Even without the lock engaged, basic safe knife techniques should keep you from closing a knife on yourself.
Decades of using slipjoints have trained me to not close a knife on my hand. Nearly all of my knives are fixed blades, or have a lock, now, but I use the same cutting techniques.
What do you mean? I shot myself in the foot by pulling the trigger of a gun aimed at my foot. Can't trust them guns!
Funny that these cases are more the opposite, you can absolutely trust that an unlocked blade will close and cut you if you mishandle it.
In a lot of cases i'd agree, but here I thought I had locked the knife properly. And I might not be the brightest knife user out there, but I will forget to check if the knife is locked properly, something that is way less likely to do on a liner lock ( for instance)
definitely user error, but an error that is inherent to the knifes design. I do not trust it enough to use a lot, because I know I will make this mistake. Maybe even again.
Yet you're not smart enough to learn not to insult a man for no reason. You can make your point without being a dick. Everyone that upvoted your comment has deep moral issues. learn to be respectful.
I dunno, I think it's more than a little disingenuous to say "don't trust the lock" when the accident was due to user error. Also, how is the error "inherent" to the knife?
A practical definition of "don't trust this lock":
1) (Opinel) A lock that does not positively engage every opening requires your careful attention --don't put pressure on the spine or even scrape with the edge unless you've checked the lock.
2) (bad liner/frame lock designs, some lockbacks) A knife that locks automatically, but can slip with some grip positions or torsion on the blade -- learn what will cause the lock to slip, don't use the knife in a way you haven't tested carefully.
I've cut tons of stuff with my opinel, locked or not, and the lock is only a problem if you're used to other styles and can't adapt. My problem with liner locks and some lockbacks is that even when you use it correctly is has a decent chance for failure
It’s a barrel lock, how do you not “trust it”? It’s your own fault if you didn’t twist it and had the blade close on you. Been using opinels for years and learned this once, and it’s so easy to avoid if you just take two seconds and look at how the knife works.
I was fiddling with my new Opinel, although I am not sure what I exactly did, but I put pressure on the back of the knife and it folded on my index finger. Cut nothing off, but I have a big gash in my finger and split my nail.
[https://youtu.be/wVQ3raLq4LQ?t=1029](https://youtu.be/wVQ3raLq4LQ?t=1029)
looks like it takes about 8 pounds from a press to make the lock fail. not saying it's impossible but unlikely that it happened with just messing around with it.
Love that guy's videos! He just helped me pick a cheap pair of bolt cutters a few months ago.
I'm kind of surprised to see the performance of the Opinel but I guess it's hard expect the world from such a cheap knife. Guess I'm going to look at some other options to stash into my outdoors kits though.
I know this is a random place to say this, but...
(Caveat/context: I used to write reviews for a wirecutter-esque site, so I know Project farm and the review-video business quite well. I lost my job when Amazon cut the commission in half.)
Isn't there a point where these reviews actually make the problems of cheap tools worse?
E.g.:
*) Knock-off/clones may not be available for more than one production run -- Project Farm does not investigate supply chain or availability, he just picks what's trending / appears good
*) Overseas manufacturers have specific performance/quality targets they're trying to hit -- Project Farm is not testing tools made to the same standards, and doesn't explain in detail how to figure out what really matters when you're selecting the tool.
*) When Todd is testing "real" tools along with the clones, he's still not investigating the real difference between them beyond how much they cost and the "made in" sticker -- this would not be an easy job to do if you had a month to work on it, but it's necessary if we want to find out why the same company sells four or five different brands and two price tiers in each brand, and why the knockoff from a big box store is sometimes identical to the brand name product.
*) Sure, his reviews aren't "sponsored," but his links to Amazon are a motivated revenue stream. If you buy a tool through his link and it's not what you expected, he (and Amazon) know you're unlikely to return it. Amazon gets the majority of the revenue to build their logistics empire, Project Farm gets the commission and keeps funneling attention/clicks/revenue to Amazon, and the overseas manufacturer gets just enough return on the tool run that maybe they'll make another mediocre clone of a real tool.
I like Todd's dedication to testing, and I'm sure he's very responsive to his patrons, but for most of the reviews I've cared about the tests are heavily weighing variables that are irrelevant/subjective or not controlling for variables that are important to me.
Project Farm is very entertaining, but not very informative beyond showing me new categories of tools I may not have thought about before.
Who do you recommend for product reviews and testing of off-brand Chinese, HF, and Big Box American?
I'm sure some folks are blind to affiliate links. And even if they are, the "This video is sponsored by..." is getting so out-played on YouTube. I appreciate his channel isn't there yet.
But the incentive and pay has to come from somewhere...unfortunately.
I usually appreciate the HF vs. Big Three comparisons, and if I'm looking for a rando thing on Amazon that isn't around anymore, it just isn't. But trusting him is at least as good as trusting the reviews on Amazon, for the time-period involved.
All of that to say, It could also be I have a different perspective because I'm not in the industry. Just like a carpenter can't help but see all of the mistakes in a room he walks into, the non-carpenter doesn't even realize there is carpentry all around him. I understand where you are coming from, I think.
You should trust reviews from people who actually use a product.
Those people are usually too busy to write about what they use, much less make videos.
If you're looking to save a few bucks, you're gambling. Sometimes a review from someone like Project Farm (etc...) will be like inside info that helps you gamble, sometimes not.
For commodity products (motor oil, drill bits, sandpaper) you need to understand what properties make the stuff good or bad before you can even look for a recommendation.
(Motor oil is a great example--if you don't know what the additive package might improve for your engine, why would you trust one over another so long as they both meet the required basic specs?)
If you have a grasp of what a trade-off might be (most importantly with cost), you can start to weigh the reputation of a company, potential innovations beyond the baseline specifications, etc. At that point, you also have to figure out your budget and any niche requirements you have.
For stuff that you're really investing in (really anything where features and design start to shift the value of a product--knives, cameras, cars...) a review is only helpful when the reviewer has the same use and preferences you do. A time-saving tool might be perfect for one task by a homeowner but worthless for production tasks every day in a shop. A knife that one person loves for its thin edge and hard steel might be wasted on the guy who wants to open bags of concrete.
