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A simple, yet sleek French folding knife, the Opinel No 6 review is a great tool for overall use. Featuring a unique design, a carbon steel blade, and classic wooden handle, there is no doubt why this is a popular choice for many people.
However…
is it really as great as several have claimed?
We are going to break down the particulars of the knife, its advantages, flaws, and discuss its overall value.
First, let’s take a look at the details.
Opinel No 6 Review Details
Although simple, the Opinel No 6 review shows some admirable features:
- The wooden handle is made of Beechwood
- The blade is made of carbon steel, although there is a stainless steel alternative
- The blade length is 2 14/16”
- Features a folding mechanism where the blade is encased in the wooden handle
- The spine of the tool offers a sharp grind
- In order to keep the blade in place when opened, there is a stainless steel Virobloc rotating locking ring
- When closed, the knife length is 3 5/8” and when opened, the length is 6 1/2”
- The weight measures in at .5 lbs. (8 ounces)
| Knife: | Opinel No 6 |
| Steel: | XC90 Carbon Steel |
| Handle: | Beechwood |
| Blade Length: | 2 14/16” |
| Weight: | .5 lbs (8 ounces) |
| Total Length: | 6 1/2” |
| Locking Mechanism: | Stainless Steel Virobloc |
| Type: | Multi purpose folding knife |
The BIGGEST highlights with the No. 6 are its handle, blade, and the Virobloc rotating locking ring.
The wooden handle presents an ergonomic design and while somewhat bulky, it is lightweight and can still be easily carried around.
The carbon steel blade is slim and offers a sharp grind when closed, allowing the user to spark ferrocerium rods.
Lastly, the Virobloc locking ring, not found on smaller options from the brand, is a great feature for safety and functionality.
Let’s see how these highlights give the Opinel No. 6 advantages over its competition.
Opinel No 6 Review Advantages
As a moderately sized knife, the Opinel No 6 has to forego certain valuable characteristics of large and small knives, however; it melds important features of both, making it a worthwhile tool to have:
- Sharpness: With a slim, carbon steel blade, the Opinel No. 6 review reveals manifestation of pure sharpness. This knife should be able to cut through just about anything, given that the object is not too dense. The blade holds its edge for a decent length of time.
- Regrinding: As is the case with most carbon steel blades, regrinding is a breeze. This truth is very present in the No. 6. The design of the blade also helps with the regrinding process.
- Portability: While some complain that the awkward, or bulky, handle of the tool makes every day carrying a hassle, this is simply not the case. Easily fitting in a coin pouch or jean pockets, this lightweight knife has no problem going anywhere. The same is true if going backpacking or camping; the lightweight design prevents any hassles.
- Safety: Since this knife is just large enough by Opinel’s standards to allow for the rotating locking ring, this knife’s quality of safety skyrockets. It can be used to prevent the knife from unfolding or collapsing, helping users avoid accidental injury.
A compromise between large and small knives, the Opinel No 6 proves itself to be a valuable asset for any type of use. With a great blade, a unique design, and a beautiful, classic wooden handle, this French brand offers a great service to any user. However, it does not come without legitimate flaws.
Now let’s see why the Opinel No 6 review shows it’s downfalls.
Flaws
While some of these problems stem from purely natural causes, other existing issues only complicate the matter:
- Rusts Easily: Rust is an expected factor when dealing with carbon steel blades. However, this knife seems to have more of a problem with it than several other carbon blade knives. While some oil can help to clean off the rust and inhibit it from returning, it will be a perpetual factor users will have to deal with during the life of the tool.
- The Blade is Not Durable: Most thin blades lack durability and such is the case with the No. 6. As a smaller knife, users will need to be careful not to employ this knife in dangerous applications. The knife will have to be used for simple tasks because of the folding feature and the thinness of the blade.
- Wooden Handle is Susceptible to Moisture: Wood swells when coming into contact with moisture. As a result in regards to this knife, it prevents the blade from unfolding or collapsing. This can make using the knife dangerous. It is recommended to coat the knife with a finish that should prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
- The Blade is Difficult to Open: Without the influence of moisture in the wood, several No. 6 knives have been reported as difficult to open. Again, this becomes a safety hazard to all users. Loosening the folding mechanism may help, but doing so can also be dangerous and could potentially harm the knife’s functionality. It is also slow to open and close, mainly because of the locking mechanism, decreasing its overall functionality.
These flaws should be taken seriously and users may find it helpful to seek out remedies. Nevertheless, the knife still has plenty of functionality and several applications for usage.
Let’s take a look at how the Opinel No 6 can be of service to you.
Usage
The No. 6 is meant for everyday usage. In the home, it can be a perfect letter opener or box cutter. Small enough to be used in pocket tool applications, yet large enough to take on slightly more intense tasks, this tool has a wide range of uses.
In fact, it is even used for dining by some people.
It can also be used for woodcarving and outdoor usage.
When camping, using the sharp spine of the tool can help you get a fire going by sparking flint or ferrocerium rods. It can also be used to open just about anything, but users should not employ in heavy duty uses, such as batoning wood.
Overall, although it should not be used for intense tasks, this product possesses a wide range of common usages.
So what is the real value of the No. 6? Let’s discuss it.
Value
The Opinel No 6 review shines light on the unique tool that has an overall love-hate relationship with most people. While users may disagree on its portability and safety, the No. 6 is superior to several other brands in its class. As for its rusting and moisture susceptible handle issues, these can be remedied with proper care.
As one of the least expensive models for its size, the No. 6 is a bargain purchase. With a razor sharp carbon steel blade, good portability, reasonable safety, and a beautiful classic, ergonomic design, this everyday tool has worth to it. The handle is comfortable to handle and allows for greater control while using the knife, also bolstering its safety rating.
Now are there superior knives to the No. 6 in this size class?
Yes, there are.
With that being said, someone looking for a multipurpose tool that is beautiful, simple, and classically designed, will not find much better than this knife. Allowing for everyday use while feeling comfortable and looking great, the No. 6 is a nice tool to add to a collection.
I’ve carried one opinel or another for 15 years. The carbon steel versions have not rusted even in a sweaty pocket nor has the wooden handle swollen. The stainless steel is so good that carbon steel is not necessary. They sharpen easily and hold an edge almost indefinitely.
Difficulty opening can be resolved by spreading the inner ring.
I’ve broken the tip on one #6 with heavy misuse on wood. I now routinely drop the point on all my opinels as the thin recurve clip they come with is not robust.
Despite commentary to the contrary, opinel folding knives should not be used on food or cleaning game or fish. They cannot be sanitized and the wooden grove and lock ring can retain whatever you cut. This is true of any folding knife.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with our other readers here. 15 years is certainly quite alot of experience with Opinel.
Excellent advice on the food or cleaning game or fish. Yes, I concede this is a very astute point regarding the mechanism and wood retaining whatever is cut. I’m wondering, do you think the knife could be sanitized by another method if the user (say me), made this mistake and used it on fish or game? Would an alcohol and/or mineral spirits short soak or wash undo the error followed by complete drying in perhaps rice to soak up additional moisture?
Any advice is appreciated from less experienced users like myself that are still building their knowledge.