The Opinel brand has been synonymous with quality folding knives for over a century. Founded in 1890 by Joseph Opinel, the company's commitment to craftsmanship and practicality remains unwavering. Their classic design is instantly recognizable worldwide, blending form and function seamlessly. The Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinel O000693") continues this tradition of excellence, offering a reliable and versatile tool for everyday carry or outdoor adventures. This comprehensive review will delve into its design, durability, sharpness, functionality, user reviews, pricing, and overall value proposition. We'll explore why this knife remains a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The Opinel O000693 boasts the iconic Opinel aesthetic simple, elegant, and functional. Its beechwood handle provides a comfortable grip while showcasing the natural beauty of the wood grain. The handle's ergonomic curve fits naturally into the palm, minimizing fatigue during extended use. At just 8 cm long when closed, it's compact enough for discreet carry in a pocket or bag. The blade itself is made from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel, known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The satin finish of the blade adds to its visual appeal while also reducing glare. With a length of approximately 6 cm (2.3 inches), it's versatile enough for various cutting tasks without being overly large or cumbersome. One of the most distinctive features of an Opinel knife is their locking mechanism. Known as the "Virobloc," this simple yet ingenious system secures both the blade and handle, preventing accidental closure during use. This feature contributes significantly to the safety and reliability of the knife. The Virobloc consists of a rotating ring that locks the blade in place when opened or closed. The Opinel O000693 is available in various colors, allowing users to choose one that best suits their personal style. Options include classic wood finishes like natural beechwood or mahogany as well as vibrant colors such as red, blue, and green. The knife's overall weight of around 38 grams (1.3 ounces) makes it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry.
Opinel knives are renowned for their durability, and the O000693 is no exception. The Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade holds an edge exceptionally well, requiring minimal sharpening even after prolonged use. This material's high chromium content provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance in a variety of environments. The beechwood handle is robust enough to withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining its attractive appearance. The Virobloc locking mechanism has been rigorously tested for strength and reliability, providing peace of mind during use. Opinel offers an impressive lifetime warranty on their knives, further demonstrating the company's commitment to quality and durability.
Right out of the box, the Opinel O000693 is incredibly sharp. The blade is factory sharpened to a fine edge that can effortlessly slice through paper or other delicate materials with ease. While it may not be as aggressively sharp as some specialized knives designed for hunting or bushcrafting, its sharpness is more than adequate for everyday tasks such as food preparation and general utility work. The Sandvik 12C27 steel's ability to hold an edge makes the Opinel O000693 a joy to use. Regular honing with a ceramic rod will keep it razor-sharp for extended periods, minimizing the need for frequent sharpening. Even when it does require sharpening, the blade responds well to conventional whetstones or strops.
The Opinel O000693 excels in its versatility. Its compact size and sharp blade make it an ideal companion for everyday carry. It can be used for a wide range of tasks, including opening boxes, cutting fruit or vegetables, trimming rope, and even cleaning fingernails. The knife's lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods without causing hand fatigue. While the Opinel O000693 is not designed specifically for outdoor activities such as camping or hunting, its durability and sharpness make it a suitable tool for those pursuits as well. It can be used for light bushcraft tasks like whittling wood or preparing kindling. However, more demanding tasks might require a heavier-duty knife with thicker blades.
User reviews of the Opinel O000693 are overwhelmingly positive. Customers consistently praise its exceptional sharpness, durability, and comfortable grip. Many reviewers appreciate the classic design and timeless appeal of Opinel knives. The Virobloc locking mechanism is often highlighted as a standout feature that enhances safety and reliability. Here's a compilation of some recent user reviews:
The Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade offers exceptional value for money. Its relatively low price point (typically around $15-20) makes it accessible to a wide range of customers, while its quality and durability ensure long-lasting performance. This knife represents an excellent investment that will provide years of reliable service. Compared to other folding knives in its class, the Opinel O000693 stands out for its combination of affordability and superior craftsmanship. While some higher-priced options might offer additional features or materials, few can match the overall value proposition of this classic design.
The Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple yet effective design. Its exceptional sharpness, durability, and comfortable grip make it an ideal choice for everyday carry or outdoor adventures. The Virobloc locking mechanism ensures safety during use while providing peace of mind.
The Opinel O000693 knife is a versatile folding pocketknife designed for everyday carry and outdoor use. It features a durable stainless steel blade, a beechwood handle, and the iconic Opinel locking ring mechanism. This classic design offers reliability and ease of use for various tasks.
Yes! The Opinel O000693 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its simplicity, safety features (locking ring), and overall durability. It's easy to handle and maintain, making it a great introduction to pocketknife ownership.
The Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade has a Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade. This high-carbon stainless steel offers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening.
To open, firmly hold the handle with one hand and push the locking ring down while pulling back on the blade tang with your thumb or finger. To close, depress the locking ring again and carefully fold the blade closed. Always keep fingers away from the path of the closing blade.
While the Opinel O000693 is a sturdy knife, it's not specifically designed for heavy-duty tasks like cutting thick ropes or cables. It can handle lighter rope work but avoid putting excessive force on the blade to prevent damage. For heavier duties, consider using dedicated tools.
Absolutely! The Opinel O000693 is a popular choice among campers and hikers due to its compact size, lightweight design, and reliable performance. It's ideal for tasks like food preparation, cutting cordage, or whittling wood.
The closed length of the Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade is approximately 4.2 inches (10.7 cm). The blade length is about 3.1 inches (8 cm), and it weighs around 1.5 ounces (42 grams).
You can use a sharpening stone, honing steel or ceramic rod to maintain the edge of your Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade. Be sure to follow proper sharpening techniques for best results and avoid overheating the blade which can damage its temper.
Yes, the beechwood handle provides a secure and ergonomic grip. The smooth finish ensures comfort even during extended use. It's also naturally resistant to moisture making it suitable for outdoor activities.
The Opinel locking ring is designed to prevent accidental blade deployment. However, always ensure the locking ring is securely engaged before placing the knife in your bag or pocket. You may also consider using a sheath or pouch for added protection and safety.
After use, wipe down the blade with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Dry thoroughly and occasionally apply a light coat of oil (mineral oil is recommended) to prevent rust on the blade and keep the handle from drying out. Store in a dry place when not in use.
The Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade differs primarily by its Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade which offers superior edge retention compared to some of their carbon steel alternatives. It also has a slightly longer blade than many other Opinel models.
While the Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade is sharp, it's not designed or recommended as a weapon for self-defense. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it more suitable for everyday tasks and outdoor activities than combat situations.
Replacement blades are readily available online and at many retailers that carry Opinel products. You can find them on Amazon, sporting goods stores or directly from Opinel's website.
Laws regarding carrying knives vary widely by location. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and comply with all applicable local laws before carrying this knife. Always check regulations before traveling or moving to a new area.
Opinel has been making high-quality folding knives for over 120 years. They are known for their simplicity, durability, and affordability. Their timeless design appeals to those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and practicality in outdoor gear like camping gear, hiking backpacks or adventure gear.
Opinel offers a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects for their knives. However, this warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, or improper maintenance. Always follow care instructions to ensure your knife's longevity.
The Opinel O000693 Knife With Blade typically comes with a natural beechwood handle. While they offer other handle materials and colors in some models, the standard model features the classic beige beechwood finish.