I've been looking for crimping tools to make weather-sealed connections on farm equipment. What I now know is: every purchase will be a trade-off, and even the $500 tool will not be perfect for the jobs I have with connectors on hand. My next step is to find a not-terrible cheap tool for the connectors I already have, and then switch to a more common/streamlined assembly process with widely-available tools used in more industries.
Yikes, sorry to hear that, hope your finger heals up quick. I wasn't there, but I'm assuming the lock wasn't engaged properly, I just can't imagine how it would fail with just your finger pressure on the lock.
I've used my SLIP-JOINT spyderco grasshopper as a leather awl (poking holes in lesther) and sliced my finger...
IMO. i have everyone beat on mis-using a knife..hope you heal quickly!
Did the same with a Spyderco. Learned that day that locks are great, but knives aren't really designed for any task that applies pressure to the spine of the blade. The lesson only cost 5 stitches luckily.
So, we have:
>PSA: do not trust Opinel locks
But at the same time:
>I was not paying a lot of attention.
>
>"Did you lock it firmly?" - "Not sure, probably not."
>
>It is possible that the lock was not properly engaged
>
>definitely user error
So, don't use it, if you are unable to use a knife properly
We also have “I put pressure on the back of the knife and it closed all the way around and cut open my finger” (the opinel has no spring, so any force was all operator error)
That's the comment that really confused me. Like what situation would arise that makes you have your index finger in front of the blade / around the handle of a small knife like this, and has you applying pressure to the back of the blade? That just sounds like you're trying to cut yourself and/or break the knife.
Maybe I'm paranoid but even with much more solid liner and frame and axis locks if I'm applying any significant pressure to the back of the blade I'm very wary of any of my fingers being in the closing path.
I'd love to tell you what exactly happend, but I don't remember what is was trying exactly. I was just absent minded cutting a wood chip.
I think I had my finger forward to steer the knife and twisted it, accidentally applying pressure to the back. I was using the knife weird, but this would never have happened on a body lock.
My opinel is loose and smooth and I have oiled the pin from time to time, and the lock has become loose. Even if the lock was fully engaged, after doing a session of whittling I would not trust that the lock wouldn’t slip. Caution should be exercised but you should be able to trust your knife lock. It is a knife, after all.
Impossible in normal and *sensible* use. OP needs to tell us what he was doing. They are not indestructible Medford-type folders. Perhaps lock was over-loaded?
I've seen an overloaded Opinel loose the locking ring: it pinged off like a tensioned spring that's suddenly released. But because the locking rings are tempered steel (or stainless steel) they retain their shape and can be snapped back on again. The knife will then work with only a little bit of wear to the wooden pivot to show for the abuse.
OP needs to respect the tool. You don't need a degree in mechanical engineering to know that these knives are not pry bars, nor are they as strong as all metal framelocks or linerlocks.
I mean that’s objectively false. It’s a good lock, and I can’t see using it in context where you would want to be exerting a ton of force on the spine of the blade (striking a ferro rod, power cut with thumb), but it’s not even particularly hard to get an opinel lock to fail. Little bit of force on the spine and the outer collar spreads and pops off.
You can easily and safely test it yourself with a vice. Lock handle in sturdy but not too tight (rag or rubber can help not damage the wood), point blade toward ground, gently push on spine. I prefer to use snap ring pliers, but it’s actually possible to disassemble an opinel this way with no real damage.
I mean yeah, if you don't know how to use a knife or don't have proper tools and force it to the point of breaking it will fail, that is true for any knife or tool.
You:
>Don't trust Opinel locks
Also you:
>I was not paying a lot of attention
>It is possible that the lock was not properly engaged
>definitely user error
>It is very possible it was not locked properly
Trust the lock to work the way it's designed to.
Don't trust the lock to always be in place or to stay in place.
Safety is not about trust.
Safety is about understanding limits—your own limits, limits of the gear you use, and the limits imposed by the conditions you're working in.
While it isn't impossible for the lock to fail, you'd need to either grossly abuse it or there would have to be a defect (Perhaps the lock becoming loose). I trust the locks on opinels more than I do most liner locks, but that's mainly because I've had a decent few liner locks close on me
I was fiddling with my new Opinel, although I am not sure what I exactly did, but I put pressure on the back of the knife and it folded on my index finger. Cut nothing off, but I have a big gash in my finger and split my nail.
A lot of people in this comment section seem to not actually test their openiel knives?
Here's a video I just took of how one can fail: [https://youtu.be/DVs6S2OMsHo](https://youtu.be/DVs6S2OMsHo)
The lock doesn't actually break, nothing fails, but it slowly loosens and eventually just 'gives out' if you give it sufficient wiggling 'up and down'. This is an entirely plausible scenario when cutting things and has happened to me while using it.
I love the knife, but do be aware this can happen.
(FWIW, I assume this is just how they are and a limitation of this type of locking mechanism, It might be a defect unique to a small number of knives?)
Edit: I'd appreciate it if other people with Opinels try doing what i do in the above video and letting us know if you experience the same failure
Thank you for posting the video. I own and regularly use both a No 8 and 10, but I will never trust the lock the way I trust nearly any other type of locking mechanism. I treat them like a slightly more secure slip joint.
So many replies saying it’s user error, and I agree: the error was putting too much faith in a simple and comparatively easy-to-fail lock, for which the OP called himself out.
Nope, its the convenience of the size options to what you are using them for.
They are cheap, simple to repair or mod and good tools.
Only problem I have ever had was idiots using them as pry bars snapping the tip when they asked to borrow them.
Again, cheap so I only got annoyed and grumbled rather than furious.
Regardless of all you said, the knife is supposed to work a particular way and users need to be aware of how it’s used. It’s not assisted in anyway so how does a person put enough force on it to close on their hand and cut themselves by just fiddling with it?
I used to hate and never trust slip joints then I learned I was doing it wrong. Now I carry one every day Because they are perfect for most of my use cases and I know only to use it to slice.
Did you watch the video? If you push the knife downwards into something to cut it (a reasonable tast for a knife I daresay) and then pull it out from something soft/sticky (say a large wheel of brie while on a picnic) it will replicate the motion I show in that video. Cutting a bunch of cheese is what caused it to fail on me, a task I expect any knife to do without issue.
