UPDATE: Reviews section refreshed, redesigned, searchable: Go take a look
Opinel have brought out a pocket knife that’s aimed at climbers, but equally useful for anyone else who doesn’t like the twist-ring blade lock. This has a mechanism that doesn’t lock the blade, but holds it in place in use, a version of the system classic old-school pocket knives have. It also doesn’t have a sharp point, the point is squared-off, so it can be used as a small screwdriver or a scraper, the edge is serrated, making it better for cutting rope, etc.
I know Opinel get suggested a lot as a simple pocket knife, but the lock-ring is a no-no for many, so this looks like the perfect option.
https://www.opinel.com/en-gb/pocket-knives/multifunctional/neo7-alpine-glacier-blue
I don't like started blades.... They're also a PITA to sharpen.
Otherwise yes.... Not that I've ever had a problem with the locking ring.
Not that I've ever had a problem with the locking ring
The problem is that a lock knife can get you in trouble under UK knife laws.
Not sure how that’s any different from the lock ring legally. It still holds the blade in place whilst in use just via a different mechanism
Now, Opinel introduces the Opiflex system, an innovative approach that does not lock the blade but still prevents it from closing unintentionally. This system works with a spring-loaded tongue that holds the blade firmly in place—just like a slipjoint knife.
This offers advantages. Without a locking mechanism, the Néo6 complies with knife regulations in many countries, making it more accessible. The spring mechanism ensures that the blade does not close unexpectedly, while the rounded tip enhances safety. This makes the Néo6 a reliable and practical knife for everyday use.
https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/ct/opinel-neo6-opiflex-news.htm
Not sure how that’s any different from the lock ring legally. It still holds the blade in place whilst in use just via a different mechanism
A locking blade is defined if memory serves me correctly by a system that requires an additional action to return the blade to closed ie turn the ring, depress the button, pull the end of the handle. If you just require pressure on the back of the blade to close it, its non locking.
Not sure how that’s any different from the lock ring legally. It still holds the blade in place whilst in use just via a different mechanism
The UK ban is on fixed-blade knives. There was a court case where it was ruled that, for practical purposes, a lockable blade is the same thing as a fixed blade.
So the legal question here isn't "is it a locking mechanism?" but rather "does it behave like a fixed blade knife?"
AIUI, IANAL, etc.
If someone is buying this to conform to UK knife laws, isn't the blade too long (at 3.15 inches)?
If someone is buying this to conform to UK knife laws, isn't the blade too long (at 3.15 inches)?
Isn't the law specifically a cutting edge of 3" / 76mm? But also that's utterly academic when you're trying to explain to Mr Plod that yes the pointy end is 3.5" from where the handle ends, but only 2.75" has been sharpened... You're probably on your way to the station by that point
Aside from artisanal cheese and tomato cutting the original Opinels have limited utility, these new products are aimed squarely at climbing use.
A suitably sized SAK probably still suits most back-packing/bike-packing type uses (including those artisanal picnics) better (IMO)...
these new products are aimed squarely at climbing use.
"marketed"
If I were climbing and felt the need to pack a knife, I'd want a hook and a point. I can't offhand think of a use case where halfway up an approach I'd suddenly feel the need for a smallish flat-blade screwdriver over something that could rip through thick nylon.
As far as UK-legal EDC goes it's a nice thing and long overdue from Opinel, and I want one. But as a climbing accessory it's (ahem) pointless.
Knife laws are different in Scotland, there is no acceptable minimum length, just ‘bladed article’. You have to be licensed to sell them (except domestic ones) and anything over 3” or lockable requires ID and details recorded. I work in a shop that sells Opinel and we’d have to take details for this knife due to the blade length. Opinel already make the Junior model which has a rounded end, but does have the locking collar.
Interested to know if I’d get into bother carrying this in my biking hip pack:
https://www.opinel.com/en-gb/cuisine-nomade/jardin/cueillette/n7-chestnuts-garlic-and-pitting
I kind of figured I could always argue I was on my way to a spot of foraging if stopped.
