We get it! Choosing the right knife can be a tedious task. So many choices and so many price points... At Opinel, we like to keep things simple so that you can pick the best knife in total confidence!
We put together this guide to share basic knowledge and tips on how to choose your new favorite kitchen knives.
Anatomy of a Knife
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Opinel Selection
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Opinel offers 3 collections of chef knives for 3 levels of users.
We recommend to make your decision based on your knife skills, aesthetic preference and budget.
But wait, which one are you?
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Collection | Parallele | Intempora | Les Forgés 1890 |
User Profile | Home Cook | Home Chef | Skilled Chef |
Image (Chef knife) |
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Stainless Steel | X50CrMoV15 | Sandvik® 12C27M | X50CrMoV15 |
100% Forged Blade | | | |
Full tang (balance) | Half-Tang | | |
Blade Hardness | 56-57 HRC | 56-57 HRC | 56-57 HRC |
Dimpled Blade Santoku | | | |
Handle Material | Varnished Beechwood | Poly-Reinforced Fiberglass | Stabilized Beechwood |
Rivetless Handle | | | |
V-Grip (sustained comfort) | | | |
Lifetime Limited Warranty | | | |
Price | $15 - 49 | $39 - 79 | $89 - 179 |
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The right tool for the right task
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Versatile Knives
Santoku Knife
Easily cut fatty ingredients like salmon and butter, slices won't stick to it's dimpled blade, making cutting more rapid. (Dimpled Santoku is only available in Intempora and Les Forges)
6" Chef Knife
Every bit as worthy as its 8" older brother. A 6" chefs knife makes quick work of any kitchen task. A great tool for home chefs with limited knife skills.
8" Chef Knife
A daily driver for any chef in the kitchen. Use it to chop, cut, slice and mince. Chef knives are great because they can be used just about anywhere in the kitchen. It's only weakness is a tough-crust loaf of bread.
Paring Knife
Short and pointed for delicate, precision cutting. Peel vegetables, garnish dishes and trim just about any ingredient in the kitchen. You know that small knife you see chefs pull out on TV? Yep, it's a paring knife!
Carving Knife
A straight blade for cutting roasts and poultry. The long slender profile makes it a kitchen workhorse that's great for just about any task except chopping.
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Specialized Knives
Fillet Knife
For filleting fish and cutting thin slices, the flexible blade makes quick work of any fish.
Bread Knife
Serrated and curved to make cutting easier. For slicing all sorts of bread, cutting through tough rinds. It even makes a great watermelon and pineapple knife.
Boning Knife
Pointed and rigid, a boning knife makes cutting pesky sinew off meat a breeze. The hand guard lets you use it like a dagger to quickly remove bones and ligaments from your butchering tasks.
Carpaccio Knife
A highly specialized knife. Carpaccio knives feature long, flexible blades which are great for cutting extremely thin slices of meat and fish with a sweeping motion. (Only available in Parallele)
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Quick Tips
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Knife Sharpening 101