Opinel Folding Knife - Carbon Blade - Pruning n°7

A classic French knife, the N°07, is a true symbol of the brand, invented by Joseph Opinel over 130 years ago. The 8 cm (3in) carbon steel blade ensures excellent cutting and high resistance to corrosion. Its varnished beechwood handle provides a secure and comfortable grip. A safety ring allows the blade to be locked in the open and closed positions. 

Opinel carbon steel is a non-alloy steel with a high carbon content, which, after heat treatment, ensures excellent hardness, sharpness retention, wear resistance, and easy sharpening. However, carbon steel has low resistance to corrosion from moisture, so it requires precautions: do not leave your knife in damp environments, especially in the dishwasher; wipe the blade with a greasy cloth after use and lubricate it and its joint regularly.

To use this Opinel, turn the collar to release and unfold the blade, then put the collar back to keep the blade in the open position. You can then perform all your small gardening tasks such as pruning perennials and small bushes, preparing cuttings, and harvesting fruits and flowers. It is ideal for camping and picnics, but will also accompany you in your daily life.

In 1985, the Victoria and Albert Museum ranked Opinel among the top 100 designs, and it is exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It is one of the most famous French knives, created in 1890 by Joseph Opinel at the age of 18, and its success has never waned since. By 1897, the range was complete with 12 sizes. The brand's logo, the "crowned hand," was registered in 1909.

Opinel's modified Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel is renowned for its sharpness and ease of maintenance. This martensitic stainless steel can undergo heat treatment, which gives it good hardness. It has a carbon content of at least 0.40%, allowing for a very satisfactory sharpness without being susceptible to corrosion. The blade hardness is 57-58 HRC. The traditional Opinel blade is called a Yatagan blade, inspired by a Turkish saber with a raised point. The blade is ground with an exclusive curved profile that ensures blade robustness and efficient sharpening.

Beechwood is the most commonly used wood for Opinel handles. Sourced from French forests, it is hard, durable, and easy to work with. With a homogeneous appearance, its light color ranges from yellow to pink. It is recognizable by the presence of numerous small dark lines. The handle is varnished for better protection against moisture and dirt.

Invented in 1955 by Marcel Opinel, the Virobloc safety ring is present on all folding knives from N°06 onwards. Made of stainless steel, the Virobloc consists of two parts: a fixed part and a sliding part. In addition to locking the blade in the open position (for safety during use), it is now possible to lock the blade in the closed position (for safety during transport).