Knife laws are different in Scotland, there is no acceptable minimum length, just ‘bladed article’.
Unless laws have changed the 3" limit for non knocking folding knives applies in Scotland as well.
"(3)This section does not apply to a folding pocketknife if the cutting edge of its blade does not exceed three inches."
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1993/13/enacted
I don't like started blades.... They're also a PITA to sharpen.
Agreed - nuisance to sharpen, and kinda missing the appeal of an Opinel being a cheap very basic no fuss knife that just works.
I have been looking at a new Opinel to help control the Himalayan balsam which has shot up the last couple years. Its a mad rush at the moment to cut down before it flowers and the exploding seed pods set. My size 8 Opinel is just too small and I`m considering the 12.
Not sure how that’s any different from the lock ring legally. It still holds the blade in place whilst in use just via a different mechanism
The UK ban is on fixed-blade knives. There was a court case where it was ruled that, for practical purposes, a lockable blade is the same thing as a fixed blade.
So the legal question here isn't "is it a locking mechanism?" but rather "does it behave like a fixed blade knife?"
AIUI, IANAL, etc.
That does not seem to be what the Government web site says at https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives
See extract below.
It’s also illegal to:
- carry most knives or any weapons in public without a ‘good reason’
- sell most knives or any weapons to anyone under the age of 18
The exception to these 2 rules are folding pocketknives that:
- have a cutting edge no longer than 3 inches
- are not lock knives (they do not have a button, spring or catch that you have to use to fold the knife)
I don't like started blades.... They're also a PITA to sharpen.
Agreed - nuisance to sharpen, and kinda missing the appeal of an Opinel being a cheap very basic no fuss knife that just works.
I have been looking at a new Opinel to help control the Himalayan balsam which has shot up the last couple years. Its a mad rush at the moment to cut down before it flowers and the exploding seed pods set. My size 8 Opinel is just too small and I`m considering the 12.
Just pull the whole plant out?
Its also edible btw. The seeds are delicious the leaves can go in curries and stuff
My old neighbour was a policeman who's role was specifically dealing with children in schools - and those who had knives. I bought my daughters those childrens opinels with round ends. He warned me that even they would be illegal. If they were caught with them then it would be at least a caution and on their records. He also thought this was daft, but they count as fixed blades.
Also the Neo6 is surely the EDC choice for the UK? A 7cm blade still with the flattened point. Néo6 | Opinel Grande Bretagne
I want one of these.
Just pull the whole plant out?
Its also edible btw. The seeds are delicious the leaves can go in curries and stuff
Sometimes that works but would still need to cut low enough to the roots to stop it re-growing .. it's a very resilient plant!!
Yes the seeds are tasty. However it's practically impossible to collect them without spreading them. I knew the young leaves are collected in the native countries so surprised rabbits etc in UK don't eat them.
See extract below.
It’s also illegal to:
- carry most knives or any weapons in public without a ‘good reason’
Whilst I don't doubt gov dot uk's authority, "most knives" doesn't really sound like a watertight legal definition.
I don't like started serrated blades.... They're also a PITA to sharpen.
Not really, there are a number of different sharpening systems available that use ceramic rods that fit into a carrying case designed specifically for any serrated blades, which includes kitchen knives - Lansky do a very neat little set that I keep in the kitchen.
A serrated blade is handy for hacking through overhanging brambles, if you don’t have a sturdy walking stick to bash them out of the way, like I spent a fair amount of time doing on my walk yesterday afternoon!
My preferred tool for that was a Spyderco knife with a hawksbill blade with a serrated edge, designed to be used on fishing boats. Very effective for slicing through thick briars and brambles when I used to maintain a section of a local Sustrans route, but very illegal now!
Very effective for slicing through thick briars and brambles when I used to maintain a section of a local Sustrans route, but very illegal now!
Maintaining a Sustrans trail sounds like a "good reason" for carrying a knife and so you should be ok especially if you are doing it in an authorised capacity. I guess some people might be uncomfortable if they see someone using a knife in public regardless of the circumstances.
