An Opinel (pronounced oh-pin-ell) is an iconic, traditional French pocket knife featuring a wooden handle and a folding steel blade. Invented in 1890 by Joseph Opinel in Savoy, it is a staple of French everyday culture, renowned for its simple design,, durability, and, since 1955, a safety ring (Virobloc) to lock the blade.
In French, "Opinel" (often lowercase as opinel) means a specific type of French folding pocket knife with a wooden handle, named after its creator Joseph Opinel; it's so iconic that it's a registered trademark often used as a common noun, like "Bic" or "Frigidaire," referring to this classic, simple tool.
Opinel is a French manufacturer of pocket knives. The company has made its line of eponymous wooden-handled knives since 1890 from its headquarters in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie. The company sells approximately 15 million knives annually.
Traditional EDC pocket knives made of sustainably sourced wood and European steel. Since 1890, Opinel pocket knives have stood the test of time with their sleek blades and sustainably sourced wood handles—beech, walnut, olive, oak, or even vibrant hornbeam.
Carbon has played a role in the brand's success as it is the original steel used by Joseph Opinel when he created his first No. 08 folding knife. The carbon steel blade is distinguished by its exceptional knife edge and how easy it is to sharpen.
You can carry some Leatherman multi-tools in the UK, but those with locking blades are illegal to carry in public without a good reason, like for work or camping; models like the Leatherman Bond with non-locking blades and short blades (under 3 inches) are generally considered UK legal for everyday carry (EDC). The key is "lawful authority or reasonable excuse," so carrying a locking-blade Leatherman just because it's handy is an offense, while carrying one for a legitimate job (e.g., electrician) is usually fine.
The Laguiole knife, with its characteristic shape and undeniable elegance, is a true icon of French craftsmanship. Recognized and appreciated around the world, this French pocket knife, among the best, is more than just a tool - it is a symbol of history, tradition and know-how.
Praised for its ability to slice through both tough vegetables and proteins, the lightweight, stainless steel G-2 is a Japanese knife made similarly to a Samurai sword. It also has a fine-tuned blade that's as sharp as Anthony Bourdain's wit. And if it's good enough for Bourdain, it's good enough for us.
While top-tier stainless steel knives can be very sharp too, they generally don't quite match the ultimate sharpness of carbon steel. The chromium that makes them stainless creates a slightly less fine edge.
Our most iconic size, the No. 08, is the knife that started it all. Dating all the way back to 1890 when Joseph Opinel created a simple yet robust tool for the everyman, the No. 08 has been featured in countless museums, books and galleries around the world.
Yes, you can keep most common knives in your bedroom in the UK, as it's legal to own them privately, but you cannot carry them in public without a "good reason," and it's illegal to possess certain banned knives or any knife if you intend to use it as a weapon for self-defense. Key restrictions involve banned knives (like flick knives, zombie knives, butterfly knives) which are illegal to own anywhere, and the crucial rule that self-defence is not a valid reason for carrying any knife in public.
Designed in close collaboration with military personnel, these Leatherman multi-tools include highly specialized tools for use on and off-duty. In theatre, on base, or at home, these tools have been tested and are ready for the expected and unexpected.
Can I take a Swiss Army knife on a plane in the UK?
No, you generally cannot take a typical Swiss Army Knife (SAK) in your carry-on bag on a flight from the UK due to restrictions on sharp objects, even if the blade is under 6cm, because SAKs often have other prohibited tools like scissors or pointy implements; it's best to pack them in your checked baggage or leave them at home, as airport security has discretion.
The handles are made from durable French orange beech wood, and the Opinel Yatagan blades, with their curved points and round profiles, are effective, precise and elegant. The Opinel Carbon Steel Non-Locking knives are have blades under 3 inches and therefore legal to carry in the UK.
It basically depends on how it feels to use and the sensation you get from each. If the knife chops more than it cuts, it is time to sharpen it. Although there is no rule, we recommend doing it regularly to ensure the knife has the best possible edge.
Can I carry a Swiss Army knife in public in the UK?
UK knife law allows you to carry non-locking pocket knives with a blade length up to 3 inches (7.62 cm) without any need for a valid reason. You are allowed to carry a knife which exceeds these guidelines in public, but please remember: you will do need a good reason to carry it.
