots of you tubers using the bigger ones.
 
You have probably seen mostly No.10s doing food prep. That is about as big as I want an Opinel to be, although I probably ought to try a 12, just to see what it is like. Or a 9, which many find to be the sweet spot.

If I were thinking ahead about food prep, I probably would not consider an Opinel at all. For cheap, light and rustic, the Green River fish knife by Dexter-Russell or an Old Hickory butcher knife at 6 or 7 inches.
 
I got a 12 stainless a few years back. Being an unrefined Neanderthal, the blade seems a bit on the thinnish side for my taste. It's a big handful of Opinel though, and a serious slicer.
 
for real outdoor food prep - the only opi which is good long term is the polymer handle, never swells

I have treated my opi bubinga with wax etc, but still over time and wet use it still manages to swell some
this is the #9 utility ... but not enough retailers can get stock or bother to
001804_-_BRICOLEUR_DIY_1_2000x.jpg
 
Hi HB,

I was just watching a Video on the No. 12. Man, pretty AWESOME! I might have to buy the No. 12 just on general principle! I must confess, I do sort of like the idea of a larger Bladed Knife that it's O.A.L. is more compact when folded. That being said, I have been giving a serious HARD look at the old "Historical" Dexter Russell Green River Traditional 5" Hunting Fishing Fish Knife (10411 4215). Do I really need it ? Not really but, I do like it's History and Blade profile. Oooh, I do have a beautiful older "True Edge/Ontario Old Hickory" which I think is rather unique/rare'ish in that I've seldom (if ever) see/find another having the shorter 6" Blade. Years ago, I had this awesome "Ontario Old Hickory 6 Knife" sharpened by JKL Knives (in TN) and also had an excellent Leather Sheath (dangler) made for this Knife. This 6" Old Hickory is something else! I really need to use this one as it's been sitting far too long. Oooh, WICKED sharp!


HARDBALL
 
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LOL, ya got me unwise! I should of explained in greater detail. I was attempting to compare the folding Opinel vs. the fixed blade Russell and/or Old Hickory Knives. On the whole, I'd take a "Fixed Blade" any day, still, there is something to be said for "the idea of a larger Bladed Knife that it's O.A.L. is more compact when folded" lol.

HARDBALL
 
#9 inox for camping kitchen kits and a couple of carbons as secondary-tertiary backups. #9 is my sweet spot.
 
I have a couple #8's. Also have a couple #9's, carbon and s/s. I much prefer the 9 in carbon. I agree with kobold, it's the sweet spot.
 
Hi all,

Well, no doubt about it, Opinel Knives are like "Lays Potato Chips". As I mentioned above, the BIG No. 12 just is too awesome so, I will plan to purchase a No. 12 in the future (just because).

I am also seeing quite a bit of love for the Opinel No. 9 (which also looks to be a very desirable size Knife). Compared to my No. 8, the No. 9 also appears to be a worthwhile purchase.


HARDBALL
 
I had a 12 for a while. I wound up not using it much so it was sent down the road in Mr. Knife's GAW box. It was great in the kitchen, and I carried it in my pocket a few times. The thing was absolutely humongous. I've also had a couple of 6's and 8's, I have just unfortunately found that opinel knives just aren't for me. They're fun knives, and I love how they cut, they're just a bit bulky compared to my go to Douk Douk.
 
I like bigger knives, so the No. 12 is my favorite for using. The No. 10 is good for most stuff, though, and fits in a lot more places easily.
 
A No. 9 would be just a little bit larger than the No. 8, so I would suggest to get at least the No. 10.
It is still a pocket knife, albeit at the upper size limit.
Of course, the typical forum recommendation would be, get two or three sizes, since they are not that expensive.
The 12. is a great blade, but the handle is a little bit on the long side: it's over 6 inches.
Think about it as a smaller chef's knife which can be folded for safe storage.
 
I have used a number 10 to make a salad, I’ve also used it to cut asphalt shingles. It handled both tasks pretty well. I probably wouldn’t want one any bigger but it’s earned it’s keep around here.
 
I think you are at the sweet spot.
I went from 1, 4, to 7, 8.
The 8 is in my desk at work, my lunch knife.
 
good point, I have the stainless 8 with bubinga handle... it's absolutely great for work environments

never had anyone complain or hint at inappropriateness, in fact people often ask to borrow it in the lunchroom/cafeteria (which I allow, but only for food)
 
One detail maybe (I just noticed)

The (regular) #9 has a slightly longer blade (and handle) than the #8, of course, but both blades have the same thickness.

Now, the #10 has not only a longer blade and handle, but also a thicker blade (maybe 1mm thicker) compared to them
 
The no. 9 is my favourite "all rounder" size. It's small enough to be OK in the pocket but big enough to be comfortable in the kitchen. As I've mentioned on this forum before, if I were to only have one knife for life, an Opinel no. 9 would be it.

However, since you already have the no. 8, I would suggest getting the no. 10, which would be a more noticeable difference compared to a no. 9. You can still carry a no. 10 in the pocket, but it might get a bit uncomfortable, however it makes a great utility knife for the kitchen and a good work knife as well
 
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