Opinel Slim Series Fillet Folding Knifes - Camping Fishing EDC Pocket Knife review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Opinel
Model Name	Opinel Slim Series Fillet Knife
Special Feature	Flexible Blade, Designed for Filleting Fish and other Outdoor Cooking Tasks
Handle Material	Beechwood, Beechwood
Color	Beechwood
Blade Material	Stainless Steel
Style	No8
Item Dimensions LxWxH	3.58 x 1.02 x 0.67 inches
Item Weight	30 Grams

product features

The slim Series (a. K. A Effie's in French) are elegant and highly ergonomic. The no 8 and 10 can be used as pocket knives. The no 12 makes a great table knife while the No15 is use to Fillet fish on the Go.
All slim knives have a narrow flexible blade, The smallest ones are great to cut fruits and vegetable and the larger ones Fillet fish.
Please keep in mind that the slim knives have a slightly flexible blade and are not designed to be use for heavy duty task.
This knife features the Virobloc safety rings. Invented by marcel Opinel in 1955, the Virobloc safety ring is fitted to all folding knives sizes No6 through No12.
Cut out of stainless steel, the Virobloc has two sections, one fixed and one sliding. In addition to locking the blade open (safety while in Use), it is now possible to lock the blade closed (safety on the Go).

product description

The Opinel folding knife was born in the savior region of France in 1890 and has become a Universal object due to its wide use and popularity throughout the world. A genuine trigger of memories, It is recognized as one of the best knives in the world. With the same attention to simplicity and reliability, Opine has designed other ranges of knives and tools for all those who appreciate effective cutting. A simple, robust and faithful tool, This essential little knife has been in the pockets of the greatest artists, adventurers, navigators and mountaineers including Pablo Picasso, Roger Fresno Roche, again colas, Eric tartly, Jean-Louis Etienne, Ellen Mac Arthur, Paul focused and many more. A constant landmark, cited in countless books and songs, Opine has risen to the status of a timeless Cult object, an unavoidable symbol of French culture.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.58 x 1.02 x 0.67 inches; 1.06 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ 516
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ January 31, 2011
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Opinel
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001PAYMT4

important information

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Questions about Opinel Slim Series Fillet Folding Knifes - Camping Fishing EDC Pocket Knife

What is the thickness of the blade?

Answer: I am not sure how to answer, but I use it to cut chunks off a block of cheese, cut meat on my plate, etc. Hope this helps. It is not a blade I would use to do heavy work, but it can open packages bound in tape, etc.

Answer: Very thin. I gave it to my nephew so I can't measure it but it is thin enough to be fairly flexible. Super cool looking knife with a quality feel to it none the less. Think "Gentleman's steak knife".

Answer: I'm not real sure since it's not in front of me. It's pretty thin and flexible. I would say less than 2mm or right about that.

is the blade stainless steel or carbon. thanks

Answer: The listed model is the Opinel Stainless Steel Locking Folding Slim Line Pocket Knife, 12 cm, with a Sandvik swedish stainless steel blade and bubinga wood handle.

Answer: Carbon

Answer: carbon

Is it a folding knife?

Answer: Yes it is. It also has a blade LOCK, but it is rather unusual. It doesn't automatically lock like most folding knives. And then there is a button must be pressed to release the blade, instead there is a metal ring at the base of the blade that you must TWIST to lock the blade in place when open, and then you must twist it back to release the blade so the knife can be closed. Overall a nice knife. A little LIGHT in my opinion but still nice.

Answer: Yes it is a folding knife

Answer: Yes, this is a folding knife. The knife has a rotating cuff at the base of the blade that locks the blade in the open or closed position. Made with good materials, easy to use, lightweight, sharp blade. Great product.

Answer: Yes, it is a folding knife. It has a rotating lock mechanism to lock it either open or closed, so it pretty well takes two hands to open or close it.

Answer: Yes it folds like all the other Opinel knives, it has a manual locking mechanism, it is a long blade.

Answer: yes, locks both open and closed

Answer: Yes, but I leave it open all the time because I use it so much.

Answer: Yes

how long is the blade?

Answer: 12 cm. almost 5 inches. They sell an 18 cm Bubinga that's close to 6 inches. They also have 7 inch fish fillet knife.

Answer: 4 3/4 inches

Answer: That depends on which model you buy.

How thick is the knife when closed?

