Why a 134-Year-Old, $20 Knife Will Always Be an EDC Staple

Good design stands the test of time. This is true of any item — whether it’s the Eames recliner, the iPhone, a pair of Levis 501s or the Opinel No. 8 folding pocket knife. A few themes run through each of these products: beauty in simplicity, enduring materials and usefulness. Something can look beautiful and have mediocre functionality — and conversely, an item can function superbly but be, well, ugly.

What sets apart an item that’s timeless is the delicate balancing act of form and function — and the Opinel No. 8 delivers a masterclass in this area. Let’s dive into why this iconic product has endured, a beloved fixture in the world of knives and EDC to this day.

Opinel No. 8 ORIGIN STORY

If you visited France in 1890, you could have brought home an Opinel — that’s the year Joseph Opinel founded his eponymous brand in the town of Savoie, some 400 miles southeast of Paris, deep in the French Alps. By 1897, Opinel was offering elegant, utilitarian blades in 12 sizes (numbered 1–12), and well over a century later, the company sells 6 million knives per year worldwide.

While the brand is arguably more famous for its kitchen cutlery, its history is deeply rooted in pocket knives — and over the years its folding knives have developed and maintained a cult following all their own. No. 1 and No. 11 have been discontinued, but Opinel continues to manufacture and produce each of the other sizes. Even amongst the pack, there’s one that stands out from the rest.

What Makes the Opinel No. 8 Special?

Photo by Hayley Helms for Gear Patrol

As the most popular size of Opinel’s iconic folding knife, the lightweight No. 8 folding knife appeals to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts: Glampers like it casual good looks. Hikers like its versatility. Camp chefs like its ultra-sharp blade and repeat sharpen-ability. And everyone likes the sub-$20 pricepoint.

The No. 8 hits the sweet spot in terms of performance, size and usability. As with any other Opinel folding knife, it’s made up of just five parts: the blade, handle, shell ring, rivet and viroblock ring. The beauty of the No. 8 is its simplicity — you can take apart, clean, repair and re-assemble your knife at home, as long as you have the right tools. There are even tuning hacks and mods from Opinel enthusiasts that walk you through the process.

For comparison, I couldn’t take apart and tune my The James Brand The Carter or Benchmade Mini Bugout at home. As with a high-tech modern vehicle, I wouldn’t even know where to start.

Photo by Hayley Helms

Now, the Opinel No. 8 is not going to be your outdoor survival knife — the blade is thinner and more delicate than survival-oriented knives, and the hinge and locking mechanisms won’t stand up to the abuse that more hard-wearing materials like carbon fiber, and even grivory, could handle.

But it need not be embraced by Bear Grylls types to be hugely appealing to so many others, who never dream of appearing on Naked and Afraid. Part of its charm is that it doesn’t try to be more than it is. The fine blade can slice apples and cheese on any hike with ease. The smooth wooden handle is smooth yet grippable. And the ring lock is shiningly distinctive, while remaining effective in its purpose — a quick twist ensures the blade stays closed when not in use, and open when it is.

Of course, knowing you are carrying a knife with such a long history of dependability — one that your kids or grandkids could easily be carrying in their future — infuses the Opinel No. 8 with additional joy.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED Using the Opinel No. 8

Photo by Hayley Helms

When I held my Opinel No. 8 for the first time, I was struck by its lightness. Weighing in at 1.5 ounces, it rivals my high-end Benchmade Mini Bugout, yet it feels robust and reliable in hand.

I deployed my Opinel No. 8 to open packages of outdoor gear like flashlights, headlamps and tents. I used it to slice cheese and snacks on hikes and camping trips. I cut through paracord, trimmed stray string off hems and opened letters and boxes. I have a pretty extensive collection of knives and multi-tools on my office desk — just part of the job, ma’am — but each time I needed a knife for a quick job, I found myself reaching for ol’ No. 8.

Photo by Hayley Helms

Photo by Hayley Helms

There’s something about the natural materials that speak to my sensibilities. Grasping the wooden handle feels like toting a knife my grandpa might have taken camping. It’s a remind of history and in some ways, modesty — there aren’t any flashy, futuristic materials present at all.

If you lose it or it gets borrowed indefinitely by another Opinel enthusiast, it may break your heart — but it won’t break the bank. And it’s made with enough care and quality that when you’re done using it, you may hand it down to a budding knife enthusiast someday.

Opinel

Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife

One of the most iconic knives on the market, Opinel’s No. 8 is a simple carbon steel folding knife with a proprietary locking mechanism and beechwood handle.

Specs

Blade Length	3.28 inches
Blade Material	XC90 carbon steel
Handle Material	Beech, hornbeam, walnut, and ash wood, other varieties
Locking Mechanism	Virobloc
Total Length	7.59 inches

Pros

• Lightweight, easy to use

Cons

• Lacks premium materials seen on more modern knives

• $19.00 at Amazon