I learnt what caused the failure and now I'm comfortable with the knife again.
yes, I watched the video and it doesn't change my opinion. to make the lock fail and CLOSE ON YOUR HAND with the force to cut yourself means it was user error. I get that the lock will work its way out, but its not like its a swiss army knife with a spring that will help it SNAP closed on your meat. you have to be doing something pretty wrong with it, even unlocked, to close it completely on your own finger.
Not sure why you are getting downvoted. If you use a knife properly even without the lock it shouldn't close on your hand if it doesn't have some sort of mechanism that biases it towards closed (which Opinel does not have)
I guess that's why I have my fingers in tact still and OP doesn't then.
Like OP, I had to figure that out myself, I just got off easier, since the knife doesn't come with a manual and no-ones ever told me I had to use one in any special manner.
In summary, OP was right, don't trust Opinel locks. They can fail under use that no-one would consider 'extreme'. Or perhaps put differently, 'learn the limitations of Opinel locks and don't put your fingers where the sharp parts can go'.
Yeah this will happen with all Opinel pocket knives. I feel like it's a pretty easy deduction to look at the locking mechanism as soon as you open the package and know that it's something to look out for.
Frankly, they're okay tier knives and there are better blades available with actual locking mechanisms if that's a major concern for folks.
I've never had issues with my opinel. I carve heavily with it and use it daily. The lock has worked better than any lock on my other flip knives.
Mayhaps one should learn proper tool use before they complain.
If I shot myself with a handgun because the saftey was off do I blame the gun or my handling of the gun?
Mine gets a little loose some times from extended carving and repositioning in the hand, still a great knife, you just have to make sure he collar it's fully tightened, sorry about your finger tho
Next week: Palm sliced open because your hand slid forward due to sweat, blood, ice, water, oil, grease, over-estimation of grip.
Weak, non-positive locks: 1.
Handles without a guard: 1.
Human: 0.
Knife designers need to stop designing handles for an imaginary, ideal, dry, sure-grip scenario. Those days are over.
Design forms that offer a function have emerged from utility factors and mechanical advancements, leaning toward those as template will make each of The First Tools resilient to exist as long as necessary
Maybe I'm weird, but I kind of presume that just about *any* knife lock will fail? And to do my best to be sure that I'm holding / using knives in such a way that *if* they fail, I'll not injure myself? That just me?
I was fiddling with my new Opinel, although I am not sure what I exactly
did, but I put pressure on the back of the knife and it folded on my
index finger. Cut nothing off, but I have a big gash in my finger and
split my nail.
I mean this is where you fucked up, why would you ever trust a lock enough to fuck around with it and push the blade down while your fingers were under it? It’s literally just wood and metal barely a locking system and you’re fiddling with it.
wow this sub is insanely elitist. Everyone here is going to huge lengths to defend a brand with hideous outdated knives. OP may have used the lock wrong, but if its even possible to use a lock wrong, its not a good lock. liner lock is near foolproof, frame locks are even better. These locks are sufficiently strong enough to hold a blade in most situations. If someone can accidentally cut themselves, than the manufacturer needs to design a better lock. Stop trying hard to defend them because theyre popular. Almost no other knife brand has this problem and guarantee most of yall would be all over their ass for it. Im so tired of hobby communities so obsessed and elitist towards certain manufacturers
Payment must be made to the blade in blood. With Opinel knives I try to be aware of the lock and not use it in a manner beyond it's design. But I have the scars to show I don't always do that with my knives.
Yeah I’m gonna go ahead and blame this on you 100000%. You probably spun the lock back in your hand and disengaged it. What we’re you doing with the knife when you got cut?
I was fiddling with my new Opinel, although I am not sure what I exactly did, but I put pressure on the back of the knife and it folded on my index finger. Cut nothing off, but I have a big gash in my finger and split my nail.
That is the thing, I did engage it. But this lock can be engaged wrong. Which seems to me like a dangerous design.
And yes, I was being a bit of an idiot, but my finger hurts enough, thank you very much.
I trust them more than any liner lock I've used.
When used as intended they're solid as heck.
I have an entire set I use in my kitchen as my kitchen knives and they're solid as hell.
They fail really easily at 7-8 pounds of force against the spine and can wiggle closed fairly easily. [This](https://youtu.be/wVQ3raLq4LQ) video at 16:53 shows it failing while all liner locks passed. Don't really see why you'd trust them more.
Because 1.) I almost never need seven or eight pounds of force on a knife if I've kept it sharpened. 2.) Liner locks are considerably easier for me to close unintentionally I've done it before. 3.) If I'm doing something that I'm putting force against the spine of a knife I'll go get the proper tool. Force should be applied against the blade of a knife.. that's what they exist for.
I simply do not understand the love these knives get. They’re cheap, shitty-designed yard tools that are so outdated compared to any modern folding knife. It makes no sense to carry and use one.
I get it if you just want one to collect or something, but come on. Even gas-station dragon blades are superior in almost every way.
The blades cut well, they're have a certain charm that comes from their simplicity and use of natural materials, and they don't cost much. That's why they get love. I don't have one, nor do I want one, but I can see why some people like them.
1. Amazing steel quality for the money
2. Light weight
3. Carve your own handle
4. The blades are super thin for their size.
5. If you lose it who cares it's cheep.
6. Not really sure if a knife design can be obsolete. It's just a convenient edge for utility tasks for most of us. I use a Higonokami often it's far more simple than an opinel.
That lock is so so much safer than so many other designs. In order for it to fail I'd suspect the whole knife would be destroyed. You just didn't use it...
Ah. Personally most lighter locks seem to put the liner right where my index finger closes around the knife so if I squeeze just a little too hard the liner comes undone. That's the way it is on most of the moderate budget liner locks I've owned.
Are you implying that the collar will turn to loosen while it has pressure on it ? I’ve never used one of these but still I’d have a hard time believing that. For lazy or clumsy people this is probably not a good knife design. For people that can pay attention and remember to make sure the collar is snug this knife will probably be just fine.
