Opinel No. 8 Garden Knife

Having owned traditional Opinel carbon steel folders in the no. 8 and no. 9 sizes for many years, I didn't think that this newer model with a stainless steel blade would impress me. I was wrong. This "garden knife" is different from the older-style no. 8 model several ways, and at first glance I'd have to rate these changes as improvements. 1) The blade on this model is a spear-point shape that has less "belly" than the traditional Opinel blade. For slicing food, and general use, I prefer the garden knife blade shape. While the carbon steel used by Opinel is rightly well-regarded for its ease of sharpening and edge-holding abilities, the garden knife's stainless blade came razor sharp out of the box. It is flat ground, well finished, and has performed well thus far. Time will tell, but I expect that the stainless steel will prove an excellent choice for food-cutting tasks. 2) The handle is wooden like the older models, but instead of the traditional fish tail shape at the butt end, the handle slims and curves to follow the knife edge when folded. The result is marginal weight savings, but more importantly an improvement in the blade-to-handle ratio which makes the knife feel noticeably smaller when carried in the pocket. Also, I'm not sure if a different wood or finish was used for this model's handle, but it feels finer and better made than my older samples. 3) The locking collar was improved to lock the blade closed as well as open. This is an important feature that has TMK been included on all of Opinel's folders. The blade 'action' on my sample is pretty much perfect for a knife of this style, which depends upon the friction in the pivot point being neither too tight nor too loose. This is a consequence of how well the knife was assembled, and for the ~$14 I paid, I'm very satisfied. I liberally applied mineral oil to the wood at the pivot point to both lubricate the joint and saturate the wood -- in my experience this minimizes the effects of humidity and washing on the blade action. We'll see how it holds up over time. Overall I'm very happy with this purchase. If this knife is any indication, Opinel has managed to improve its products since last time I bought one, and the price is still a bargain.

I'm a little biased. I'm a fanboy of opinel Best knife for the price. I would prefer this knife over any other . Well made and sharp and the best part they sharpen up really easily

Quality is excellent, as I've learned to expect from Opinel knives. I bought this for my wife's gardening activity, and she loves it. Nery light=weight and durable. Easy to put an edge on it.

Got this for my wife who is an avid gardener. It's super sharp right out of the box (almost dangerously sharp). The blade locking mechanism is a little clumsy but it is also super simple and will probably last forever. Nice little blade for someone who just needs a simple folding knife with a sharp edge.

Same opinal quality as all products. Like the blade spear point and thin handle as opposed to standard no8

This knife weighs a mere 1.4 ounces! The thin 12C27 blade cuts exceptionally well and the edge is durable and easy to maintain. Being a comparatively lightly constructed knife, one might worry about how heavy a chore it may be used for, but the very thin (.066") blade with a full height flat (very slightly convexed) grind, cuts so efficiently that it does not stress the knife as much as a thicker blade with a more obtuse edge would. I'll buy more of these - one for each kit or bag. For the cost, if it lies in the bottom of an emergency kit for years unused, there's little to fuss about. Once you actually need it, you'll have an excellent tool at hand. I use mine almost every day. I must like it and I must talk about it because my daughter bought me another Opinel No.8 (carbon steel) for Christmas. Love that one too. Very good value and an excellent tool.

First off I don't know why they call it a garden knife. Maybe there's some precedent for this shape of knife being used in a garden? Either way, it's just a pocket knife, garden or no garden, and performs pocket knife duties far better than average (as you're aware if you're familiar with Opinel). I always have a knife in my pocket and I swap them out every few days from my box on knives because, why not? However, I always end up back with an Opinel because they are very light, far more sturdy than you'd expect, and keep an illogically sharp edge for an illogically long time. This one is no exception. In fact I like the handle shape of this one the best of any of my Opinels and much more than any of the other #8's that I have. It provides more to hold on to than the #8 slim and doesn't have the block of wood at the butt end that I find to be too large in my pocket on the #8 standard. The blade shape is great too. The spearpoint is sturdy and has a nice cutting edge. It will make a great knife. One suggestion for Opinel, if they're listening, from a hard-won fan: Try making this knife in #6 and #7! My favorite size for daily carry is #6 and I prefer this handle shape to the standard shape. The #8 and larger are great for camping or if you're going to wear it in a sheath on your belt, but in the pocket a #8 is just getting to the size where you constantly feel that it's there. This knife in a #6 or #7 would be perfect--sturdier than a slim, and nicer handle shape than a standard.

The steel for the blade is mild; any use for prying will bend the blade. The locking mechanism is not secure and will slip during use, making it a little dangerous. Otherwise, this knife is sharp; razor sharp. Not a good blade for everyday carry, but it is a nice, sophisticated knife for someone whom is well dressed.