Opinel

Opinel: the Savoyard know-how

Opinel was born in 1890, in the small village of Maurienne in Savoie. At that time, Joseph Opinel created the first pocket knife: the Opinel. This small object has become an indispensable tool in our daily lives and a true global icon. 

The first series of Opinel knives began to appear in 1897. The knife is available in various sizes: from small to large models. They are numbered from 1 to 12 respectively. 

We can still find all these models of Opinel today. Only the production of the N°1 and N°11 has been discontinued. The range has even expanded, with the Opinel N°13, a giant knife, as they like to call it, measuring 50 cm. 

The success of Opinel continues to grow, and the brand is a true reference in cutlery. Since 1915, the Savoyard company has been based in Chambéry and continues to produce its knives locally. 

Concerned about the safety of using its knives, the brand invented the Virobloc® system in 1955. This allows the slot to be fixed and the blade of your knife to be locked.

This system was a success. It was later modified to allow the blade to be locked in the closed position when the knife is not in use. Since the early 2000s, it has been standard on all the brand's knives. 

Opinel: knives for all your adventures

A true icon, this wooden and stainless steel knife has become a popular everyday object. Its aesthetics and functionality have captivated many generations. Since 1985, it has even been featured at the Victoria and Albert Museum. In 1989, the word Opinel, a true piece of French cultural heritage, entered the dictionary: a folding knife with a wooden handle featuring a slot where the blade fits when closed.

This family saga has continued for years, and the company is still owned and managed by the Opinel family today. The brand develops ranges for cooking, dining, and outdoor activities. Young and old alike: everyone deserves their own knife.

Opinel became known for its famous stainless steel knife. It is an essential tool for all your outdoor activities: hiking, trekking, family picnics, or barbecues, your Opinel will fit perfectly in your trousers.  Each model has different sizes and blades. 

The Opinel N°08 is a classic in the stainless steel range. For over 130 years, it has continued to please all adventurers. It is a multifunctional knife that will be useful in all situations. Of course, like all the brand's models, it features the Virobloc® safety system for safe transport. This classic has been made in several versions, crafted from different materials, and you can find them all on our site: 

The N°08 Chêne Animalia: a beautiful symbol for the mountains and animals!

The N°08 Chêne: which offers great resistance to corrosion. It is the quintessential character knife! 

The N°08 Bouleau Lamellé: made from environmentally friendly wood. Perfect for connoisseurs!

Discover our entire range of Opinel knives at Hardloop

At Hardloop, we strive to offer our customers a selection of the best products for their outdoor adventures. With over 130 years of experience and based in the heart of the Savoy region, the Opinel brand has naturally become an essential adventure partner for Hardloop. 

Their knives are recognized worldwide for their robustness, technicality, and uniqueness. We are confident that your Opinel will be the ideal companion for your mountain or daily adventures. From a simple family gathering around a barbecue to a more challenging multi-day trek. So don’t hesitate any longer and choose the perfect Opinel knife for your next adventures!