Our most iconic size, the No.08, is the knife that started it all. Dating all the way back to 1890 when Joseph Opinel created a simple yet robust tool for the everyman, the No.08 has been featured in countless museums, books and galleries around the world. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your pencils, or prune your roses, the No. 08 has been a favorite of explorers, artists, farmers, and chefs alike. The colorama line features tinted and varnished hornbeam handles in a range of colors and comes equipped with a convenient lanyard you can easily attach to your bag, so you're never without an Opinel! This size features the Virobloc® safety ring.
We use Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. It is anti-corrosive thanks to the addition of chrome and requires no special maintenance. Carbon content of at least 0.40% provides an excellent cutting edge and is easily sharpened.
Our selection of wood is very precise and meets strict standards for social responsibility and the environment. We select beech, hornbeam, walnut, and ash wood, among other varieties, from ecologically managed French woodlands in the Alpine region and Jura mountains.
Our patented locking mechanism developed in 1955 keeps the blade securely opened, or closed. To lock your knife, simply twist the locking ring clockwise into the closed position during transport, turn the locking ring counterclockwise to prevent the blade from folding during use.
In 1565, King of France Charles IX commanded every knife maker to stamp an emblem on their products to guarantee their origin and quality. In 1909, in order to honor this tradition, Joseph Opinel chose the Crowned Hand as his emblem, a very symbolic choice, as it represents the blessing hand of Saint Jean-Baptiste which is featured on the coat of arms of the city of Sant-Jean-de-Maurienne. Opinel added the crown as a reminder that Savoie was originally a duchy. All Opinel blades since have been stamped with the Crowned Hand.