Answer: The blade is 3 1/4" and the knife is 7 1/4" when open so about 4" when closed

Answer: It's a cylinder, a little less than an inch in diameter at the thickest point (the silver ring/lock). It's very light, very sharp out of the box, super pointy, and very easy to sharpen to a razor edge. Great knife, a little more delicate than the regular No. 8.

Answer: There is only one "bolster" that being at the front and enclosed in the locking mechanism. At that point it is approx. 3/4 of an inch wide. It then tapers rearward gently to about a 1/4 inch wide at the rear of the handle. When gripped, it is very comfortable, almost "dainty". My last two fingers wrap around the handle completely, securing the grip. Hope this helps.

Answer: Can't tell you down to a millimeter, but just eyeballing it with a tape measure, I'd say three quarters of an inch at it's widest point.

Answer: It's less than an inch

The listed model is No15, right?

Answer: Yes, it appears to be a #15. I have one, it's a great fillet knife.

Answer: Hard to tell from the description, but the one I received was No. 15.

Is the handle slimmer than a normal Opinel No. 8? If so, how thick?

Answer: Yes it is slimmer. I would say by 25 %- 30 % This is an awesome knife Very sharp! Small enough to fit in your pocket and you'll forget you have it. I use it all the time in the kitchen, my favorite by far

Answer: I think it's the same handle just slimmer at back end,tapered

does this knife have a carbon blade

Carbon or stainless steel?

Answer: The slims are all stainless. Good quality though. Great fish cleaning and fillet knife.

Answer: This one is stainless.

Answer: stainless stays looking better but carbon is easier to sharpen

Answer: Stainless

Does it lock?

Answer: Yes. The blade is locked by rotating a ring around the front of the knife, which keeps the blade from folding. I think it is one of the most reliable locking mechanisms.

Answer: Yes. Opinel virobloc lock ring.

Answer: Yes, it has a round mechanism that lock the blade when its opened and when its closed as well.

Answer: Yes

Will it float ?

Answer: Such an interesting question, I had to try it! No, it sinks. Too much metal for the wooden handle.

Answer: No, absolutely not

Does this come with the leather holster?

Answer: No it is a folding pocket knife that fits very nicely in a deep Pocket like cargo pants

Answer: No.

Answer: No it doesn't.

Would this make a good fishing knife?

Answer: Yes. Blade will flex for good filet knife.

Answer: No issues with blade for fileting but I would hate to see what would happen to the beautiful wood handle after a few dozen fish.

Is the handle beechwood or oak?

What is the length of No 12 slim folding fillet knife, in folded position?

Answer: It is 15 cm long.

One option lists bubinga/padauk, which is it? these are very different woods and I would like to know which I would receive

Answer: Not sure. Mine is a reddish-brown, sort of rosewood.

Is the steel stainless (inox) or carbon? Thanks!

Answer: Stainless steel

Answer: I believe stainless. Thank you

Answer: Stainless - INOX is stamped on the blade. But it sure holds an edge, at least when used for food.

Answer: Stainless

Would this be a good fillet knife?

Answer: Yes, for small fish. The blade is only about 4.5" and is flexable for about half its length.

Answer: Yes, very sharp.

I live in melbourne Australia am i able to get this knife into my country?

Answer: No idea. Google folding blade knife Australian import restrictions.

The 12cm blade with varnished wood handle, it is carbon or Inox (stainless)?

Answer: The description states, Carbon Steel (X90) Blade Blade Length: 3 3/16. Mine was polished to a mirror finish. I also purchased this model with olive wood handles. Enjoy the knife...

Answer: The blade is inox. The handle isn’t varnished though - mine is nicely sanded bubinga wood. I think all the handle varieties for the slim blade come with inox though.

Answer: The one I received was stainless (inbox). I love the knife. I did notices that the wood swells pretty tightly against the blade when wet, thereby causing it to be damn near impossible to close. This is typical of all opines but seems more pronounced in the bubinga.

Answer: the blade is made in a special designed stainless steel.

Is the photo wrong? the picture shows printed inox on the blade, that's stainless not carbon. what is the actual metal on this knife?

Answer: It seems to almost be a cross. It is magnetic. Holds an edge very well like their high carbon knives. I generally prefer their original steel, yet I use this one daily!

Answer: They make them in both carbon and stainless, the slim bladed ones I have bought are all stainless blades.

