Opinel
Opinel knives, the classic French folding knife made in the Savoie Alps since 1890. Shop the No. 7, No. 8, No. 9 and No. 10 folding knives in stainless and carbon steel, Effile slim knives, No. 12 and No. 15 folding filleting knives, the No. 8 mushroom knife, Animalia engraved knives, gift sets and the Picnic+ cutlery set.
Explore Opinel in outdoor gear and accessories, camp kitchen and fishing accessories.
Hold a No. 8 in beech, walnut or olive at our Grey Lynn concept store at 36 Pollen Street, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Opinel Fishing Accessories
About Opinel
Opinel was founded in 1890 in the Savoie region of the French Alps, when Joseph Opinel, a young toolmaker, made a simple, affordable folding knife for farmers and mountain workers. The design was so practical that it barely changed, and today the Opinel is one of the most famous pocket knives in the world, still made in Savoie and still recognised by its wooden handle and crowned hand logo.
Opinel numbers its knives by size, from small to large, and the No. 8 is the classic all-rounder. Many sizes have the Virobloc safety ring, a twisting collar that locks the blade open or closed.
Stainless or carbon steel
Opinel blades come in two steels. Stainless steel resists rust and is easy to care for, which makes it ideal for picnics, camping and fishing. Carbon steel takes a very keen edge and is easy to sharpen, but needs to be dried and oiled to stop rust, and it develops a dark patina over time that many owners love.
Handles are traditionally beech, with walnut and olive wood options for a richer look. Wood handles feel warm in the hand and age beautifully with use.
Specialist knives and Opinel at Land & Sea
Beyond the classic folding knives, the Effile range has slim, finely tapered blades for precise slicing, and the No. 12 and No. 15 Effile folding filleting knives are made for preparing fish at the river or the bach. The No. 8 mushroom knife has a curved blade and a brush for foraging, and the Animalia knives have engraved handles featuring animals such as a trout. Gift sets with a sheath and the Picnic+ cutlery set, which pairs a No. 8 with a fork and spoon, make great presents.
At Land & Sea we stock a wide Opinel range, and our team can help you choose the right size, steel and handle.
Frequently asked questions about Opinel
What is the Opinel Virobloc safety ring?
The Virobloc is a rotating metal collar around the top of the handle on most Opinel folding knives. Once the blade is open, you twist the ring to lock it in place, so it cannot fold back onto your fingers while you are cutting. Twist it the other way to unlock and close the knife, and you can also lock the blade closed for carrying. It is a simple, reliable mechanism with no springs to wear out.
Should I choose a stainless or carbon steel Opinel?
Choose stainless steel if you want a low maintenance knife that resists rust, ideal for picnics, camping, fishing and wet conditions. Choose carbon steel if you want a blade that takes a very keen edge and is easy to sharpen at home, and you do not mind drying and oiling it after use. Carbon steel darkens over time with a natural patina, which many owners see as part of the knife's character.
Which Opinel size should I buy?
The Opinel No. 8 is the most popular size, with a blade around 8.5cm long that suits most everyday tasks, from cutting rope and food to whittling. The No. 7 is a little smaller for the pocket, while the No. 9 and No. 10 have longer blades for bigger jobs in the kitchen or at camp. For filleting fish, choose the No. 12 or No. 15 Effile folding filleting knives, which have long, slim, flexible blades.
How do I look after a wooden Opinel handle?
Opinel's wooden handles are treated, but they can swell if left wet, which makes the knife stiff to open. Avoid soaking the knife or putting it in the dishwasher, and dry it straight after use. Rubbing a little food safe oil, such as linseed or olive oil, into the handle from time to time helps protect the wood. If the blade becomes stiff, let the knife dry out fully and it will usually ease again.
What is the Opinel mushroom knife?
The Opinel No. 8 mushroom knife is designed for foraging. It has a short, curved stainless steel blade for cutting mushroom stems cleanly, and a brush built into the end of the handle for removing dirt and debris before you put mushrooms in your basket. It folds away like any Opinel. Always be certain of a mushroom's identity before eating it, as some New Zealand species are poisonous.
What is the Opinel Picnic+ set?
The Opinel Picnic+ set pairs a No. 8 folding knife with a fork and spoon designed to fit together into a compact kit, so you have a complete set of cutlery for picnics, camping, travel and lunches at work. It is a practical way to carry a quality knife and reusable cutlery in one. A Picnic+ fork, spoon and napkin set is also available to add to a knife you already own.