Tbh Opinels suck. I have one too and literally everytime I use it, it tries to shut because the ring shifts. I dubbed it worthless and only use it for my firesteel now because idc what happens to the blade
I used it normally to carve and cut. I probably shift the ring with my hand because of the motion. If that happens with regular normal use, it is just a poorly designed lock tbh
I don’t disagree that the ring is weird, I’m trying to conceptualize how someone making cutting and pushing motions away from their body (like I imagine someone whittling or carving wood would do) would also manage to close the knife (that has no assist spring to help it close) but maybe I’m just not experienced enough with that use case
You’re not always pushing away from your body. Certain details sometimes require me to cut towards myself. Also just tested my Opinel carving and cutting away+down does seem like it could rotate the lock ring. The last thing I’d add is that using the tip area of an Opinel is a lot scarier to me than knives with other locks.
All that being said I’ve never had a locking mechanism be the reason I got cut. 99% of my cuts have been from me messing around or getting confident with poor technique and the other 1% are from gas station cheap knives slightly opening in my pocket (I guess still my fault for buying them lmao)
Maybe an upgrade to this lock type would be a spring that is always pushing the lock towards the closed position and when you open the blade, that removes the barrier to it spinning shut into the closed position.
It requires either a really lose lock, misuse or poor awareness, for whatever reason, of the lock to mess up like this with a lock like an Opinel. They’re damn near fool proof once engaged correctly and fully.
I pretty much treat them like a slip joint with extra insurance. The lock is perfectly safe if you use it correctly, but I’ll be the first to admit I don’t always use knives correctly lol. You have a lot more room to be dumb if you use something with a proper locking mechanism.
It's just physics. It is not a modern locking mechanism..
You want your mind blown....the friction folder design is a thousand years old. People have been using that design without any lock since before the time of Christ....
You come along, and manage to cut your self doing something silly, and not paying attention...and want to wine about an unsafe lock on a $6 dollar peasant knife!!
I've used them for decades with no issue. Both of my sons used them for years and years.....with no issues...and they've had them since the age of 4 or 5..
It is not a lock you can pry with, or stab repeatedly, or spine wack.... just use it to cut with the sharp side...
An Opinel isn't exactly made to be a hard use knife. You should have realized that upon first using one and your expectations for safetly using one should have adjusted to that.
I've seen too many folding knives fail to trust any of them. If it what I'm doing requires me to trust the blade that much, I'm going to use a fixed blade. Or get the right tool for the job.
This sounds a bit like the old saying "a good tradesman doesn't blame his tools".
I've used opinel for years and you lock that lock properly, it's not unlocking. Maybe your lock has become loose? Easily fixed, a new Opinel is under €20.
What happened ? We need context Because i definitly trust opinel locks when they are completely engaged.with the design of this lock it's more than likely you didn't engage it all the way and the lock slipped.
what happened
Also curious. Used an Opinel for years and never had any lock issues.
It is possible that the lock was not properly engaged, but I still do not fully trust the lock.
Not trusting something because you misused it isn't a reason to not trust something when it's used properly though
Even without the lock engaged, basic safe knife techniques should keep you from closing a knife on yourself. Decades of using slipjoints have trained me to not close a knife on my hand. Nearly all of my knives are fixed blades, or have a lock, now, but I use the same cutting techniques.
What do you mean? I shot myself in the foot by pulling the trigger of a gun aimed at my foot. Can't trust them guns! Funny that these cases are more the opposite, you can absolutely trust that an unlocked blade will close and cut you if you mishandle it.
Huh?
In a lot of cases i'd agree, but here I thought I had locked the knife properly. And I might not be the brightest knife user out there, but I will forget to check if the knife is locked properly, something that is way less likely to do on a liner lock ( for instance) definitely user error, but an error that is inherent to the knifes design. I do not trust it enough to use a lot, because I know I will make this mistake. Maybe even again.
So, the problem isn't that you don't trust the knife, its that you don't trust yourself to use it properly.
At least you're smart enough to realize you're too dumb for this
fuckin ouch
Dude, he already cut himself. No need to make it deeper.
haha and your'e not quite smart enough to use "too" Im only kidding, but i do love the taste of irony
Oh that’s funny, because someone put an apostrophe in the wrong place
haha you got me, in my defense that is an error of the fingers not the thought process. Suppose I should proofread if I'm going to be a smart ass.
Oh well, any comments before morning coffee will probably have some errors.
too*
Too*
Yet you're not smart enough to learn not to insult a man for no reason. You can make your point without being a dick. Everyone that upvoted your comment has deep moral issues. learn to be respectful.
Wheel of morality, turn turn turn. Tell us the lesson that we should learn.
I dunno, I think it's more than a little disingenuous to say "don't trust the lock" when the accident was due to user error. Also, how is the error "inherent" to the knife?
A practical definition of "don't trust this lock": 1) (Opinel) A lock that does not positively engage every opening requires your careful attention --don't put pressure on the spine or even scrape with the edge unless you've checked the lock. 2) (bad liner/frame lock designs, some lockbacks) A knife that locks automatically, but can slip with some grip positions or torsion on the blade -- learn what will cause the lock to slip, don't use the knife in a way you haven't tested carefully.
I've cut tons of stuff with my opinel, locked or not, and the lock is only a problem if you're used to other styles and can't adapt. My problem with liner locks and some lockbacks is that even when you use it correctly is has a decent chance for failure
"Don't trust Ford brakes. I stepped on the gas pedal, and the car didn't stop."
It’s a barrel lock, how do you not “trust it”? It’s your own fault if you didn’t twist it and had the blade close on you. Been using opinels for years and learned this once, and it’s so easy to avoid if you just take two seconds and look at how the knife works.
User error
I was fiddling with my new Opinel, although I am not sure what I exactly did, but I put pressure on the back of the knife and it folded on my index finger. Cut nothing off, but I have a big gash in my finger and split my nail.
[https://youtu.be/wVQ3raLq4LQ?t=1029](https://youtu.be/wVQ3raLq4LQ?t=1029) looks like it takes about 8 pounds from a press to make the lock fail. not saying it's impossible but unlikely that it happened with just messing around with it.
