Opinel No. 8

S SleekNova SleekNova · reviewer · Jul 2026

A BladeForums member has carried a carbon No. 8 for 30 years for food prep while camping. YouTube reviewers demonstrate feather stick carving. The carbon steel works as a firesteel striker. But the beechwood will swell in rain, and the blade needs oiling after every use. For camping, the carbon Opinel is excellent with a towel and oil in the kit.

J Joly Braime - Dust and monsters indyjols · reviewer · Feb 2026

I’ve owned plenty of penknives over the years, but somehow it’s almost always the Opinel that finds its way into my pocket or backpack. Perhaps partly because it’s so cheap and cheerful. You’re not afraid of breaking or losing it, since you can just pick up a replacement for a tenner. That first one I bought in 1998 was a No. 7 in carbon steel with the standard beech handle. I think I still have it in a drawer somewhere – though the blade is heavily tarnished and I snapped the tip off opening a tin of enamel paint. Since then, I’ve always bought the stainless blades and gone for the slightly larger No. 8 size that fits my hand better.

T Tech Writer EDC Article · Nov 2025

The Opinel No. 8 is a cult classic for a reason: it cuts better than most knives five times the price, it weighs nothing, and the carbon steel blade is a food-prep monster. My Colorama version in green keeps the classic wood handle but adds a fun splash of color. Where it lags is fast deployment. The rotating collar lock is secure and clever, but it’s slow compared to modern EDC. That’s why I reach for the Opinel more when I’m camping, cooking outside, or keeping the blade open for a while. It excels at slicing, whittling, food prep, and making perfect feather sticks thanks to its thin grind and sharp spine. For an inexpensive, lightweight, razor-friendly tool that punches way above its weight outdoors, the No. 8 still earns a spot in any kit—even if it’s not your quickest pocket carry.

K Knife Informer Advanced Knife Bro · reviewer · Nov 2024

It has comfortable wooden handle, but it can be bulky in the pocket and may swell when wet. Ah, the Opinel No. 8. This classic French knife comes in more sizes than a Parisian fashion show, but I went with the No. 8 for that Goldilocks mid-3-inch blade.