Answer: It is inox (stainless)

Made in China?

Answer: Opinel is a family run business that’s been making knives in France for the past 130 years.

Answer: France. It's a French knife but it could be considered an Arkansas toothpick.

Answer: All Opinel knives are supposed to be made in the factory in France.

Answer: NO! Made in France.

Answer: I, France

Answer: Made in france

Answer: No, France

Answer: No, made in France.

Does this knife fold?

Answer: It's an Opinel. Yes of course it folds. Makes the perfect filet knife, easy to transport but quite a bit longer than your average folder.

Answer: The knife folds and locks.

Answer: Yepper

Answer: Yes

What is the blade length?

Answer: 15cm or 5.9 inches

Answer: 5 3/4 inches

any issues with constant use on a lake or ocean for fileting? LIke the handle? I like mora quality of the blade.

Answer: I use mine daily in an unconventional kitchen at an off grid farm kitchen. Cut 30lbs of pork In To 1 inch cubes today. Cut pork belly in to 1/2 inch strips. Slice beef in to 1/4 inch strips for jerkey.

Answer: It will perform well for you even with constant use.

Is it carbon or stainless steel

Answer: Stainless

is this a carbon blade?

best size to filet freshwater fish like trout, catfish, and maybe bass (yeah I know you bass guys only like to release)?

Answer: One of the cheapest but best made brand of knives made. The filet knife is especially handy for all these fish. Buy it, well worth the money

Answer: Owning an Opinel is owning a piece of history. Beautiful design and balance. Check the size on the website for your preferable blade length. My four inche blade might be Okay for pan fish, otherwise a longer blade might be better. A few strokes on a hone and they are dangerously sharp just out the box. Enjoy!

Answer: At least the No. 12. I'd personally go with the No. 18, but that would be really big for a trout.

Answer: No good knife at all. The worst quality I ever met

Product reviews of Opinel Slim Series Fillet Folding Knifes - Camping Fishing EDC Pocket Knife

PMB : Price a good deal

AS advertised. Some of the Opinel locking collars are a little tight, and have to be oiled and fiddled with to be smooth. At the price it's a good deal.

Paul Malarik : A Great Travel Picnic Knife

Hi-

I have quite a few good or great knives, but have always had trouble finding a good looking light folding picnic knife for hotel use. This knife is long (No 12) and sharp enough to cut sandwiches or steaks and folds nicely. The locking mechanism is a twist-type which is strange to me, but works. The knife is a french knife similiar to the very expensive french wine& cheese travel knives, but is far, far cheaper and almost as well made. It is well balanced (not like me) and is ergonomic. The wood definitely needs some Mineral Oil pre-treatment to help preserve the very nice Bubinga wood. Beware, this knife is quite sharp....it does lack serrations and it is not as light as the boker ceramic folders (which are fun but brittle). I have not tried it to cut bread nor tomatoes, but you can also get another travel knife for that....either a small "rescue type" knife (the Cara) or a cheap serrated non-folding short Victorix that comes in a cheap sheath.

I also bought one the shorter Opinels, but I prefer this one by far.

BTW- I did see these in a Knife Shop for far more money....so this is a good deal. The other expensive french knives or corkscrews have stuff like horn, exotic woods, or even Wooly Mammoth Ivory for the handles....which while beautiful or not as practical (especially if lost or stolen)!

Hope this helps!
-Paul

Howard W Moore : Good value but not a rapela

I'm used to a cheap rapela I find the blade not flexable enough and the handle to thin I would be happier had it had a handle sized like the standard opinel

Kindle Customer : Nice little knife, not at all sharp.

I bought the smallest of this knife for a fishing knife. The size is perfect, and the bubinga handle and blade finish are very nice.

However, I'm used to new knives being razor-sharp. On first inspection, I could feel a burr on the blade edge. Looking through a 10X loupe, I can see a flat edge for about 2/3 the length of the blade. I can sharpen it with no problem, but this isn't what I'm used to in a brand-new knife.

Kelly T. Kendrick : Very nicely made and elegant

Very nicely made and elegant. Everybody wants to know where I got it.

Memphis Donnie : History

Own your self something that can that cannot be improved.

Death blood and destruction : Great knife.

