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Plenty of options are available when choosing the perfect knife for your daily needs. However, two brands that have stood the test of time and gained immense popularity are Opinel and Victorinox. How do these knife brands compare against each other?
Opinel and Victorinox are producers of pocket and kitchen knives and make an excellent choice for mid-level quality knives. Both manufacturers offer good quality and value, but Opinel pocket knives have the edge over Victorinox, while Victorinox kitchen knives are the better option.
Victorinox and Opinel are European-made knives offering value, durability, and reliability. However, some differences in design and focus between these two knife-making brands may influence which knives are more suitable for your requirements.
If you want to check out different excellent Victorinox knives, you can find them here (Amazon link). For the best Opinel pocket knife, we recommend knife No. 8. You can find this knife by clicking here (Amazon link).
How Do Opinel And Victorinox Compare?
Opinel is a French knife brand that has been around since 1890, while Victorinox is a Swiss company that has been in business since 1884. Both brands have a rich history and have gained a reputation for producing high-quality knives used by professionals and hobbyists alike.
To understand how these popular brands stack up against each other, we need to understand the features, strengths, and weaknesses of Opinel and Victorinox knives.
Both Opinel and Victorinox have a rich history and have gained a reputation for producing high-quality, functional, and stylish knives. They have become popular among people of all ages and backgrounds due to their versatility and reliability, making them essential tools for everyday use.
Whether you are a chef, a camper, or just someone who needs a reliable cutting tool, this comparison will help you make an informed decision when choosing between these two popular knife brands.
History And Background Of Opinel And Victorinox
The history of a knife brand often speaks volumes about the quality of the product. Knifemakers that have a substantial history generally know a thing or two about making quality knives.
The brand’s longstanding reputation also says something about the public opinion of the knives and the consistency in quality, reliability, and durability.
How Long Has Opinel Been Making Knives?
Opinel is a French knife brand founded by Joseph Opinel in 1890. The brand is known for its iconic and simple design, featuring a wooden handle and a folding blade secured with a metal ring.
Opinel knives were initially designed for use in the agricultural industry but quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and hunters due to their durability, sharpness, and ease of use.
Today, Opinel is still a family-owned company that produces a wide range of knives, including pocket, kitchen, and garden knives.
How Long Has Victorinox Been Making Knives?
Victorinox is a Swiss knife brand that Karl Elsener founded in 1884. The brand is famous for its “Swiss Army Knife,” which was first produced in 1891 and became the official knife of the Swiss Army in 1897.
The Swiss Army Knife features multiple tools, including a knife blade, screwdriver, and can opener, among several others. Victorinox also produces various other knives, including kitchen, pocket, and professional knives used by chefs and butchers.
Opinel And Victorinox Designs And Features
Victorinox has a much wider range of knives than Opinel, with knives designed for the kitchen and outdoors. Opinel has a limited range of kitchen knives and garden tools, but the focus is on their iconic pocket knives.
Regarding design and features, Opinel and Victorinox differ in their approach. Opinel’s design is simple and timeless, while Victorinox’s design is focused on versatility and functionality.
Opinel knives are ideal for those who prefer a classic and elegant look, while Victorinox knives are perfect for style and versatility.
Comparing the designs and features of these knives will give a good understanding of the differences in the knives produced by each company.
Opinel Designs And Features
Opinel pocket knives have a simple and classic design that has remained essentially unchanged since the brand’s inception in 1890.
The knife features a wooden handle and a folding blade secured with a metal ring. The blade is optionally made of high-carbon or stainless steel, offering a choice depending on your preference.
Opinel pocket knives come in various sizes and blade shapes, including a serrated edge and a rounded safety tip.
In the pocket knife category, Opinel knives are, in my opinion, a better, more durable product, especially for heavier-duty outdoor tasks.
The kitchen knives follow the same minimalistic design as the pocket knives with basic, elegant handle designs and stainless steel blades. The kitchen knives range from larger chef’s knives (Amazon link), and santoku’s to smaller paring (Amazon link) and utility knives.
Victorinox Designs And Features
Victorinox pocket knives are designed to be versatile and multifunctional. The brand’s most famous product, the Swiss Army Knife, features multiple tools, including a knife blade, screwdriver, can opener, and more.
Victorinox pocket knives are more closely related to multi-tools than single-blade pocket knives such as those produced by Opinel.
The Victorinox knives are also sleek and modern, with a plastic or metal handle and a folding blade of high-carbon stainless steel.
Victorinox also produces kitchen knives in a wider number and variety of ranges than those produced by Opinel. Victorinox kitchen knives include chef’s (Amazon link), paring, and serrated knives, known for their sharpness and precision.
In the kitchen knife category, the Victorinox kitchen knives are the better choice for the range of designs and options available.
TIP: If you are an owner of a Victorinox swiss army knife, you not only need to keep it sharp but also keep it well-maintained! Find out more in the article below:
6 Care Tips on How To Keep A Victorinox Knife Sharp
Quality And Durability Of Opinel And Victorinox Knives
Quality and durability are vital traits to look for when purchasing any knife, including pocket and kitchen knives. Quality and durability keep people returning to these brands when purchasing a new knife.
