Throughout our history, Opinel has released commemorative, original knives for certain sporting events and historic or special occasions, that are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.
In 1986 a centenary knife celebrating the construction of Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty in New York was created for the American market. During the same period, Opinel made a series of exclusive knives that ran from 1986 to 1992 to commemorate the Albertville Winter Olympics.
In 1989, to celebrate the bicentennial of the French Revolution, Opinel's hand-crafted handle featured the historic liberty cap.
In 1992, the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas was commemorated by a luxury edition knife available in several languages.
A very special, numbered edition was released to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings of 1944, as well as the centenary of the invention of cinema by the Lumière brothers.
Also in the 90s, the artists Ben and Hervé di Rosa came up with their version of the Opinel No.08 knife.
In 1989, to celebrate the bicentennial of the French Revolution, OPINEL's hand-crafted hafts featured the historic liberty cap.
In 1992, the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' discovery of America was commemorated by a luxury edition knife available in several languages. A very special, numbered edition was released to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings of 1944, as well as the centenary of the invention of cinema by the Lumière brothers.
Also in the 90s, the artists Ben and Hervé di Rosa came up with their version of the Opinel No.08 knife.
Olympic Games Albertville 1992
When the Winter Olympics were held in Albertville in 1992, it was only natural that the Savoyard brand would offer a knife in a white and red lacquer livery marked with the Olympic flame and the inscription "Albertville 92".
Who could have predicted the success of James Jebbia's little store at the corner of Lafayette and Prince Streets in New York?
And above all, who would have believed that one day, the streetwear world would partner with the brand with the crowned hand? This collaboration, initiated by Supreme NYC, symbolizes the modernity and recognition of our knives as fashion products with timeless style and iconic design.
In 2015, to celebrate the brand's 125 years, Opinel launched a creative competition to customize the Opinel handle.
Illustrator Mathieu Gazaix won the contest with his design made with a blue ballpoint pen, in reference to the brand's mountain origins and its simplicity. 12,500 copies of the knife were produced, and the decoration on the handle was done via the sublimation technique.
In 1989 for the celebration of the Bicentennial of the French Revolution, the handle of the hand-carved Opinel knife was adorned with the historic Phrygian cap.
The partnership with the "Art By Friends" collective has resulted in a limited edition of three knives entitled "Edition France 2017!"
Jeremyville, Ale Giorgini and Rylsee, three artists living respectively in the United States, Italy, and Germany produced their vision of France by covering the iconic No. 08 knife with their illustrations.
Founded in 1961, the House of Saint Laurent is one of the most prestigious haute couture houses in the world.
The partnership between Opinel and the House of Saint Laurent has given birth to a knife worthy of the prestige and tradition defended by our two brands.
Unique and refined, a black blade, black ferrule and handle covered with high quality leather, these knives are unique pieces.
Opinel has always had the outdoor world in its DNA.
So it is quite natural that a capsule collection was born, created in collaboration with PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING, a French brand of outdoor textiles made from plastic or other recycled fabrics.
This collaboration was born from our common passion for design and functional, durable objects.
Opinel has always played a role in the history of major sporting events.
In 2016, the brand dove into the world of sailing by creating an exclusive Vendée Globe collection in honor of the legendary race and extraordinary human adventure. It's a world in which the knife fits perfectly, as it's the indispensable companion to competitors.
Six knives were offered: a red N°08, a blue N°08, an Outdoor N°08, a red My First Opinel knife, a blue My First Opinel knife and a Vendée Globe oyster knife.
Le Coq Sportif is an iconic French sports brand which has been worn by France's great sportsmen such as Yannick Noah or the Association Sportive de Saint-Étienne.
In 2017, we were honored by their offer to collaborate - a beautiful tribute to the Opinel brand through a pair of Turbostyle shoes designed and conceived in reference to our values and history...a nod to our mountain origins, to wood and to France.
Made in France, the shoes were available in adult sizes (300 pairs) and child sizes (100 pairs) and delivered in an engraved beechwood box with a branded knife and a red cord.
Ben, whose real name is Benjamin Vautier, born on July 18, 1935 in Naples, is a French artist of Swiss origin.
He acquired a certain notoriety in the public since the end of the 1960’s, in particular through his "writings", declined under various forms. Belonging to the artistic avant-garde - more precisely - post-modern, Ben belongs to the group Fluxus and is close to the Lettrism. He is an artist known for his performances, installations and writings.
TOPO DESIGNS is a young American brand of bags and textiles, manufacturing its products in Colorado.
Very impressed with their creations, we wanted to develop a product in collaboration with them which combined both our areas of expertise.
The timelessness of the N°08 pocket knife is transformed by the modernity of its case and by the graphic customization of the handle with a red sublimation band, a cord and an anthracite blade.
500 numbered copies were produced and sold exclusively in the United States.