Opinel No. 8 Pocket Knife Evaluation

Bottom Line

The Opinel No. 8 is an affordable pocket knife with a classy aesthetic. It has a lightweight beechwood handle and an efficient blade. There isn’t much wrong with this knife, and it is hard to beat for the price. It’s designed for everyday tasks like slicing fruits or preparing meals at camp. While it is a sweet and simple tool, the manual opening can be slow, and the blade needs more frequent honing to maintain a usable edge. 

With a good balance of quality and affordability, the Opinel No. 8 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable pocket knife. For more recommendations, explore our guide to the best pocket knives to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Build Quality

The Opinel No. 8 is a simple knife made from five components—a blade, handle, hinge pin, and two metal collars for the Virobloc locking mechanism. It showcases a simple yet effective design. The wooden handle, while lightweight, offers a classic appeal, and while it is strong, the wooden material is more susceptible to degradation due to moisture. Even under varying pressure and prolonged cutting, we observed minimal wear and no signs of structural failure, which is good for lifespan and durability. Overall, the build of this knife is sturdy and, if well-maintained, can be a trusty EDC or outdoor adventure sidekick.

Blade Retention & Stability

The stainless steel blade has a thin and narrow profile that excels at slicing, especially softer things like foods. However, while the blade holds its edge well, it requires more frequent honing than higher-end, often more expensive models. The blade showed minimal wobble when applying pressure, indicating solid stability and construction. For casual users, its performance in typical cutting and slicing situations outweighs its limitations.

Ergonomics & Grip

The Opinel No. 8 looks good and provides a comfortable and secure grip. Its balance feels right during cutting tasks, regardless of the grip used. However, the design requires two hands for opening and locking, which is less convenient than modern one-handed options. 

The handle and knife may be small for users with larger hands, and because of that, fatigue while in use could be more prevalent. Despite this, the knife’s handle design promotes a secure grip, preventing slipping, even though it is a simple wooden design. Opinel is available in other sizes, but No. 8 is among the most popular because of its portable and versatile size.

Corrosion Resistance

Opinel No. 8’s corrosion resistance is commendable, especially because it lacks a coating and a wooden handle. While the stainless steel blade holds up better, the handle shows some moisture susceptibility. As a budget knife, this is a surprisingly durable tool as long as you clean and dry it after moisture exposure or cutting items like food. The knife’s manual collar lock and grooves can catch and hold onto debris and moisture, so let it dry thoroughly before storing and closing the knife to avoid rust or degradation.

Locking Mechanism

The Virobloc locking mechanism of the Opinel No. 8 is simple and effective. The rotating steel collar securely holds the blade, preventing accidental closure during use. The lock does require two hands to open and close, which can be more cumbersome than more “modern” knife designs. The grooves and features of that knife lock can be intricate to clean out, so take the time to clean it well after use (mainly if used to cut food in camp). The locking mechanism is much different than you’d typically see with a pocket knife, but it does the job.

Weight

The Opinel No. 8 weighs just 1.5 ounces, making it one of the lightest options in its class. The lightweight design allows for easy transport, but the round shape makes it more bulky and less comfortable to carry in your pocket. There also isn’t a pocket clip, which is honestly kind of annoying and makes it easier to lose. The knife is still very portable, and the weight and smooth wooden handle make it comfortable to carry in your pocket.

Should You Buy the Opinel No. 8?

The Opinel No. 8 is perfect for those seeking a budget pocket knife that doesn’t completely suck. It works well enough for simple tasks like food preparation, gardening, or light outdoor activities. Its lightweight, compact design and classic aesthetic fit into any backpack or kitchen drawer.

If you want a knife that will last longer, perform under higher stress, or can be opened with one hand, the Opinel No. 8 may not be the best fit. Despite its limitations, it delivers a decent value, especially compared to other budget knives. For many readers, this knife will meet all their camping needs, making it a worthy investment for those who appreciate simplicity in a pocket knife.

What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider?

Kershaw Leek Review: The Kershaw Leek is an excellent alternative if you desire a knife with a more modern design and enhanced functionality. It is highly portable and features a one-handed assisted opening mechanism, an improvement from the Opinel No. 8’s two-handed opening mechanism and lack of a pocket clip. It may not have the wooden aesthetic of the Opinel, but it has superior safety features and a more portable design.

Benchmade Bugout 535 Review: The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking an ultralight knife. Weighing just 1.9 ounces, it is highly portable and perfect for backpackers. The drop-point blade has improved edge retention, and the textured handle has better grip control than the Opinel. Although it comes at a higher price point, its lightweight and functional design makes it perfect for anyone who prioritizes minimalism and efficiency.

Spyderco Para Military 2 Review: If you’re looking for a premium pocket knife with impressive functionality, consider the Spyderco Para Military 2. It is designed for more demanding projects and has a highly durable blade and a more ergonomic handle. It’s heavier, bulkier, and far more expensive than the Opinel, but it offers a better-performing blade and a versatile four-position pocket clip.