It is a fillet knife not much else to say .

james wymer : Love itm

There is nothing I dislike about this knife

Dino : Nice substitute for restaurant knives

Nice, classy knife to take to a restaurant. It will slice your food instead of tearing it apart like most restaurant knives. Blade is mirror polished and the wood handle is finished nicely. Blade is thin with a slight flex.

Ryan Creager : Opinel! Beautiful knife

Great knife!!!

Surprisingly sharpe

Don’t use it to pry something open, why would you do that!?!

Beautiful wood handle

Opens nice and smooth

Locking mechanism, easy to use

Mike : Totally overpriced for what you get.... basic slim #8 in a cardboard box. Look elsewhere...

This is the basic slim #8 in a basic cardboard box.. all for $30+ which is totally overpriced. Look elsewhere.... buyers remorse.

Stephen Sedmak : Great knife

Opinel and Mora are my favorite small knives. Nothing else even comes close in the price range. Great steel. Great ergonomics.

Julie S : i like mine

Liked it. It needed some work like all opinell knifes. It is nice at 5 in.

Baggins : Well crafted

This is a beautiful piece of workmanship. The balance is excellent, the handle grips well, and the blade, well, the blade is wicked cool... While no way a con, it took a wee bit of time to get used to the twist ring that holds the knife open. After that simple learning experience I am more than pleased.

N. Jackson : This is a nice little knife

This is a nice little knife. The quality for the price is excellent, but don't expect to get a super quick action like most of today's tactical folders--it's going to take two hands and a bit of effort to get this knife open. That's where the drawbacks stop, though, as the handle and blade are both very well-finished. I use this knife as a folding steak knife, and it works well in that capacity. The blade is thin, so don't expect to use it as a utility knife, but for light tasks, this is a great tool.

PMB : Price a good deal

AS advertised. Some of the Opinel locking collars are a little tight, and have to be oiled and fiddled with to be smooth. At the price it's a good deal.

Linda Andres : Cool minimalist knife

More of a novelty for me but it is a reliable design.

Edboy : Opinel # 15

Beautiful knife!! Made very well. Excellent filet knife!!

Lawrence D. Harris : I'm conflicted....

I'm a big Opinel fan, carried the standard #8 for years. It finally jumped out of my pocket unexpectedly and without alerting me, so I had to replace it. After looking at different models, woods, etc. I really liked the looks of the slim, so I ordered it in size #8. I'm very conflicted.
First, it has beautiful lines. The curves flow, the blade is almost mirror like. When it's open, it is very nice too look at. Very "pretty." The French "effete" really sums it up.
BUT, the blade is very thin. And, the handle is a tad too small to fit my hand comfortably. It really reminds me of a "penknife," not a "pocketknife." As other reviewers have stated, seems fine for opening letters/packaging, cutting fruit, etc. Fine type tasks. But, I'd be a little apprehensive about really cutting with it.
Bottom line, I'm keeping it and will probably carry it in my suit pants on occasion, but I'm also ordering the trustworthy #8 in beechwood.
UPDATE
I've added a picture of the standard #8 with the slim. You can see how different the designs are. I do have to admit, the slim has been growing on me, it really is a very nicely crafted knife. I'm happy with my purchase, may consider getting a #9 or #10 down the road, maybe in olive wood handle.

T. SNYDER : Excelent filet knife.

I use this for fish/ food prep when camping. the blade is razor sharp & flexes well for fileting.

Uncle Waldo : Same quality as my dad's from 50 years ago

My dad had these all over the house when I was a kid. Was happy to find the slimline. I use it primarily for fishing but you'll find a thousand more uses for it.

m. green : Great knife for the $

Great knife for the $

Charles R Owen : Very difficult to open.

I love Opinels and this is the best looking one I have ever owned. This one had quality control issues. The lock ring was not fully sested and it took two hands to open. After about an hour of filing and sandpaper it is moderately better. I will have to break out the Dremel tool. This is my first slim. Would have sent it back but it is much prettier than the picture.

Kelly T. Kendrick : Very nicely made and elegant

Very nicely made and elegant. Everybody wants to know where I got it.

Jean H. Laprime : A woderful example of an exotic Opinel

A true French knife, one made to resemble a Laguiole which appears to be its inspiration. The knife has the classic locking system pioneered by Opinel and was received almost razor sharp. The provider was prompt and I was pleased with both the turnaround time and their professionalism.

