Opinel No. 8 Review (2026)

Name: Opinel No. 8
Brand: Opinel
Price: 20.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8.0 (1 reviews)

The Opinel No. 8 has been manufactured in Châtellerault, France using essentially the same design since the company's founding in 1890. The standard carbon steel version takes the sharpest edge of any knife in this roundup — carbon steel can be honed to a finer apex than stainless alternatives — at the cost of requiring active rust prevention. The beechwood handle and rotating Virobloc collar lock are simple, proven, and inexpensive to replace if worn. For users who value traditional construction and a genuinely excellent edge over modern lock mechanisms or low-maintenance steel, the No. 8 remains a benchmark.

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$20 retail

8.0

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

1.6oz makes it one of the lightest functional pocket knives available at any price
Carbon steel version takes the sharpest possible edge of any steel in this lineup
Beechwood handle is comfortable, simple, and ages with a natural patina over years of use
Virobloc collar lock is simple, reliable, and has remained essentially unchanged since the early 1900s
$20 price point with replacement parts available keeps long-term ownership cost minimal

Limitations

Carbon steel requires active rust prevention — wipe dry and lightly oil after wet use
No pocket clip on the traditional model
Virobloc collar requires two hands and a specific motion, slower than a flipper or thumb stud

Specifications

Weight1.6 oz / 45g

Blade Length3.25″ (8.2cm)

Closed Length4.5″

Overall Length7.75″

Blade SteelCarbon steel (or stainless on the Inox version)

Lock TypeVirobloc rotating collar

Blade ShapeDrop point, sabre grind

Handle MaterialBeechwood

OriginMade in France

WarrantyNo formal warranty stated; replacement parts available

Score Breakdown

Blade Performance

8.8

Build Quality

8.2

Ergonomics & Carry

8.0

Lock Security

7.2

Value for Money

9.4

What Sets It Apart

The Virobloc system is a rotating metal collar at the base of the handle that twists to cover the blade's pivot point once opened, preventing the blade from folding closed accidentally. It is not a true lock in the sense of a liner lock or AXIS lock — it does not resist force applied directly to the spine the way a modern lock does — but it has proven reliable for the carving, whittling, and food-prep tasks the No. 8 is designed for since its introduction in 1955.

Carbon steel (commonly XC90 on the standard Opinel) takes a noticeably finer, sharper edge than stainless alternatives because of its simpler grain structure, which is why it remains popular among woodworkers and whittlers despite requiring more maintenance. A light coating of oil after exposure to moisture, and prompt drying after wet use, prevents the surface rust that carbon steel is prone to without proper care. Opinel also offers an Inox (stainless) version of the No. 8 for users who prefer lower maintenance over maximum edge sharpness.

1.6oz of beechwood and carbon steel, made the same way in France since 1890

Who This Is For

The No. 8 is right for: woodworkers, whittlers, and traditional knife enthusiasts who value the sharpest possible edge over a modern locking mechanism, ultralight backpackers who want a functional knife under 2 ounces, and budget-conscious buyers who appreciate a century-plus of proven design over modern materials.

A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of June 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

How It Compares

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All 20 pocket knives in this category ranked side by side.

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Common Questions

Does the Opinel No. 8 rust?

The standard carbon steel version will develop surface rust if left wet or dirty, which is the primary tradeoff for its superior edge sharpness. Wiping the blade dry after use and applying a light coat of oil periodically prevents this almost entirely. Opinel's Inox (stainless steel) version trades some edge sharpness for significantly easier maintenance.

Is the Virobloc collar a real lock?

It functions as a lock in that it prevents the blade from folding closed accidentally during use, but it does not provide the same resistance to force applied to the spine that a liner lock, frame lock, or AXIS lock does. For the carving and light cutting tasks the No. 8 is designed for, it has proven reliable for well over a century.

What is the difference between Opinel No. 6, No. 8, and No. 10?

The numbers correspond to blade length in centimeters — roughly 7cm, 8.2cm, and 10cm respectively. The No. 8 is the most popular size, balancing a usable blade length with a handle that remains comfortable in smaller hands and pockets.

How do you sharpen carbon steel?

Carbon steel sharpens easily and quickly compared to stainless or powder-metallurgy steels, responding well to basic whetstones or even a simple pull-through sharpener. Because it takes an edge so readily, frequent light touch-ups on a fine stone are more effective than infrequent heavy resharpening.