There are a lot of fans of the Opinel No. 8 out there, and for other reasons than it costs only £17. This classic French knife may look as though it has changed little since it was launched in the 1890s, but the components keep improving. The 8cm blade is made from solid carbon steel, locks into place with a simple twisting safety ring on the handle – for which you’ll need two hands – and folds into the handle. All very simple and elegant. This is the version for traditionalists (and romantics), but there’s also a new model with a gripper handle, built-in whistle and lanyard.
First published: Aug 2013
