Opinel is a manufacturer long appreciated by folding knife enthusiasts. The Opinel No.12 Slim Beech model stands out for its elegance, lightness, and high practicality. Its slim shape and quality materials make it a great option for those who care about both appearance and user comfort. However, it's worth paying attention to the quality of the blade and tip, as sometimes they can be unevenly finished.
A substantial yet remarkably lightweight folding knife from the Slim series featuring a 12-centimeter locking blade. This is a classic creation from a French company with a longstanding tradition of over a century.
.The blade showcases a Trailing Point profile and is crafted from Sandvik 12C27M stainless steel with a polished high-gloss finish. Its design includes a flat-full grind near zero-grind, enhancing its superior cutting capabilities, notably due to the blade's minimal thickness. This knife is perfect for filleting tasks.
Opening the knife is facilitated by a notch on the blade, similar to the system used in Victorinox pocket knives. Once open, the blade is secured using the Viroblock, a patent from 1955. A steel ring positioned on the handle’s rotation axis locks the blade in place upon rotating it slightly to cover the blade's slot, preventing movement. Similarly, the knife is safeguarded against unintended opening when folded.
Crafted from padouk wood, the handle is finished with a clear, abrasion-resistant varnish, offering an ergonomically shaped, secure grip. A notable feature is its adaptability for customization. The simplest modification involves drilling a hole at its end for attaching a safety cord. It can also be textured, carved, or stained in any preferred color.
Technical data
Length of blade: 120 mm
Blade thickness: 1.5 mm
Steel: Sandvik 12C27M
Coating: gloss
Handle: padouk
Block: Viroblock
Total length: 270 mm
Weight: 51 g
Manufacturer: Opinel, France
MILITARY is a premium dealer of Opinel.
Opinel is a French brand with a rich history dating back to 1890, originating in the Savoy region. Its creator, Joseph Opinel, designed the first pocket knife, which quickly became a symbol of everyday use thanks to its simplicity and functionality. In 1955, the company developed the Virobloc locking mechanism, later modernized, which remains a distinctive feature of its products to this day. In 1985, the brand was recognized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, which included one of Opinel's models in its list of the 100 best-designed objects in the world. The company's products also found their way into the MoMA collection in New York. Production is carried out in Chambery with care for the environment – the wood is sourced from French forests and the resulting waste is used to heat the production facilities. The range includes folding tools, kitchen utensils, cutlery, and whetstones, which have become synonymous with durability, simplicity, and the French lifestyle.
| Lock type | Virobloc |
|---|---|
| Blade material | 12C27 |
| Holster included | No |
| Clip for carrying | No |
| Handle | Wood |
| Opening method | Nail nick |
| Corrosion resistance | Very good |
| Blunt resistance | Medium |
| Weight | 51 g |
| Blade edge | Plain |
| Blade profile | Trailing Point |
| Blade thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Blade length | 120 mm |
| Style | Multipurpose |
| Type | Folder |
| Overall length | 270 mm |
| EAN | 3123840025563 |
| Manufacturer code | 002556 |
| Brand | Opinel |
| EAN |
Reviews with photos
Number of reviews: 9
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Lightweight, sharp, fits well in the hand, and has a slightly flexible blade.
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Solid and affordable pocket knife. Good quality and an interesting history. Fast delivery.
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Exceptionally sharp knife—I'm almost afraid I'll cut my fingernail.
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I really like this knife. It has a long, sharp blade, and the padauk wood stands out with its beautiful red-brown hue.
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The knife is very sharp. It works great for filleting.
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Great knife, and the handle made of wood has a really nice, slightly reddish color.
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A sizable knife with a very sharp blade is great for small tasks, for example in the kitchen. I recommend it.
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Another item for my collection. I recommend it, the price to quality ratio is great.
No reviews