Check out these Old Bear Knives made in Italy by Antonini. Very similar to and obviously a play on the Opinel design. I like the lock better than the Opinel as it’s easier to use. Quality is great.... handle is walnut.
Instead Of Opinel
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Sweet. Who sells 'em? Despite sales resistance, I accumulate folding knives and always carry one.
I like mine a lot. It has a better feel to the handle as well due to the contouring.
Not sure where to buy them as I got mine in a knife shop in England.
Not sure where to buy them as I got mine in a knife shop in England.
Just check the measurements they really don’t vary a ton from size XS to XL
stolen pic from eBay size S-XL
the one in my original post is size M
stolen pic from eBay size S-XL
the one in my original post is size M
Of course I now have a size small, a size extra small with olive wood handle, and a size large in all black finish on the way. Ha ha
Funny coincidence. I just cut some Plug with mine shortly before I saw this thread.
I like it, just purchased an XL.
Do you own or have you used the opinel to compare the two? I like the look of these better, and have been wanting an opinel.
I found them at Smoky Mountain Knife Works in a few different sizes, shapes and handle materials.
I have both and like both. The steel on the Opinel is very slightly better at holding an edge; the handle materials and shaping are significantly more comfortable in the hand and in the pocket on the Old Bear; the lock is significantly better on the Old Bear; however the unfinished handle on the Old Bear requires more maintenance so it doesn't get loose.
I’ve never messed with these, so I can’t say if they’re good or not. The steel and heat treat is what differentiates a good knife from a KSO (knife shaped object). They look nice though. ?
I may go to the Gatlinburg area later this year, and any time I do, I go by Smoky Mountain Knifeworks. I may pick one up if I remember, just to see.
I may go to the Gatlinburg area later this year, and any time I do, I go by Smoky Mountain Knifeworks. I may pick one up if I remember, just to see.
Yes. The Opinel is lighter, a tiny bit slimmer, and more delicate IMO. Also the locking ring has to be turned using both hands while this can be locked or unlocked one handed.
The handle is oil finished on the Old Bear. Yes the blade on the Opinel is slightly better and the handle is lacquered rather than oiled. Old Bear uses 420 stainless but is also available in Carbon which should take an even better edge.
They have both. The carbon have a big black block on the blade that says “CARBON”. ?
Cant beat that price. I have never seen those before, but assumed they would be a lot more expensive than what they are.
A footnote: I don't know how anyone, male or female, lives without a handy folding knife, especially now that we do so much shopping online and everything arrives in shipping boxes, but I use a pocket knife for all manner of tasks. Poorly designed packaging these days requires a blade. I have fond memories of my dad conferring a pocket knife or two upon me when I was about eight, a Kamp King with the can opener and screw driver, and a Barlow with two blades. Those and handling fire safely were big rites of passage. If I'd screwed up, he would have confiscated them. So I didn't. Later in life, there came the time when I had to always be mindful of security checks and leave the knife in the car, even puny pocket knives, or bury them in the landscaping to retrieve later. Good security would hold the knife in an envelope to return. My latest inconvenience on that score was a trip to the emergency room with my wife, which is like going to the airport, but they held the knife for me. That's why I hesitate to carry a good carbon blade knife. I don't want some jack taking it home with him after his shift on security.
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