Old Opinel Restore

skeeter64 · **on:** April 04, 2024, 05:50:42 PM

I've got an OLD No. 7 Opinel that I was given in 1983. It was old when I got it so I'm guessing it is about 60 years old. It is still in pretty good condition, but with a few issues.
- blade groove is worn too deep so I glued in a shaved down match stick to raise up the blade, but the match stick was too soft and now the groove is too deep again. Advice on how to properly rebuild the groove?
- locking ring is too loose and the wood that the locking ring rests on is worn down so the blade never gets totally tight when open. Should I build up the shoulder with a bit of epoxy?
Other than that it is still a good little knife that I use all the time.
Is there any way to determine how old this knife is?
I'd appreciate any advice.

powernoodle · **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2024, 01:10:28 AM

Welcome to MTO!

That's a nice looking Opinel. Hopefully you will get some good counsel on how to restore it.

Barry Rowland · **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2024, 01:54:03 AM

If you contact Opinel USA (with the assumption that you're in the States) and send them pics I think they'd be able to give you an approximate date. Is there any of the labeling left on the handle? It would be on the left side with the deployed blade edge down. Get as many pics of it as you can and post them and I'll see what I can find out. Opinels are a love of mine!

Barry Rowland · **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2024, 02:57:59 AM

From the blade stamp, from 1960-62. As far as the blade sinking too deep into the slot of the handle, I'd try to apply a couple of small dots of epoxy in the groove for the blade to rest on. You won't destroy the handle, and it should last a long time.

The trick with getting the locking ring tight is to moisten the wood in a humid environment. Don't soak it in water or oil, but apply it to the handle a bit at a time. It might also be bent from years of use. The patina is absolutely gorgeous! You can shine it up with Case paste but I would leave it as it is. For the price, you might wish to retire it and pick up a user. They're plentiful and reasonable. I wish you had posted about a month before. We just finished an Opinel Challenge, carrying one for a month. Definitely post more pictures!

skeeter64 · **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2024, 04:05:22 AM

Thanks Barry. That is good advice. About 20 years ago I sanded and oiled the handle as all of the varnish was flaking off, so unfortunately no markings on the handle remain. I think I will take your advice, retire this knife and purchase a new one for daily use. Cheers!