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For over 130 years Opinel has been crafting knives and tools in the heart of the French Alps. Much like Joseph Opinel did from his workshop in 1890, today we still manufacture Opinel products from our factory in Chambery, France.
When Joseph Opinel designed his first pocket knife in 1890, the French blacksmith created a tool that was robust, simple, and beautiful. Crafted in the Alps from local materials, that knife would go on to become a design icon, passed down by generations of artists, explorers, farmers, and adventurers.
We use Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. It is anti-corrosive thanks to the addition of chrome and requires no special maintenance. Carbon content of at least 0.40% provides an excellent cutting edge and is easily sharpened.
Our selection of wood is very precise and meets strict standards for social responsibility and the environment. We select beech, hornbeam, walnut, and ash wood, among other varieties, from ecologically managed French woodlands in the Alpine region and Jura mountains.
Our patented locking mechanism developed in 1955 keeps the blade securely opened, or closed. To lock your knife, simply twist the locking ring clockwise into the closed position during transport, turn the locking ring counterclockwise to prevent the blade from folding during use.
In 1565, King of France Charles IX commanded every knife maker to stamp an emblem on their products to guarantee their origin and quality. In 1909, in order to honor this tradition, Joseph Opinel chose the Crowned Hand as his emblem, a very symbolic choice, as it represents the blessing hand of Saint Jean-Baptiste which is featured on the coat of arms of the city of Sant-Jean-de-Maurienne. Opinel added the crown as a reminder that Savoie was originally a duchy. All Opinel blades since have been stamped with the Crowned Hand.
Little has changed since 1890. Rooted in history and a commitment to craftsmanship, we're still following in Joseph Opinel's footsteps nearly 130 years later. From our home in the Alps, we make tools designed to stand the test of time. We value the quaility of our knives and tools, and offer a limited lifetime warranty for all Opinel products. In the event of a manufacturer's defect or workmanship, Opinel will exchange the products affected.
