Opinel

Joseph Opinel’s knife from Savoy with a wooden handle; the Virobloc locking ring came in 1955.

Joseph Opinel was a smith in Savoy who made a simple folding knife with a wooden handle. The knife was made in twelve sizes and sold at markets in the Alps.

The Virobloc locking ring made the knife safer, and the Opinel became an everyday knife for farmers, walkers and cooks. The company still manufactures in Savoy.

The crowned hand stamped on the blade and the size number (from 2 to 13).

• Kitchen and household
• Opinel knife
• Joseph Opinel