Opinel
Savoyard folding knives, V&A Museum icon since 1890
Four generations, one address in Savoie, a €12 knife in the Victoria & Albert Museum. Opinel is living proof you can make something simple, perfect and affordable - without ever compromising on quality. Picasso sculpted with one.
Philosophy
Savoyard manufacturer founded in 1890, Opinel produces folding tool that have become world design icons. The N°8 is ranked among the 100 most beautiful objects in the world by the Victoria & Albert Museum. A simple, perfect, timeless object.
History
Savoie, 1890. Joseph Opinel, blacksmith's son, creates his first folding knife. A simple tool for Alpine farmers and shepherds. Beech handle, carbon steel blade, the turning ferrule. That's it. That's perfect.
Joseph numbers his knives 1 to 12 - blade length in centimeters. No marketing, no fancy names. Numbers. The N°8 (8.5cm blade) becomes the universal model.
1955: son Marcel invents the Virobloc ring - locking the blade open or closed. Picasso sculpted with one. In 1985, the V&A Museum ranks it among the 100 most beautiful objects, alongside the Porsche 911. Twelve euros. Same ranking as six-figure objects. On enthusiasts: 'the best value knife in existence,' 'my grandfather had one, I have one, my son has one.'
Four generations. Still in Chambery. 600 employees, 15 million knives a year. Never offshored. Never changed the handle shape. Added stainless next to carbon, noble woods next to beech, kitchen next to outdoor. But the N°8 is the same knife as 1890. Proof that perfection doesn't need changing, just accompanying.
Iconic Products
N°8 (hetre)
THE knife. Sandvik 12C27 blade, beech handle, Virobloc ring. 12 euros. At the Victoria & Albert Museum alongside the Porsche 911 and the Rolex. Picasso sculpted with one. Nothing to add. It's perfect.
N°8 Olivier
The N°8 in olive wood. Each handle unique in grain. Same perfect knife with a noble material. The gift for someone who understands beauty doesn't need to be expensive.
N°12 (grand modele)
The big Opinel. 12cm blade for picnics, camping, outdoor cooking. Same knife as the N°8, bigger. The knife Savoyard farmers used to cut bread and sausage. The original tool.