Everyday Carry

Opinel No. 8 Black Oak Edition

Authored by:
Jonathan Tayag
Opinel No. 8 Black Oak Edition

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The venerable Opinel No. 8 remains one of the most popular traditional folding pocket knives you can have in your everyday carry. Its combination of a high-performance blade with classy styling make it a top choice. And now, with the new Black Oak edition of the No. 8, it takes on a more modern look with its new blacked-out blade and dark hardware. The high-contrast blade mixed with a premium black oak wood handle makes a classic knife even more unassuming for a discreet, no-frills EDC.

The stand-out feature of the Black Oak edition is definitely the black blade and ring lock hardware, which contrasts nicely with the dark-veined French black oak wood grain handle. The blade is made of treated 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel, and at 3.25” long with its extremely thin razor edge, it's ready to take on all tasks. And while 12C27 steel is very corrosion-resistant, the dark treatment helps stave off the effects of even the worst the elements can bring to bear on your trusty EDC knife. The black oak handle isn't just for show either, its high tannin content makes it resistant to wear and tear from age, including insect and fungi growth. And at the handle lies the Virobloc ring lock system—also treated with a black color—which lets you keep the blade open during use and keep it closed when its in your pockets for safety.

If you're looking to pick up an Opinel knife for the first time, or if you just want to shake things up a bit with its more modern bent, consider picking up the new Black Oak edition of the No. 8. It's a sharp knife with a modern twist to a traditional style that won't raise any eyebrows when it comes time to use it everyday. Check it out at the link below.

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Jonathan Tayag

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Jonathan Tayag is secretly an information technology and corporate security expert who prefers to moonlight as a creative event and commercial photographer whenever possible. His varied experience and substantial travels have led him to seek, without even thinking about it at first, the best gear for the best use at the best price available. Before the concept of EDC (everyday carry) firmly took hold, Jonathan already spent untold amounts of time optimizing for the best-in-slot pieces of gear, from cameras and lenses to pocket knives, pens, and bags and packs. In November 2015, Jonathan joined EverydayCarry.com and has since written numerous articles and guides to help impart his knowledge to the community as a whole.

Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.

Discussion (4 total)

Mags Tan ·
The coating seems a bit soft on this one. Right out of the box I tried it out on another Amazon box waiting to be opened and it seems like I've already scratched the blade a little :\
Chris ·
I’ve never been a fan of Opinel knives. Their look reminds me of when my dad asked me to whittle a blade handle, when I was 5 years old, to practice basic woodworking. Maybe they’re an awesome EDC knife, but to me they look like they couldn’t handle more than opening boxes. To each his own.