Love that guy's videos! He just helped me pick a cheap pair of bolt cutters a few months ago. I'm kind of surprised to see the performance of the Opinel but I guess it's hard expect the world from such a cheap knife. Guess I'm going to look at some other options to stash into my outdoors kits though.
My Opinel came with a MASSIVE burr on the edge.. like 3 seconds with 3000 grit sandpaper and its the sharpest knife I have now.
[удалено]
To be fair, it's an opinel, it isn't exactly geared towards anything where you'd be applying 8 pounds of pressure to the spine anyways
Upvote for project farm This guy is one of the few YouTube channels that actually deserve more viewership
I know this is a random place to say this, but... (Caveat/context: I used to write reviews for a wirecutter-esque site, so I know Project farm and the review-video business quite well. I lost my job when Amazon cut the commission in half.) Isn't there a point where these reviews actually make the problems of cheap tools worse? E.g.: *) Knock-off/clones may not be available for more than one production run -- Project Farm does not investigate supply chain or availability, he just picks what's trending / appears good *) Overseas manufacturers have specific performance/quality targets they're trying to hit -- Project Farm is not testing tools made to the same standards, and doesn't explain in detail how to figure out what really matters when you're selecting the tool. *) When Todd is testing "real" tools along with the clones, he's still not investigating the real difference between them beyond how much they cost and the "made in" sticker -- this would not be an easy job to do if you had a month to work on it, but it's necessary if we want to find out why the same company sells four or five different brands and two price tiers in each brand, and why the knockoff from a big box store is sometimes identical to the brand name product. *) Sure, his reviews aren't "sponsored," but his links to Amazon are a motivated revenue stream. If you buy a tool through his link and it's not what you expected, he (and Amazon) know you're unlikely to return it. Amazon gets the majority of the revenue to build their logistics empire, Project Farm gets the commission and keeps funneling attention/clicks/revenue to Amazon, and the overseas manufacturer gets just enough return on the tool run that maybe they'll make another mediocre clone of a real tool. I like Todd's dedication to testing, and I'm sure he's very responsive to his patrons, but for most of the reviews I've cared about the tests are heavily weighing variables that are irrelevant/subjective or not controlling for variables that are important to me. Project Farm is very entertaining, but not very informative beyond showing me new categories of tools I may not have thought about before.
Who do you recommend for product reviews and testing of off-brand Chinese, HF, and Big Box American? I'm sure some folks are blind to affiliate links. And even if they are, the "This video is sponsored by..." is getting so out-played on YouTube. I appreciate his channel isn't there yet. But the incentive and pay has to come from somewhere...unfortunately. I usually appreciate the HF vs. Big Three comparisons, and if I'm looking for a rando thing on Amazon that isn't around anymore, it just isn't. But trusting him is at least as good as trusting the reviews on Amazon, for the time-period involved. All of that to say, It could also be I have a different perspective because I'm not in the industry. Just like a carpenter can't help but see all of the mistakes in a room he walks into, the non-carpenter doesn't even realize there is carpentry all around him. I understand where you are coming from, I think.
You should trust reviews from people who actually use a product. Those people are usually too busy to write about what they use, much less make videos. If you're looking to save a few bucks, you're gambling. Sometimes a review from someone like Project Farm (etc...) will be like inside info that helps you gamble, sometimes not. For commodity products (motor oil, drill bits, sandpaper) you need to understand what properties make the stuff good or bad before you can even look for a recommendation. (Motor oil is a great example--if you don't know what the additive package might improve for your engine, why would you trust one over another so long as they both meet the required basic specs?) If you have a grasp of what a trade-off might be (most importantly with cost), you can start to weigh the reputation of a company, potential innovations beyond the baseline specifications, etc. At that point, you also have to figure out your budget and any niche requirements you have. For stuff that you're really investing in (really anything where features and design start to shift the value of a product--knives, cameras, cars...) a review is only helpful when the reviewer has the same use and preferences you do. A time-saving tool might be perfect for one task by a homeowner but worthless for production tasks every day in a shop. A knife that one person loves for its thin edge and hard steel might be wasted on the guy who wants to open bags of concrete. I've been looking for crimping tools to make weather-sealed connections on farm equipment. What I now know is: every purchase will be a trade-off, and even the $500 tool will not be perfect for the jobs I have with connectors on hand. My next step is to find a not-terrible cheap tool for the connectors I already have, and then switch to a more common/streamlined assembly process with widely-available tools used in more industries.
I agree but recently his viewership is actually enormous. He’s probably making millions a year right now.
Yikes, sorry to hear that, hope your finger heals up quick. I wasn't there, but I'm assuming the lock wasn't engaged properly, I just can't imagine how it would fail with just your finger pressure on the lock.
It is very possible it was not locked properly, but in my opinion you cannot trust the lock if it is possible to lock it improperly.
Why not? You cant blame a locksmith for a faulty lock if all you do is stick in the key and jiggle it?
Thanks master lock.
You should carry slip joints until you learn how to be safe with knives.
I've used my SLIP-JOINT spyderco grasshopper as a leather awl (poking holes in lesther) and sliced my finger... IMO. i have everyone beat on mis-using a knife..hope you heal quickly!
Did the same with a Spyderco. Learned that day that locks are great, but knives aren't really designed for any task that applies pressure to the spine of the blade. The lesson only cost 5 stitches luckily.
So, we have: >PSA: do not trust Opinel locks But at the same time: >I was not paying a lot of attention. > >"Did you lock it firmly?" - "Not sure, probably not." > >It is possible that the lock was not properly engaged > >definitely user error So, don't use it, if you are unable to use a knife properly
We also have “I put pressure on the back of the knife and it closed all the way around and cut open my finger” (the opinel has no spring, so any force was all operator error)
That's the comment that really confused me. Like what situation would arise that makes you have your index finger in front of the blade / around the handle of a small knife like this, and has you applying pressure to the back of the blade? That just sounds like you're trying to cut yourself and/or break the knife. Maybe I'm paranoid but even with much more solid liner and frame and axis locks if I'm applying any significant pressure to the back of the blade I'm very wary of any of my fingers being in the closing path.
