Opinel: A Blade Born in the Alps, Beloved Worldwide

Few objects are as instantly recognisable — or as quietly iconic — as the Opinel folding knife. With its simple wooden handle, curved blade, and signature locking ring, the Opinel has carved out a place in the pockets and hands of farmers, bushcrafters, anglers and outdoorsmen across the world for over 130 years.

From its alpine origins to its current cult following, Opinel is a tool with soul, still built with the same care and purpose as the day it was designed.

A Knife for the People
Opinel was founded in 1890 by Joseph Opinel, a 19-year-old blacksmith’s apprentice in the French Alps. His goal? To create an everyday folding knife that was strong, affordable, and practical — a blade for shepherds, farmers, and workers who needed a reliable tool they could always carry.

What he created was the Opinel No. 8, a knife so well-balanced and intuitive it has remained almost unchanged for over a century.

Today, Opinel still operates out of Savoie, France, and the core design is still proudly simple: a beechwood handle, a carbon or stainless steel blade, and the patented Virobloc® locking collar.

Elegance in Simplicity
What sets Opinel apart is its minimalist honesty. These aren’t tactical knives or flash kit — they’re dependable, beautifully crafted tools built for real-life use.

Key features across the Opinel range include:

• Natural wood handles – Usually beech, but also oak, olive, walnut and other fine timbers
• Slim, curved blades – Ideal for slicing, whittling, food prep and light field use
• Stainless or high-carbon options – Choose corrosion resistance or classic sharpening ease
• Virobloc® safety ring – Twist to lock the blade open or closed securely
• Range of sizes (No. 2 to No. 13) – From tiny keyring tools to palm-filling pocket knives

Whether you’re preparing lunch on the riverbank, cutting twine in the field, or carving wood by a fire, an Opinel knife just works — and looks good doing it.

Much More Than a Knife
Opinel may be most famous for its classic folding knives, but its product range now includes:

• Garden tools – Including pruning knives and saws
• Kitchen and table knives – With the same rustic elegance brought indoors
• Limited editions & collector pieces – Combining craftsmanship with artistry

Despite its international success, Opinel remains family-owned, proudly independent, and committed to local production. Each knife carries the crowned hand logo — a mark of alpine quality.

Why We Love Opinel at New Forest Clothing
There’s a quiet satisfaction in using something so well made, so timeless, and so thoughtfully designed. An Opinel isn’t just a knife — it’s a companion, a heritage piece, and a true tool of the countryside. Simple, functional, and always ready to hand.