OPINEL

OPINEL is a long established French maker of pocket knives, started by Joseph Opinel in 1890 in Savoie in the French Alps, and still made there today. The idea is simple and has not changed: a blade that folds into a one piece wooden handle, no complication and no extra weight. The standout is the Virobloc turning lock ring: it holds the blade open while you work so it cannot close on your fingers, and locks it shut in pocket or bag. The knives are numbered by size, the number being the blade length, so you take a small one for light jobs and a larger one for heavier work.

The blades come in two steels: carbon, which sharpens easily and holds an edge a long time but needs drying and care after use, and stainless, more patient with damp, blood and water. That makes it a good knife for the camper and anyone heading into the desert: cutting cord, preparing food, the light daily jobs, and for the falconer who wants a clean, light blade in his pocket. For breaking down a carcass and heavy work, a fixed blade suits better.

Al Huwaila is an authorised OPINEL agent. In the hunting knives section: a range with olive wood handles, others with stainless steel blades, a multi purpose knife, full sets including the Animalia set, and coloured knives in size 7.