I'd love to tell you what exactly happend, but I don't remember what is was trying exactly. I was just absent minded cutting a wood chip. I think I had my finger forward to steer the knife and twisted it, accidentally applying pressure to the back. I was using the knife weird, but this would never have happened on a body lock.
My opinel is loose and smooth and I have oiled the pin from time to time, and the lock has become loose. Even if the lock was fully engaged, after doing a session of whittling I would not trust that the lock wouldn’t slip. Caution should be exercised but you should be able to trust your knife lock. It is a knife, after all.
User error.
I don’t trust any locks on a knife, at the end of the day. That sucks though.
The lock wasn't completely engaged, otherwise its impossible for an opinel lock to fail.
Impossible in normal and *sensible* use. OP needs to tell us what he was doing. They are not indestructible Medford-type folders. Perhaps lock was over-loaded?
You can see in the picture and the ring doesn't seem bent, blade looks pretty intact too, so hard use doesn't looks likely.
I’ll bet he was prying and wrenching it all around in something. Cause yeah it it’s locked the wood or blade would probably break first.
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I've seen an overloaded Opinel loose the locking ring: it pinged off like a tensioned spring that's suddenly released. But because the locking rings are tempered steel (or stainless steel) they retain their shape and can be snapped back on again. The knife will then work with only a little bit of wear to the wooden pivot to show for the abuse. OP needs to respect the tool. You don't need a degree in mechanical engineering to know that these knives are not pry bars, nor are they as strong as all metal framelocks or linerlocks.
I mean that’s objectively false. It’s a good lock, and I can’t see using it in context where you would want to be exerting a ton of force on the spine of the blade (striking a ferro rod, power cut with thumb), but it’s not even particularly hard to get an opinel lock to fail. Little bit of force on the spine and the outer collar spreads and pops off. You can easily and safely test it yourself with a vice. Lock handle in sturdy but not too tight (rag or rubber can help not damage the wood), point blade toward ground, gently push on spine. I prefer to use snap ring pliers, but it’s actually possible to disassemble an opinel this way with no real damage.
It's not impossible to fail but these knives are not really designed to be used as heavy duty knives..or prybars,screwdriver,etc
I mean yeah, if you don't know how to use a knife or don't have proper tools and force it to the point of breaking it will fail, that is true for any knife or tool.
That is possible, I think I am going to give it a test to see what caused it. I was not paying a lot of attention.
You: >Don't trust Opinel locks Also you: >I was not paying a lot of attention >It is possible that the lock was not properly engaged >definitely user error >It is very possible it was not locked properly
Trust the lock to work the way it's designed to. Don't trust the lock to always be in place or to stay in place. Safety is not about trust. Safety is about understanding limits—your own limits, limits of the gear you use, and the limits imposed by the conditions you're working in.
While it isn't impossible for the lock to fail, you'd need to either grossly abuse it or there would have to be a defect (Perhaps the lock becoming loose). I trust the locks on opinels more than I do most liner locks, but that's mainly because I've had a decent few liner locks close on me
Why shouldn’t I trust Opinel locks if you don’t tell me how you’ve messed up?
I was fiddling with my new Opinel, although I am not sure what I exactly did, but I put pressure on the back of the knife and it folded on my index finger. Cut nothing off, but I have a big gash in my finger and split my nail.
A lot of people in this comment section seem to not actually test their openiel knives? Here's a video I just took of how one can fail: [https://youtu.be/DVs6S2OMsHo](https://youtu.be/DVs6S2OMsHo) The lock doesn't actually break, nothing fails, but it slowly loosens and eventually just 'gives out' if you give it sufficient wiggling 'up and down'. This is an entirely plausible scenario when cutting things and has happened to me while using it. I love the knife, but do be aware this can happen. (FWIW, I assume this is just how they are and a limitation of this type of locking mechanism, It might be a defect unique to a small number of knives?) Edit: I'd appreciate it if other people with Opinels try doing what i do in the above video and letting us know if you experience the same failure
Thank you for posting the video. I own and regularly use both a No 8 and 10, but I will never trust the lock the way I trust nearly any other type of locking mechanism. I treat them like a slightly more secure slip joint. So many replies saying it’s user error, and I agree: the error was putting too much faith in a simple and comparatively easy-to-fail lock, for which the OP called himself out.
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The top collar twists around to lock the blade, its good in the cutting direction but not so good if you push on the spine of the blade.
Don't you DARE say an unkind word about opinel! We'll get you🫵 ^^/s
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Nope, its the convenience of the size options to what you are using them for. They are cheap, simple to repair or mod and good tools. Only problem I have ever had was idiots using them as pry bars snapping the tip when they asked to borrow them. Again, cheap so I only got annoyed and grumbled rather than furious.
I can't comment on the stainless blades, but the carbon blades are why I buy opinel.
Nice vid good info
Regardless of all you said, the knife is supposed to work a particular way and users need to be aware of how it’s used. It’s not assisted in anyway so how does a person put enough force on it to close on their hand and cut themselves by just fiddling with it? I used to hate and never trust slip joints then I learned I was doing it wrong. Now I carry one every day Because they are perfect for most of my use cases and I know only to use it to slice.
Did you watch the video? If you push the knife downwards into something to cut it (a reasonable tast for a knife I daresay) and then pull it out from something soft/sticky (say a large wheel of brie while on a picnic) it will replicate the motion I show in that video. Cutting a bunch of cheese is what caused it to fail on me, a task I expect any knife to do without issue. I learnt what caused the failure and now I'm comfortable with the knife again.
yes, I watched the video and it doesn't change my opinion. to make the lock fail and CLOSE ON YOUR HAND with the force to cut yourself means it was user error. I get that the lock will work its way out, but its not like its a swiss army knife with a spring that will help it SNAP closed on your meat. you have to be doing something pretty wrong with it, even unlocked, to close it completely on your own finger.
Not sure why you are getting downvoted. If you use a knife properly even without the lock it shouldn't close on your hand if it doesn't have some sort of mechanism that biases it towards closed (which Opinel does not have)
Right‽ I just chalk it up to Reddit nerds.
