Made in France: The Story Behind Opinel Knife Sheaths 

"Manufacturing in France means being close to the people who make our products, choosing quality at every step, and creating responsibly for the future."

— Inspired by Xavier Legris de Maistre, founder of Savoie Couture Industrielle 

When you invest in an Opinel knife, you're choosing a tool that's built to last for years—often generations. The right sheath helps protect that investment, keeping your knife safe, secure, and always ready for your next adventure.

But our Made in France sheaths are more than practical accessories. They represent a shared commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and local manufacturing that has brought together two neighboring companies with the same vision: creating durable products while preserving the people and traditions behind them.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Since 2011, Opinel has partnered with Xavier Legris de Maistre, founder of Savoie Couture Industrielle, to design and manufacture premium sheaths for Opinel knives.

Located in the Maurienne Valley in the French Alps, just a short distance from the Opinel factory in Chambéry, Savoie Couture Industrielle specializes in technical sewing and precision textile manufacturing. Like Opinel, it's a family-minded company rooted in its local community, where craftsmanship, quality, and long-term relationships matter just as much as the finished product.

Over the years, this partnership has grown from a supplier relationship into a collaboration built on trust, shared values, and a passion for making products that stand the test of time.

Bringing Manufacturing Back Home

At a time when many companies moved production overseas to reduce costs, Xavier made a different choice.

After years of manufacturing in China, he decided to relocate production back to France. His goal wasn't simply to change locations—it was to create higher-quality products, work more closely with his team and partners, support local expertise, and manufacture in a way that respects both people and materials.

For Opinel, whose knives have been crafted in the Savoie region for more than 130 years, partnering with a nearby manufacturer was a natural fit. Today, many Opinel knives and their matching sheaths are made within the same region, reducing transportation while helping preserve valuable local know-how.

A Workshop Where People Come First

A few months ago, our Opinel USA team had the opportunity to visit the workshop where these sheaths are made. Walking through the facility, one thing stood out immediately: it didn't feel like a large manufacturing plant. It felt like a close-knit workshop.

Many of the people crafting the sheaths have spent years honing their skills. Men and women from the surrounding communities work side by side, carrying forward the region's long tradition of textile craftsmanship. There was a genuine sense of pride in the work, and it was inspiring to watch.

What impressed us most was the combination of craftsmanship and efficiency. Every workstation was carefully organized, every movement deliberate, and every step of the process flowed seamlessly into the next. Thanks to decades of expertise and an exceptionally well-orchestrated workflow, the team can produce up to 1,000 sheaths a day—without compromising the quality that defines every finished product.

Watching the team work made one thing clear: exceptional craftsmanship isn't about slowing down. It's about experience, precision, and people who know their craft so well that quality becomes second nature.

Thoughtfully Chosen Materials

The same care that goes into manufacturing also guides the choice of materials.

Several of our Made in France sheaths incorporate recycled or responsibly sourced materials that are designed to be durable while reducing environmental impact.

Depending on the model, you'll find:

• Recycled felt made from post-consumer PET plastic bottles.

• Reclaimed leather created from recycled leather fibers and natural latex.

• Premium leather sourced from carefully selected European tanneries.

These materials are chosen not only for their sustainability but also for their durability, ensuring every sheath is made to accompany your Opinel knife for years to come.

Designed to Protect What Matters

A sheath does much more than protect a blade.

It keeps your knife secure while traveling, protects your pocket or backpack, and ensures your favorite Opinel is always close at hand—whether you're hiking a mountain trail, working in the garden, or heading out for a weekend camping trip.

Available in a variety of sizes and materials, our Made in France sheaths are designed to fit many of Opinel's most popular folding knives while reflecting the same timeless simplicity that defines the knives themselves.

Craftsmanship That Lasts

Both Opinel and Savoie Couture Industrielle believe that great products begin with great people.

By choosing local manufacturing, investing in skilled craftsmanship, and selecting durable materials, they've built more than a collection of knife sheaths. They've built a partnership rooted in trust, responsibility, and a shared commitment to making products that are meant to be used—not replaced.

When you carry an Opinel knife in one of our Made in France sheaths, you're carrying the work of two neighboring workshops in the French Alps, united by a belief that quality is built by hand, shaped by experience, and made to last.

Made in France Sheaths Collection