Opinel Durability And Quality
Opinel knives are renowned for their high quality and durability. The brand uses both high-carbon and stainless steel for its blades, giving options depending on your preference.
The stainless steel blades are high carbon stainless steel, making them resistant to rust and corrosion.
The wooden handles are made of durable and sustainable materials, such as beechwood and oak. Opinel knives are also easy to maintain and sharpen, ensuring they remain sharp and functional for years.
Opinel’s wooden handles may require more maintenance than Victorinox’s plastic or metal handles, which may be a consideration for some users.
Victorinox Quality And Durability
Victorinox knives are also known for their high quality and durability. Victorinox uses high-carbon stainless steel for its blades, ensuring they remain sharp and corrosion-resistant, but it does not offer a high-carbon steel option.
The plastic or metal handles are designed to be durable, ergonomic, and comfortable to hold, making them ideal for extended use.
Victorinox knives hold an edge well and are a popular choice for kitchen knives as well as pocket knives. However, the pocket knives are, in my opinion, not in the same league as the Opinel pocket knives.
TIP: While Victorinox knives are still considered classics, some alternatives rival the Swiss quality and reputation. Check them out in the article below:
Best Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Alternatives You Should Try
Victorinox And Opinel Pricing And Value
Pricing is often a key deciding factor when looking for the right knife. We will examine how Victorinox and Opinel prices compare in this department to find an option best suited to your budget.
Regarding pricing and value, Opinel and Victorinox differ in their approach. Opinel knives are more affordable, making them an excellent option for those on a budget who still want a high-quality knife.
Victorinox knives are more expensive, but their versatile design and high-quality materials make them an excellent value for their price. Overall, both brands offer knives that are worth their price and provide excellent value for their users.
Opinel Price And Value
Opinel knives are relatively affordable, especially considering the quality of the knives. The simplicity of the design, materials used, and uncomplicated mechanisms make the knives easier to produce at a lower cost.
The Opinel pocket knives range in price from $20 to about $60, which is excellent value compared to simial quality knives.
The Opinel kitchen knives range in price depending on the size of the knife and the intended purpose. You can expect to pay between $10 and $12 for smaller kitchen knives, such as paring and utility knives, while larger ones cost between $50 and $180.
The following summarizes the Opinel pocket knives available by size (Amazon links).
| Opinel Knife Model | Blade Size | Handle Size |
|---|---|---|
| Opinel No. 2 | 1.36 inches / 3.5cm | 1.86 inches / 4.7cm |
| Opinel No. 3 | 1.57 inches / 4cm | 2.20 inches / 5.6cm |
| Opinel No. 4 | 2 inches / 5.08cm | 2.68 inches / 6.8cm |
| Opinel No. 5 | 2.36 inches / 6cm | 3.14 inches / 7.9cm |
| Opinel No. 6 | 2.87 inches / 7.3cm | 3.63 inches / 9.2cm |
| Opinel No. 7 | 3.07 inches / 7.8cm | 3.93 inches / 10cm |
| Opinel No. 8 | 3.28 inches / 8.3cm | 4.31 inches / 10.9cm |
| Opinel No. 9 | 3.51 inches / 8.9cm | 4.67 inches / 11.7cm |
| Opinel No. 10 | 3.92 inches / 9.9cm | 5.08 inches / 12.9cm |
| Opinel No. 12 | 4.82 inches / 12.2cm | 6.22 inches / 15.8cm |
TIP: Most people are suspicious of a product sold at a lower price than similar products on the market. Check out the main reason why Opinel knives are so cheap and famous in the article below:
5 Crucial Reasons Why Opinel Knives Are So Popular & Cheap
Victorinox Price And Value
Victorinox knives are generally more expensive than Opinel knives, with pocket knife prices ranging from around $80 to $200 or more, depending on the size and type of knife.
Victorinox offers a range of very small pocket knives that cost about $30; these knives do not have the same value and versatility as a $30 Opinel pocket knife three times the size.
Victorinox kitchen knives range in price from $60 to $200, depending on the size and purpose of the knife.
Our recommendation: My brother and I got the first real Victorinox Swiss army knives when we were little boys. Since then, we have always taken the Victorinox knife, especially during nature trips. Our most popular pocket knife is the Victorinox Swiss Army Rangergrip 78 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife with a 130-millimeter (5.1 inches) blade. If you are interested in this knife, you can look at it here (Amazon link).
Conclusion
Opinel and Victorinox are two well-respected knife brands offering high-quality knives suitable for various use cases. I think the best pocket knife option would be an Opinel, but if I were looking for a kitchen knife, I would look more closely at a Victorinox option.
When it comes to choosing between Opinel and Victorinox, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. Regardless of which brand you choose, both Opinel and Victorinox offer knives worth their price and provide excellent value for their users.
TIP: Whether you’re planning an introductory day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, a knife is an essential tool to have on hand. Check out the main reasons in the article below:
7 Important Reasons Why You Always Need a Knive When Hiking