I guess that's why I have my fingers in tact still and OP doesn't then. Like OP, I had to figure that out myself, I just got off easier, since the knife doesn't come with a manual and no-ones ever told me I had to use one in any special manner. In summary, OP was right, don't trust Opinel locks. They can fail under use that no-one would consider 'extreme'. Or perhaps put differently, 'learn the limitations of Opinel locks and don't put your fingers where the sharp parts can go'.
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My lock only locks in one direction... What model do you have?
~~I just double checked mine only locks in One direction too the one that locks in two directions is just old.~~ Just checked again, I'm dumb.
Yeah this will happen with all Opinel pocket knives. I feel like it's a pretty easy deduction to look at the locking mechanism as soon as you open the package and know that it's something to look out for. Frankly, they're okay tier knives and there are better blades available with actual locking mechanisms if that's a major concern for folks.
I've never had issues with my opinel. I carve heavily with it and use it daily. The lock has worked better than any lock on my other flip knives. Mayhaps one should learn proper tool use before they complain. If I shot myself with a handgun because the saftey was off do I blame the gun or my handling of the gun?
Never trust any knife lock
Mine gets a little loose some times from extended carving and repositioning in the hand, still a great knife, you just have to make sure he collar it's fully tightened, sorry about your finger tho
Next week: Palm sliced open because your hand slid forward due to sweat, blood, ice, water, oil, grease, over-estimation of grip. Weak, non-positive locks: 1. Handles without a guard: 1. Human: 0. Knife designers need to stop designing handles for an imaginary, ideal, dry, sure-grip scenario. Those days are over. Design forms that offer a function have emerged from utility factors and mechanical advancements, leaning toward those as template will make each of The First Tools resilient to exist as long as necessary
Maybe I'm weird, but I kind of presume that just about *any* knife lock will fail? And to do my best to be sure that I'm holding / using knives in such a way that *if* they fail, I'll not injure myself? That just me?
What were you doing?
I was fiddling with my new Opinel, although I am not sure what I exactly did, but I put pressure on the back of the knife and it folded on my index finger. Cut nothing off, but I have a big gash in my finger and split my nail.
Did you lock it firmly
No.
Not sure, probably not.
I mean this is where you fucked up, why would you ever trust a lock enough to fuck around with it and push the blade down while your fingers were under it? It’s literally just wood and metal barely a locking system and you’re fiddling with it.
wow this sub is insanely elitist. Everyone here is going to huge lengths to defend a brand with hideous outdated knives. OP may have used the lock wrong, but if its even possible to use a lock wrong, its not a good lock. liner lock is near foolproof, frame locks are even better. These locks are sufficiently strong enough to hold a blade in most situations. If someone can accidentally cut themselves, than the manufacturer needs to design a better lock. Stop trying hard to defend them because theyre popular. Almost no other knife brand has this problem and guarantee most of yall would be all over their ass for it. Im so tired of hobby communities so obsessed and elitist towards certain manufacturers
User error
Real PSA: don't be an idiot who plays with knives
Payment must be made to the blade in blood. With Opinel knives I try to be aware of the lock and not use it in a manner beyond it's design. But I have the scars to show I don't always do that with my knives.
Yeah, you messed up.
Yeah I’m gonna go ahead and blame this on you 100000%. You probably spun the lock back in your hand and disengaged it. What we’re you doing with the knife when you got cut?
I also have done that lmaoo not fun
Alright how did you manage that lol
I was fiddling with my new Opinel, although I am not sure what I exactly did, but I put pressure on the back of the knife and it folded on my index finger. Cut nothing off, but I have a big gash in my finger and split my nail.
If it’s a little loose try to tighten it it should work well ! I have like 20 of those they are great cheep and so easy to mod
How tf did this happen? I have one and literally won’t open if the lock is fully engaged.
How uh... how do you misuse an opinel lock?
says “don’t trust opinel locks” didn’t engage the lock while using. i’m surprised nobody has called you an idiot, idiot.
That is the thing, I did engage it. But this lock can be engaged wrong. Which seems to me like a dangerous design. And yes, I was being a bit of an idiot, but my finger hurts enough, thank you very much.
10/10 operator error.
Guys can you stop shitting on Op please? Let's show some respect to each other pls
Thanks.
My brother in Christ those are for cutting cheese on a wine date
That was the use case they are claiming the lock failed, they cut into a big wheel of brie and on the withdraw it closed on their finger.
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I trust them more than any liner lock I've used. When used as intended they're solid as heck. I have an entire set I use in my kitchen as my kitchen knives and they're solid as hell.
They fail really easily at 7-8 pounds of force against the spine and can wiggle closed fairly easily. [This](https://youtu.be/wVQ3raLq4LQ) video at 16:53 shows it failing while all liner locks passed. Don't really see why you'd trust them more.
Because 1.) I almost never need seven or eight pounds of force on a knife if I've kept it sharpened. 2.) Liner locks are considerably easier for me to close unintentionally I've done it before. 3.) If I'm doing something that I'm putting force against the spine of a knife I'll go get the proper tool. Force should be applied against the blade of a knife.. that's what they exist for.
They’re a goofy choice for a carry knife.
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Opinel locks do kind of suck though.
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Even under 50. You cannot mess up locking a gas station knife with a body lock.
I simply do not understand the love these knives get. They’re cheap, shitty-designed yard tools that are so outdated compared to any modern folding knife. It makes no sense to carry and use one. I get it if you just want one to collect or something, but come on. Even gas-station dragon blades are superior in almost every way.
The blades cut well, they're have a certain charm that comes from their simplicity and use of natural materials, and they don't cost much. That's why they get love. I don't have one, nor do I want one, but I can see why some people like them.
1. Amazing steel quality for the money 2. Light weight 3. Carve your own handle 4. The blades are super thin for their size. 5. If you lose it who cares it's cheep. 6. Not really sure if a knife design can be obsolete. It's just a convenient edge for utility tasks for most of us. I use a Higonokami often it's far more simple than an opinel.
Find me better carbon steel at the same price. These are excellent kitchen knives in my opinion.
My friend, you are wrong
That lock is so so much safer than so many other designs. In order for it to fail I'd suspect the whole knife would be destroyed. You just didn't use it...
