When you think of Opinel, you probably picture a classic wood-handled folding knife slicing through a block of cheese at a sunny campsite. But the French heritage brand, with roots dating back to 1890, is pivoting toward more modern, high-performance, purpose-built knives with its latest launch.
On Monday, Opinel announced its Outdoor Collection: a trio of task-specific folding knives for mountain, trail, and marine tasks.
Rather than the brand’s iconic wood-handled aesthetic, these new knives leverage advanced polymers, specialized coatings, and multitool functions built for specific environments.
Meet the Lineup
The new drop consists of three distinct models, each stepping far away from traditional pocket knives to offer utility when things get demanding.
The Néo7 Alpine ($45)
Developed hand in hand with elite instructors from Chamonix’s National School of Skiing and Mountaineering (ENSA), this ultra-minimalist tool is explicitly designed for vertical rock, ice, and backcountry snow. It has an aggressively serrated blade and aims for utility in the vertical world. And in what might be a first for Opinel, its protruding tip allows for one-handed opening.
- Weight: 1.45 ounces (featherlight for your harness)
- Blade: Serrated stainless steel (optimized for cutting ropes and webbing)
- Multitool capabilities: A patented Opiflex ring, an integrated bit holder, a mini scraper, a secure cork grip zone, and a built-in 100dB emergency whistle.
The N°08 Horizon ($40)
The Horizon is the most similar to the classic Opinel design, but with a reinforced polyamide handle that resists moisture, impacts, and temperatures from -40°C to +80°C. It also has a built-in whistle for emergencies and comes in vibrant orange, which really stands out inside a backpack.
- Blade: Smooth 3.25-inch stainless steel blade
- Handle: Dual-material, reinforced fiberglass polymer handle built to survive hard impacts and wet weather
- Highlights: Traditional Virobloc double-safety locking ring and an integrated 110dB rescue whistle.
The N°09 Ocean ($60)
Engineered for salt spray, high-tension lines, and life on deck, this beefier folder prioritizes marine safety and corrosion resistance. It uses robust stainless steel in the blade, which offers excellent corrosion resistance. The aggressive partial serration allows for quick rope cuts, while the smooth belly offers versatility.
But its coolest tool is a built-in marlinspike that lets the user wedge open stubborn knots. It’s a relatively uncommon addition and one that can come in very handy when working with lots of lines.
- Blade: 3.5-inch partially serrated blade with an anti-corrosion PVD coating
- Marine Tools: Has a built-in marlinespike (for untying stubborn, wet knots) and a shackle key.
- Features: Fiberglass-reinforced handle, Virobloc double safety system, and a 110 dB whistle.
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