Opinel #07 Traditional Folding Knife – Carbon Steel

What can be said about an Opinel that has not already been said. Simple, elegant and good to hold and use. The only con is its round shape. If they made the sides little flatter, it would sit in a pocket better.

Best available pocketknife for the price

Frankly, the Opinel Carbone series are the best pocketknives you can get for the price. Are there better knives out there? Of course, but nothing in this price range even comes close. It's not built to be used as a prybar or a screwdriver, but if you're looking for a pocketknife simply to use as a knife, cutting and slicing, then this is for you. A tip for new users, if your knife is very tight to open and close, put some Vaseline inside at the pivot point and put the knife into the oven (on a low temp, like 200F) for 10-15 minutes. The vaseline will absorb into the wood (also partially waterproofing it) and will cause the wood to expand. Then when the knife cools, the wood will contract and leave your knife easier to open and close.

Great blade

I did read a review mentioning hard water stains. I’ve had to be very careful to try off the carbon blade thoroughly.Overall the knife is amazing. Lightweight and very sharp. I have been using it in the house as I was so eager but intent to keep it in my pack as a lightweight travel / utility knife.Recommend for sure!

Light and sharp

Perfect little multi purpose utility knife for my tramping kit. Strong enough to shave feather sticks but still dexterous enough for fine work. Weight is negligible.

Opinel Knives: Rolls Royce performance and Citroen Deux Chevaux looks.

I've shown two No7's. I bought them 50 years apart and they both perform the same for me every day. I think that's a lifetime guarantee right there. Your Opinel tap knife does just that, twist the collar, tap and the blade drops out for you to twist the collar and lock in place. The performance of your knife depends on the last picture. Oil here to keep the blade movement smooth and keep the wooden stock swollen. If the handle gets wet and the blade seizes put it on a radiator to shrink back to size. In time the blade will stop opening fully. Again, it's here you need to dig out the gunge that has built up between the handle and the back of the blade. Keep Carbone blades sharp and oiled as they do rust, blacken and pit in time. This is the price you pay for them ... MoreI've shown two No7's. I bought them 50 years apart and they both perform the same for me every day. I think that's a lifetime guarantee right there. Your Opinel tap knife does just that, twist the collar, tap and the blade drops out for you to twist the collar and lock in place. The performance of your knife depends on the last picture. Oil here to keep the blade movement smooth and keep the wooden stock swollen. If the handle gets wet and the blade seizes put it on a radiator to shrink back to size. In time the blade will stop opening fully. Again, it's here you need to dig out the gunge that has built up between the handle and the back of the blade. Keep Carbone blades sharp and oiled as they do rust, blacken and pit in time. This is the price you pay for them having a keener edge than their stainless sisters. I've found a No8 Carbone swollen open, rusted and the blade tip snapped off at the bottom of a harbour rubbish bin. Dried, shaped, sharpened and oiled it is performing like all my other knives now. So, your knife will forgive a bit of mistreatment. If you want a knife that works for as long as you live get an Opinel.

Opinel Lock Knives

Brilliant pocket knife. Simple, solid mechanism, nice wood handle that's well shaped and well finished. Dropped a star because the edge was a bit rolled. Didn't take long to get perfect with emery paper, now it has a really sharp edge that lasts well. I think the edge is slightly convex rather than 100% flat and better for it. I've been making shims tricky bits of shuttering to repair a roof. Therese were only from pine wood but very seasoned and it slices through without much effort. Can't open one-handed, but very easy to close and lock one handed - handy working at height and holding on with other hand.

So light.

I know the Opinel 6 is a little lighter but the 7 has the perfect blade length for slicing cheese and salami. Disappears in your pocket (like the Swiss Army Classic) but is so much more effective as a knife.Give the carbon steel blade a deep vinegar patina and you'll never have to worry about it rusting.

Super light and ultra sharp.

I’ve been eyeing Opinel knives for 30 plus years, but have always been a Victorinox multinational knife fan. For fixed blades, I have a Morakniv carbon scout. The Opi #7 is the perfect compromise in blade size. I couldn’t believe how light this knife is, perfect for my new ultralight ventures. Out of the box, it’s super sharp, and being carbon, easy to resharpen. I’ve been oiling the handle and blade, as recommended after each use. Looking forward to many mushroom forays and camping adventures.

This knife is seriously sharp!

I bought this knife for a canoe camping trip. I used it to prep food for meals and liked having it on hand to cut various things as I made camp gadgets. As soon as I washed it and let it dry, the knife turned dark and splotchy and looked ancient. Which leads me to believe... maybe I shouldn't be using this knife for meal prep? Regardless, the knife is incredibly sharp, which is awesome, but be careful when using it!!

What's to say? A simple, comfortable, fuss free classic.

I have been carrying Opinels around on hikes for decades, in various sizes and steel types. The No.7 is small and light but still functional. Go for the No 8 if you want a handier food prep knife. I also prefer the carbon steel to the stainless version: easier to sharpen. I deduct one star because the wood handle tends to eventually swell / contract, so the lock ring does not always stay tight (or the blade is rather difficult to open). Can't remember this happening to the same extent on previous / older versions.