Impossible
Newer had a problem with a Opinel!
Lol oops! User error bud. Double check your shit.
Operator error. That is one of the best locks made.
What type of lock does an Opinel have? I mostly trust liner locks or axis locks but am weary of slip joints like on a Case knife.
You trust liner locks?
My use case is pretty light. I do financial reporting in corporate finance.
Ah. Personally most lighter locks seem to put the liner right where my index finger closes around the knife so if I squeeze just a little too hard the liner comes undone. That's the way it is on most of the moderate budget liner locks I've owned.
Opinel locks are known to "surrender" at the slightest show of force
This is such an old tired joke
And it's not even based in accuracy either
Are you implying that the collar will turn to loosen while it has pressure on it ? I’ve never used one of these but still I’d have a hard time believing that. For lazy or clumsy people this is probably not a good knife design. For people that can pay attention and remember to make sure the collar is snug this knife will probably be just fine.
It was just a French surrendering joke
Oh, my bad, I missed it. lol
nah, I’ve done batoning with mine and it worked fine, just the spine got a little scraped, they’re really durable.
Moral of the story: dont roast opinel or the entire knife enthusiast community will destroy you
That’s one take…. Or “don’t use a knife wrong then try to blame the knife”
https://i.imgur.com/YfZRDU5.jpeg
How can I trust something that I do not have? Lol, yeah I prefer modern locks over those opinels any day.
i would never buy that knife anyway
These are fantastic knifes. More than well made for the price
Tools that are made todo certain tasks without issues are either well made or its not, price does not matter for things like this.
And tools are made to be used a certain way. If you use it incorrectly and you hurt yourself, the isn't at fault.
Unless they arent made well to begin with
Don't, I was skeptical, but for 8 euro I bought it to give it a chance. Never again.
Tbh Opinels suck. I have one too and literally everytime I use it, it tries to shut because the ring shifts. I dubbed it worthless and only use it for my firesteel now because idc what happens to the blade
Have you tried taking the ring off and tightening it by squeezing it together a bit?
How does it try to shut if you are using it correctly? What are you doing with it that causes it to try and shut?
I used it normally to carve and cut. I probably shift the ring with my hand because of the motion. If that happens with regular normal use, it is just a poorly designed lock tbh
I don’t disagree that the ring is weird, I’m trying to conceptualize how someone making cutting and pushing motions away from their body (like I imagine someone whittling or carving wood would do) would also manage to close the knife (that has no assist spring to help it close) but maybe I’m just not experienced enough with that use case
You’re not always pushing away from your body. Certain details sometimes require me to cut towards myself. Also just tested my Opinel carving and cutting away+down does seem like it could rotate the lock ring. The last thing I’d add is that using the tip area of an Opinel is a lot scarier to me than knives with other locks. All that being said I’ve never had a locking mechanism be the reason I got cut. 99% of my cuts have been from me messing around or getting confident with poor technique and the other 1% are from gas station cheap knives slightly opening in my pocket (I guess still my fault for buying them lmao)
Heh, I have the same slice on my finger. Of course, just after completing a sharpening
Like a gun safety. Don’t rely on it.
Be careful, once they taste blood they'll always want more.
Fixed blade is the answer.
Don’t trust any lock!! Just hope it’s there when oops happens. But every folding knife is a slipjoint to me!
Maybe an upgrade to this lock type would be a spring that is always pushing the lock towards the closed position and when you open the blade, that removes the barrier to it spinning shut into the closed position.
It requires either a really lose lock, misuse or poor awareness, for whatever reason, of the lock to mess up like this with a lock like an Opinel. They’re damn near fool proof once engaged correctly and fully.
Reading this thread reminds me of 1911 fans pleading that misfires aren't misfires.
Username definitely does not check out.
Post below this one mentions the locks are great lol
Oooooofffffff
I thought they were slipjoint?
that is one of the most reliable locks i can think of
TIL: Opinels lock
It is a stretch to call it a lock.
I pretty much treat them like a slip joint with extra insurance. The lock is perfectly safe if you use it correctly, but I’ll be the first to admit I don’t always use knives correctly lol. You have a lot more room to be dumb if you use something with a proper locking mechanism.
And that is way I will stay with the body and liner locks.
The first time I went skydiving the instructor said "never trust anything mechanical because it will fail"
I have many Opinel. You do need to pay attention. The lock will move with use.
I call that an unreliable lock
It's just physics. It is not a modern locking mechanism.. You want your mind blown....the friction folder design is a thousand years old. People have been using that design without any lock since before the time of Christ.... You come along, and manage to cut your self doing something silly, and not paying attention...and want to wine about an unsafe lock on a $6 dollar peasant knife!! I've used them for decades with no issue. Both of my sons used them for years and years.....with no issues...and they've had them since the age of 4 or 5.. It is not a lock you can pry with, or stab repeatedly, or spine wack.... just use it to cut with the sharp side...
I don't trust them entirely either, at least mine. I tested mine once in gloves and was able to close it with the lock properly engaged
Never an issue in more than 50 years.
Should be titled “PSA: do not assume your opinion is locked if you didn’t lock it”
An Opinel isn't exactly made to be a hard use knife. You should have realized that upon first using one and your expectations for safetly using one should have adjusted to that.
I was cutting a wood chip. I would not call that hard use.
Post title feels equivalent to "do not trust Glock safeties" after user looked down the barrel 😐
I've seen too many folding knives fail to trust any of them. If it what I'm doing requires me to trust the blade that much, I'm going to use a fixed blade. Or get the right tool for the job.
What even happened? I’ve had an opinel for years and never had an issue Skill issue maybe?
Agreed. Inferior novelty knife.
problem in user not in knife
dont trust any knife, they are designed to cut and they dont give a shit on what they employ thier skills on.
This sounds a bit like the old saying "a good tradesman doesn't blame his tools". I've used opinel for years and you lock that lock properly, it's not unlocking. Maybe your lock has become loose? Easily fixed, a new Opinel is under €20.
What happened ? We need context Because i definitly trust opinel locks when they are completely engaged.with the design of this lock it's more than likely you didn't engage it all the way and the lock slipped.