We love our Opinel retailers! Learn about their business, how they discovered Opinel, why they brought Opinel into their store. They even share some local tips! This month's feature is Flagstaff, AZ-based Peace Outfitters (formerly Peace Surplus) with hardgoods buyer, Cooper.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Peace’s legacy as a long time, Arizona local business, began in Tucson in 1973 as a military surplus store. A move to Flagstaff in 1976 felt like home, and Peace grew into the fully stocked outdoor gear outfitter that serves our community today. From the casual hiker, to seasoned backcountry adventurer, we’ve got something for everyone. As we like to say at Peace, “if it’s outdoors, it's us!”
How would you describe your store?
Peace is proud to offer our customers a full selection of outdoor apparel and equipment from the fledgling outdoors-person, to the diehard adventurer. At peace we love to get people outdoors. Our extensive rental program enables folks to borrow a wide array of gear ranging from backpacking packs and stoves to full downhill skis and snowboards. Our retail side offers quality apparel and equipment from the industry’s leading brands in design, durability, and sustainability.
Why did you choose to carry Opinel?
Here at Peace, roots are important to us. Opinel exemplifies the idea of being true to one's roots, providing generations of craftsmen and adventurers with quality and thoughtfully crafted tools.
What do your customers like most about Opinel?
Customers love the time tested simplicity and reliability of Opinel’s design. Whether brought back to the simplicity of their first knife or drawn by the elegance of its timeless profile, Opinel seems to feel familiar, no matter who picks it up.
Do you have a favorite Opinel knife or tool?
We love the Opinel mushroom knife. Flagstaff is a community of gardeners, growers, and gatherers and the mushroom is the perfect tool for those who like to get their hands dirty.
Do you or your employees have a favorite memory with an Opinel?
| "My dad gave me this Opinel No. 8 in the 1980’s when I was in my 20’s. He and my mom must have gotten it when on a trip to France. Dad loved to cook and knew the value of really good knives. I have loved it since. It has been a great tool for picnics over the years. And now that my Dad is no longer alive, it is a really nice memento of his love. While working at Peace Outfitters I met folks from Opinel and learned about the history of the No 8. I will treasure mine even more now." — Ann Philbrick, staff member, Flagstaff, AZ |
What is your favorite thing to do in your city/town?
Flagstaff is a hub for adventure of many kinds. Nestled at the base of the San Francisco peaks, Flagstaff offers easy access to hundreds of miles of beautiful ponderosa pine forest. Flagstaff is a bustling community of mountain bikers, rock climbers, skiers, hikers, and folks who just plain like to be outside. No matter your speed, there’s something outside for you.
Peace Outfitters
14 Historic Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Opinel & Peace Outfitters at Overland Expo, 2023
Most recently, the Opinel USA team partnered with Peace Outfitters while in Flagstaff for Overland Expo West 2023. We prepared some mocktails with the help of the Nomad Kit and had a great time meeting local customers and sharing Opinel stories.
Experience our knives at your local shops! With over 1,000 retailers in the US, there is most certainly one near you! Check out the Store Locator. Not finding a local retailer? We'd love to hear where you think we should be found! email retail@opinel-usa.com
Find all our retailers features here.
