Opinel No. 8 Review:

After carrying and using the Opinel No. 8 for a full year, I can confidently say it remains one of the best values in the knife world at around $15-18. This simple French folder has remained virtually unchanged since 1890 for good reason – it just works. Through countless lunch breaks, camping trips, and daily tasks, the No. 8 proves that elegant simplicity often outperforms modern complexity. What’s most impressive isn’t just its price-to-performance ratio, but how its traditional design continues to excel at modern tasks.

During my testing, from breaking down cardboard to preparing picnic lunches, the carbon steel blade’s slicing geometry consistently outperformed knives costing five times as much. The No. 8 represents the sweet spot in Opinel’s lineup – large enough for serious work, small enough for comfortable pocket carry, and perfectly sized for food preparation. While not a tactical knife or a heavy-duty tool, it excels at what most people actually use a pocket knife for.

Opinel No. 8 Review: History

Created in 1890 by Joseph Opinel in Savoie, France, the No. 8 quickly became a staple of French culture. The design was so influential that in 1985, the Victoria and Albert Museum ranked it among the 100 best-designed objects in the world, alongside the Porsche 911 and the Rolex watch. The basic design has remained remarkably consistent, with only minor improvements like the addition of the Virobloc safety ring in 1955. This locking collar, which both prevents accidental opening and locks the blade open, transformed the simple friction folder into a more secure tool while maintaining its elegant simplicity.

Opinel No. 8 Review: Technical Specifications

Blade Length: 3.35 inches Overall Length: 7.59 inches Closed Length: 4.25 inches Weight: 1.6 ounces Blade Steel: Carbon Steel (also available in Sandvik 12C27) Handle: Beechwood Lock: Virobloc collar lock Made in France Price Range: $15-18

Opinel No. 8 Review: Real-World Experience

The Opinel No. 8 arrived with a workmanlike edge that needed minor attention to reach its full potential. After a quick stropping session, it achieved a level of sharpness that few production knives can match. The carbon steel version (tested) takes an incredible edge with minimal effort. During the break-in period, the wooden handle slightly expanded and contracted with humidity changes, leading to an initially stiff action that gradually smoothed out. After about two weeks of regular use, the pivot became buttery smooth while maintaining proper tension. The Virobloc collar, initially tight, now rotates with just the right amount of resistance.

Daily Use This knife truly shines during lunch breaks. I’ve used it daily for apple slicing, cheese cutting, and bread management. The thin blade geometry and sharp edge glide through food without crushing or tearing. Unlike modern tactical folders, the No. 8’s slender profile and natural materials make it welcome at any lunch table. In outdoor settings, the knife has handled everything from whittling marshmallow sticks to preparing tinder. During one memorable camping trip, it processed an entire meal’s worth of vegetables, carved improvised tent stakes, and still remained sharp enough to cleanly slice tomatoes for dinner.

The wooden handle, while not impervious to moisture, develops character with use. After getting caught in a sudden rain shower, the handle swelled slightly but returned to normal after drying. This experience taught me to wipe down the knife after wet use – a small maintenance trade-off for the comfort and warmth of natural materials.

One particularly telling experience occurred during a group camping trip. Despite having several modern “tactical” knives available, everyone kept borrowing my Opinel for food prep and carving tasks. Its non-threatening appearance and exceptional slicing ability made it the go-to choice around the campsite.

Opinel No. 8 Review: Performance Details

Edge Retention The carbon steel blade holds an impressive working edge through extended use. During a month of daily carry, it maintained shaving sharpness with only occasional stropping. When it does need sharpening, the thin blade geometry and responsive steel make it a joy to maintain – 10 minutes on a fine stone brings back a razor edge. One notable example: After processing an entire cardboard box into kindling (not its intended use but a good test), the blade still easily sliced paper.

