Opinel “N°09 Oyster Knife”

You can’t go wrong with an Opinel, simple design with good steel and great value. A combination that has worked for years and will carry on working for years and years.Why change it? The N°09 is strong and solid, the perfect tool.

Opinel knife blades are made using steels with a high carbon content, which is what makes it possible to achieve the excellent hardness after heat treatment, guaranteeing the good strength of the cutting edge, resistance to wear and easy sharpening.

The blade locks using the Virobloc safety ring, which in addition to locking the blade in the open position for safety of use, now enables locking of the blade in the closed position for safety during carrying. Invented by Marcel Opinel in 1955, the Virobloc safety ring is fitted to all folding knives from the N° 06. Cut out of stainless steel, the Virobloc has two sections, one fixed and one sliding. In addition to locking the blade open (safety in use), it is now possible to lock the blade closed (safety in transport).

The handle is Bubinga – a compact African wood with a fine grain. Its color varies from brown to pink with purple veins.

Beginning in 1890, the Opinel Originals collection included 12 sizes, numbered from 1 – 12. In 1932 fabrication of the No. 1 stopped; it having a 2cm blade and a box wood handle. It was meant to be attached to a key fob or watch chain and used as a pipe cleaner nail cleaner …. In 1935 the No. 11 ceased production as its size was considered too similar to the other large knives.

The main feature of the carbon steel are its exceptional cutting quality and very easy sharpening. To protect the blade against rust, as carbon can corrode easily, the blade must be wiped clean of fingerprints and washed and dried after each use.