Opinel

Welcome to our Opinel boutique, a Savoyard manufacture founded in 1890 by Joseph Opinel in the Arvan valley, in Savoie. This 18-year-old cutler designed a simple, economical and sturdy folding knife, initially intended for local farmers and craftsmen. The "Opinel" brand was officially registered in 1909. Today run by the descendants of Joseph Opinel and based in Chambéry, the house manufactures several million knives a year and remains one of the global icons of French cutlery.

Opinel's expertise

Opinel built its reputation on a folding knife of radical simplicity: a blade, a wooden handle, a rotating ferrule for locking. This pared-down logic, inherited from the knife's peasant origins, remains the brand's signature.

• Folding pocket knives: the historic beech silhouette, available in 12 sizes (No.2 to No.13)
• Carbon steel blades: edge thinness and ease of sharpening, the historic signature
• Sandvik stainless steel blades: corrosion resistance, modern and marine models
• "Virobloc" safety ferrule: rotating ring that locks the blade open or closed
• Kitchen and table knives: range extension toward domestic use

Most popular collections on AZ Boutique

The Opinel collections available on AZ Boutique cover the brand's historic and contemporary uses.

• Carbone: folding knives with carbon steel blade, fine edge and easy sharpening, AZ Boutique's best-selling collection
• Inox: folding knives with Sandvik stainless blade, corrosion-resistant for wet or marine use
• Mon Premier Opinel: round-tipped beginner knife, designed for children's first discovery
• Champignon: mushroom knife with curved blade and bristle brush, a foraging classic
• Couteaux de Poche: the historic folding silhouette, available in several sizes and finishes
• Les Essentiels: basic kitchen knives with accessible colours and finishes
• Étui: leather sheaths and carry accessories for Opinel folding knives
• Parallèle: range of forged kitchen knives with wooden handles, contemporary finish

Choosing your Opinel knife

How does Opinel's Virobloc ferrule work?

The Virobloc is the modern evolution of Opinel's original ferrule: a slotted metal ring that rotates around the knife axis. In the open position, it locks the deployed blade to prevent accidental closing; in the closed position, it locks the blade inside the handle, useful for transport. This dual safety has been a brand signature since 1955.

What is the difference between carbon and stainless Opinel knives?

Carbon steel is the brand's historic material: it takes a very fine edge, sharpens easily, but oxidises on contact with moisture and acidic food — developing a grey patina that does not affect use. Sandvik stainless steel (Sweden) resists corrosion, retains its bright look, but demands slightly more careful sharpening. Carbon remains the favourite of traditional cutlery enthusiasts; stainless is preferred for wet or marine use.

Which Opinel knife size should I choose?

Opinel produces its folding knife in 12 sizes, from No.2 (35 mm blade) to No.13 (220 mm blade). The No.6 and No.8 are the universal references: small enough for the pocket, large enough for daily use (peeling, snack, picnic). The No.10 and above are designed for outdoor and material work. The No.2 and No.3 are keychain knives or gifts.

How do I care for an Opinel's wooden handle and blade?

The beech handle of traditional Opinel knives is a living material: avoid prolonged soaking and the dishwasher, which makes it swell and can seize the ferrule. After use, wipe the blade and leave the knife open to dry completely. On carbon steel blades, a thin coat of food-safe oil slows oxidation; the grey patina that appears over time is normal and actually protects the steel. An occasional sharpening on a medium-grit stone is enough to maintain a crisp edge.

Opinel on AZ Boutique

Discover the Opinel products on AZ Boutique, mainly in Cutlery: carbon steel and stainless folding pocket knives, outdoor models, kitchen knives and accessories from the Savoyard manufacture.