However, the edge did show some microrolling when it hit staples – easily fixed with a strop but worth noting. Maintenance Needs The carbon steel requires more attention than stainless versions: A natural patina developed within the first week of food prep Light oiling prevents rust in humid conditions The wooden handle benefits from occasional mineral oil treatment The Virobloc collar needs cleaning if pocket lint accumulates Handle Comfort The beechwood handle proves remarkably comfortable across various grip positions. During extended whittling sessions, the oval shape prevents hotspots while providing excellent control.

The handle’s organic nature means it actually becomes more comfortable with use as it adapts to your hand. Lock Performance The Virobloc collar lock, while simple, proves remarkably effective: Double function prevents accidental opening in pocket Provides secure lockup during use Gets smoother with break-in period Remains reliable even when wet Simple to maintain and clean One limitation worth noting: extreme wet conditions can cause the wooden handle to swell, making the knife temporarily harder to open and close.

This resolves once the handle dries but requires patience during use in wet environments. Carry Experience At 1.6 ounces, the No. 8 disappears in a pocket. The slim profile works well in both pants and jacket pockets, though the lack of a clip means it can shift position. I’ve found carrying it in a leather slip provides better pocket organization while protecting the handle from keys and coins.

Opinel No. 8 Review: Long-Term Assessment

After a full year of regular carry and use, my Opinel No. 8 has developed a character that only traditional materials can provide. The beechwood handle has darkened from hand oils and developed a smooth patina that makes it uniquely mine. The carbon steel blade sports a beautiful grey patina that actively prevents rust while telling the story of its use.

Durability has proved excellent within the knife’s intended use parameters. The pivot remains smooth, the Virobloc collar functions perfectly, and the blade geometry is unchanged despite numerous sharpenings. The handle has developed minor scratches but no structural issues, and the blade’s carbon steel has maintained its excellent performance characteristics. Some wear patterns worth noting: The collar lock has worn to a smoother finish The handle has compressed slightly at the contact points The blade’s patina continues to evolve The pivot has achieved a glass-smooth action

Pros/Cons & Buying Guide

Advantages:

• Exceptional value
• Superior slicing geometry
• Lightweight carry
• Easy maintenance
• Non-threatening appearance
• Excellent food prep capability
• Rich heritage
• Natural materials

Limitations:

• No pocket clip
• Requires more care than stainless versions
• Not suitable for hard use
• Opening requires two hands
• Wood can swell in wet conditions
• Limited availability of some versions

Best Pricing: Watch for sales at outdoor retailers and European importers. Prices typically range from $15-18, with specialty versions (like oak or olive wood handles) commanding higher prices. Avoid ultra-cheap versions as they may be counterfeits.

Opinel No. 8 Review: Alternatives

Victorinox Pioneer ($35) More versatile with multiple tools but less specialized for pure cutting tasks. Consider this if you need additional functionality beyond just a knife. Svord Peasant Knife ($20) Similar traditional styling with different mechanism and steel. Choose this if you prefer a simpler carbon steel folder with one-handed opening capability.

Opinel No. 8 Review: Final Thoughts

The Opinel No. 8 represents a pinnacle of functional simplicity. Its continued relevance after more than a century speaks to the fundamental soundness of its design. While modern super steels and bearing pivots offer theoretical advantages, the No. 8’s combination of price, performance, and elegance remains unmatched. Where to buy: Purchase through established outdoor retailers or directly from Opinel to ensure authenticity. Amazon stocks them but verify the seller is authorized.

I recommend the No. 8 for:

• Food preparation enthusiasts
• Those appreciating traditional design
• Users wanting lightweight carry
• Anyone seeking excellent value
• Those preferring natural materials

Remember: This is a tool that excels at its intended purposes – daily cutting tasks and food preparation. Lacking the tactical features of a modern folder, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a worthy addition to any collection. For most users, I recommend the carbon steel version due to its superior edge characteristics and patina development, despite additional maintenance requirements. The connection you develop with this knife through use and maintenance becomes part of its charm. The Opinel No. 8 proves that sometimes the old ways are the best ways, especially when they’re executed this well at such an accessible price point.