Opinel, a touch of history, a legendary edge

Joseph Opinel, the eldest son of a family of renowned blacksmiths and taillanders, was born in 1872 in the hamlet of Gevoudaz, in Albiez-le-Vieux. At just 18, his creative spirit and passion for new technologies led him to build his own camera, making him the go-to photographer for local weddings. But Joseph had more far-reaching dreams: he wanted to create a unique object using the modern techniques of his time. And so, in 1890, in the family workshop that smelled of iron and fire, the Opinel was born: a small, simple, functional pocket knife with a rustic elegance. Joseph didn't stop there.

In 1897, he revolutionized the world of cutlery by offering not one, but twelve Opinels in different sizes - after all, why should there be just one size for so many different hands? These knives quickly became more than just tools; they metamorphosed into family heirlooms, silent but sharp witnesses to significant events.

The Opinel, an icon in art and design museums

As early as 1911, Opinel made a name for itself on the international scene. At the International Alpine Exhibition in Turin, Joseph's knives seduced the jury and won the gold medal. Nearly 70 years later, the knife joined the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, rubbing shoulders with icons such as the Porsche 911 and the Rolex watch on the podium of the "most beautiful objects in the world".

The 5 ingredients of the Opinel legend

The Opinel knife, whose simple, ingenious construction has remained virtually unchanged for over a century, is based on five essential elements:

• a sharp, curved blade in carbon or stainless steel
• a fixed ferrule for strength
• a varnished wooden handle
• a solid rivet
• the famous Virobloc® rotating ferrule, invented by Joseph's son Marcel for safety in 1955.

At Opinel, French beech is king, but they don't stop there. For special editions and artistic collaborations, other woods come into play: resistant birch, delicate boxwood, authentic hornbeam, robust oak, elegant ebony, warm walnut, sunny olive and even exotic padouk. Each wood brings its own unique character to these knives. As a distinctive sign, the blade is stamped with La Main Couronnée.

Sharp collaborations

Opinel is more than just knives, it's a veritable art gallery in motion. The brand regularly launches special editions, often in limited series. Each edition is a celebration: a tribute to a precious material, a feat of manufacturing technique, a nod to an artistic event or the fruit of an ingenious collaboration. Far from being mere tools, these creations become treasures coveted by enlightened collectors and connoisseurs in search of out-of-the-ordinary pieces. From the Tour de France to the Albertville Olympics, from the Coq Sportif's French Revolution to the Maison Saint Laurent, each edition tells a story, a fragment of the French soul.

In 2015, for its 125th anniversary, Opinel invited creativity with a customization competition won by Mathieu Gazaix, whose design perfectly reflects the brand's mountain spirit and simplicity. The latest collaboration is the "Edition" collection. For Christmas 2023, the biennial "Edition" collection is a vibrant tribute to nature, orchestrated by Opinel. Three artists with singular universes, Mioshe, Rommy González and Perrine Honoré, invite you on an artistic journey where the plant, the animal and the organic meet. A knife where wild plants meet mysterious mushrooms, where floral compositions flirt with ancient myths, on a charming handle (limited series of 9,000, from €39).

5 questions to Pierre Sang Boyer

Throughout his career, Pierre Sang Boyer has turned every opportunity into a culinary adventure. With a heart wide open to nature and a bubbling passion for cooking, he has concocted a tasty blend, marrying the delights of the French terroir with the secret spices of Korea. His career path, spiced up by a remarkable experience on Top Chef, led him to meet Christian Constant, his mentor turned friend. Today, Pierre Sang brilliantly manages several Parisian addresses, juggling the spontaneity of street food with the elegance of gourmet dishes.

How did you discover Opinel knives, and how long have you been using them in your kitchen?

My story with Opinel knives began in France, at the age of seven. My grandfather, an avid fisherman and mushroom gatherer, gave me my first Opinel knife. This precious childhood memory was the start of a 12-year loyalty to this brand, which I appreciate not only for its quality but also for the values it conveys.

How do you integrate Opinel knives into your restaurant?

Opinel knives, which come from Savoie, a region I love, have a special place in my restaurants. I mainly use the serrated models to set the tables. It's funny, but these knives are often "borrowed" by foreign customers, seduced by the charm of French brands. In my bistro, I've opted for micro-serrated knives with black handles, while in my gourmet restaurant, I prefer the Original model. This year, when I relocate my gourmet restaurant to Courchevel for the season, I'm planning to fill the tables with Opinel knives!

Why did you choose Opinel knives for the table and the kitchen?

I find Opinel knives twice as robust as other brands I've used. Their durability is exceptional, and I recommend a simple maintenance routine to preserve them: careful cleaning and regular sharpening.

Do you have a favorite knife?

One particular Opinel knife holds a special place in my heart: the one given to me by Paul Bocuse. This knife is a treasure for me, a trophy that I treasure without using it.

And in the kitchen?

I never go anywhere without one of my Forged 1890s, which I protect in a tailor-made leather case! I've also converted several members of my brigade, who have now adopted the Opinel for their work. For me, a good knife is an indispensable tool for a chef. It must be reliable, durable and well-balanced. Opinel knives meet these criteria perfectly, while bringing a touch of French elegance to my kitchen.