PMB : Price a good deal

AS advertised. Some of the Opinel locking collars are a little tight, and have to be oiled and fiddled with to be smooth. At the price it's a good deal.

dawgs : best bushcraft culinary

As a chef and a bushcrafty survivalist, knives play a crucial part in my life. For years I had seen Opinel's cheap, flimsy and potentially dangerous looking knives as i flip through pages of bulky, sturdy and safe blades. Due to the ridiculously small price, about 2 years ago I pulled the trigger on purchasing the #8, with the intention of having a foldable and lite utility knife for pocket use around the kitchen facility. My hopes were low and my expectations for the locking device and knife hinge were even lower. Boy was I wrong. These knives are manufactured with great steel and craftsmanship. The blades are razon sharp and hold there edge surprisingly long. When finally dull they are insanely easy to sharpen. The strangely simple lock system work amazingly well. Cant be beat for comfort and weight. That said this is most certainly not a knife you want to be using for batoning wood for kindling or prying at something, but it is fairly proficient at fine widdle work and is great for fireside cooking duties. This #15 soon became an object of my desire, not only for its sleek and sexy physical appearance but for the foldability of a carry everywhere fish filet. Opinel did not disappoint. This blade looks better in person and has incredible functionality. The blade is perfectly flexible and the improved locking mechanism is a great relief when handling such a sharp piece of equipment. This blade is going to absolutely change my game of cooking in the bush. Thank you Opinel for doing what you do and keeping it affordable!!!!!

some character : Trusty Harpoon

This is my first slim Opinel. I love the wood. It has a real classy look to it. Of all the Opinel models, these slim ones definitely have the most gentlemanly look/feel to them.

::Update::

I have affectionately dubbed this knife as "The Harpoon." Great for jars of anything!

Josh h. : Sharp

Sharp...sharp!

John Sziber : Five Stars

As described and delivered in a timely manner.

Roger : High quality and sharp

Very nice

Ryan Creager : Opinel! Beautiful knife

Great knife!!!

Surprisingly sharpe

Don’t use it to pry something open, why would you do that!?!

Beautiful wood handle

Opens nice and smooth

Locking mechanism, easy to use

m. green : Great knife for the $

Great knife for the $

carolyn wilkins : Beautiful

Beautiful knife, great addition to my Opinel collection.

Linda Andres : Cool minimalist knife

More of a novelty for me but it is a reliable design.

some character : Trusty Harpoon

Chris Flinders : fits my hand well, easy to work with fruit, nice improvement to the viroblock ring.

I don't dislike anything about this knife but it's still new to me. Time will tell..

Volha : Worst purchase ever

Bought two Opinel knifes for camping. After second trip one knife no longer folds and another rusted.... Worst purchase ever.

Ryan Creager : Opinel! Beautiful knife

Great knife!!!

Surprisingly sharpe

Don’t use it to pry something open, why would you do that!?!

Beautiful wood handle

Opens nice and smooth

Locking mechanism, easy to use

Amazon Customer : It’s a classic for a reason

It’s my camp food knife, dead simple, no complaints.

Bob : It's so good I bought another.

May 29th 2020 purchase my second number 15. Great little knife needed the second one keep forgetting to put the other back in my tackle box. For the price it's worth it. It's very sharp did I mention it's very sharp no it's scary Sharp. I like the no.12 and the no. 10 also.

james wymer : Love itm

There is nothing I dislike about this knife

Paul H. : Simple and elegant.

Opined is consistently one of the best knife designs ever. The simplicity and elegance is legendary. I had to give it one less star because mine was rather too tightly fit and difficult to open and close. When the wood gets wet is swells and can't be close at all. I will disassemble and lightly sand to correct this. Still a lovely tool and cheap enough to modify without regrets

Baggins : Well crafted

dave : Great knife.

The best brand of knife in the world. I’d take it anywhere.

Cesar Davila : Calidad

Calidad, muy buena hoja, excelente inversión.

N. Jackson : This is a nice little knife

M Huter : The knife is nice

The knife is nice, however the silver release part is a bit on the chinchy side....

Electric Genie : Inexpensive but very versatile and useful folding knife

Most folding knives are too stubby to be useful for cooking. But this knife is terrific. It's good for filleting, chopping, slicing. The steel is good and it holds an edge very well.

Sachak : Change the way you think a pocket knife should be...

Solid speed knife. Light, durable and sharp.

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you