Jdee
04-05-2007, 03:33
I have been reviewing 4 Opinels #8’s concurrently. The knives are:
• VRN8 Traditional in Carbon Steel;
• VRI8 Traditional in Stainless Steel;
• #8 Drop Point in Carbon Steel; &
• #8 Garden Drop Point in Stainless Steel http://www.opinel.com/images/prestations/A-OPINEL-133080-0002.jpg .
I have been told that the Carbon Drop Point has been discontinued in favour of the Stainless Steel version which is a pity as it has been quite popular even amongst hunters. Despite these knives all being similar there are quite marked differences when it comes to blades and their profiles. Everyone would be familiar with the traditional blade in carbon steel with its lack or near lack of a secondary edge – it is almost convex in its profile. The Drop Point # 8 is obviously dissimilar it its profile as the blade is thicker, it has a noticeable secondary edge and the blade has a thicker profile in that it is thicker behind the edge than the traditional – it is also has a thicker taper to the point. The Stainless Steel version of the traditional pattern is near a carbon (pun intended) copy of the carbon steel version but the new Garden Knife Drop Point #8 in Stainless Steel is a different kettle of fish in that whilst it again has the thicker blade stock and thicker taper to the point it is nearly sans the secondary edge although like the Carbon version it too is thicker behind the edge but not as thick. The other big difference is the handle shape and whilst it takes some getting used to it is comfortable and attractive with the Oak wood.
All knives have the ring lock (virobloc) feature which allows you to lock the blade when open or closed. Whilst I haven’t collated all the tests at this time it is obvious that the Traditional #8 in Carbon Steel comes out on top with the other 3 vying for 2nd place. The 2 stainless versions are better slicers but the Carbon Drop Point has it over them in edge retention. The Drop Points have an advantage in carving (spoons and bowls) and also drilling holes which of course would not be unexpected whilst the Traditional models, at least in my hands, proved the better skinners on small game like rabbits. The Carbon Steel blades are quick to stain and rust if not looked after although they do quickly develop a nice patina. One thing I did notice was that the Traditional Stainless blade had a very dull finish and actually needed to be polished up to be able to cut leather whilst the Garden Knife has a polished, or should I say more polished as it is not a high polish, blade.
Having carried these Opinels around for a while I have come to the view that they must be the best value for money knives on the market. Whilst their edge retention may not be up to the S30V in my UK Penknife or the D2 in my Queens they are certainly better than anything in their price range and I’d venture to say in double their price range.
• VRN8 Traditional in Carbon Steel;
• VRI8 Traditional in Stainless Steel;
• #8 Drop Point in Carbon Steel; &
• #8 Garden Drop Point in Stainless Steel http://www.opinel.com/images/prestations/A-OPINEL-133080-0002.jpg .
I have been told that the Carbon Drop Point has been discontinued in favour of the Stainless Steel version which is a pity as it has been quite popular even amongst hunters. Despite these knives all being similar there are quite marked differences when it comes to blades and their profiles. Everyone would be familiar with the traditional blade in carbon steel with its lack or near lack of a secondary edge – it is almost convex in its profile. The Drop Point # 8 is obviously dissimilar it its profile as the blade is thicker, it has a noticeable secondary edge and the blade has a thicker profile in that it is thicker behind the edge than the traditional – it is also has a thicker taper to the point. The Stainless Steel version of the traditional pattern is near a carbon (pun intended) copy of the carbon steel version but the new Garden Knife Drop Point #8 in Stainless Steel is a different kettle of fish in that whilst it again has the thicker blade stock and thicker taper to the point it is nearly sans the secondary edge although like the Carbon version it too is thicker behind the edge but not as thick. The other big difference is the handle shape and whilst it takes some getting used to it is comfortable and attractive with the Oak wood.
All knives have the ring lock (virobloc) feature which allows you to lock the blade when open or closed. Whilst I haven’t collated all the tests at this time it is obvious that the Traditional #8 in Carbon Steel comes out on top with the other 3 vying for 2nd place. The 2 stainless versions are better slicers but the Carbon Drop Point has it over them in edge retention. The Drop Points have an advantage in carving (spoons and bowls) and also drilling holes which of course would not be unexpected whilst the Traditional models, at least in my hands, proved the better skinners on small game like rabbits. The Carbon Steel blades are quick to stain and rust if not looked after although they do quickly develop a nice patina. One thing I did notice was that the Traditional Stainless blade had a very dull finish and actually needed to be polished up to be able to cut leather whilst the Garden Knife has a polished, or should I say more polished as it is not a high polish, blade.
Having carried these Opinels around for a while I have come to the view that they must be the best value for money knives on the market. Whilst their edge retention may not be up to the S30V in my UK Penknife or the D2 in my Queens they are certainly better than anything in their price range and I’d venture to say in double their price range.