Opinel No.8 Knife Review: Why Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife Community Won’t Stop Talking About It
Introduction
A recent viral Reddit post on r/BuyItForLife has reignited conversations about one of the internet’s favorite pocket knives: the Opinel No.8. The post—showing a snapped blade and a friendship on the rocks—has amassed nearly 900 upvotes and over 330 comments, but not for the reasons you might think. Instead of criticizing the knife, the community rallied around it, praising its affordable price, reliability, and repairability. If you’re searching for a truly built-to-last EDC (everyday carry) knife that won’t break the bank, the Opinel No.8 has become something of a cult classic. Here’s why.
What Is It?
The Opinel No.8 is a folding pocket knife made by French manufacturer Opinel, a company that’s been crafting blades since 1890. The “No.8” refers to its size—it’s the eighth in a lineup of blades ranging from tiny to substantial. This particular model features a simple, elegant design: a 3.25-inch stainless steel blade, a beech wood handle, and a simple locking ring mechanism that secures the blade when open or closed. It’s minimalist, lightweight, and fits easily in your pocket, making it one of the most popular EDC knives for outdoors enthusiasts, bushcrafters, and everyday users.
Why Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife Community Loves It
The r/BuyItForLife community doesn’t just like the Opinel No.8—they evangelize about it. And the recent viral post perfectly illustrates why: even when damaged, the knife’s worth the investment. The community notes that at around $20, the Opinel represents exceptional value. As one commenter pointed out, “Good thing they’re only 20 bucks,” suggesting that even a replacement is an affordable decision for most people.
But the praise goes deeper than price. The r/BuyItForLife community appreciates that the knife is repairable and, in the case of the damaged blade, reshapeable. One user mentioned reshaping snapped blades into smaller, more functional tools—turning damage into an opportunity for customization. This repairability is a hallmark of true “buy it for life” products, and it’s exactly what the Opinel delivers.
The community also values the knife’s no-nonsense design. It’s not flashy or overly complicated. It’s a tool, pure and simple, and it does its job reliably year after year. That simplicity is precisely why so many people trust it with their EDC setup.
Key Features That Make It Built to Last
Several design elements contribute to the Opinel No.8’s long-lasting quality. The beech wood handle is naturally durable and develops a beautiful patina over time. The stainless steel blade resists corrosion, though it requires occasional maintenance. The locking ring mechanism is elegantly simple—fewer moving parts mean fewer things that can fail. The blade geometry is proven and timeless, refined over more than a century of production. These aren’t flashy features, but they’re the foundation of a truly enduring tool.
Pros
- Exceptional Value: At around $20, the Opinel No.8 is one of the most affordable EDC knives that maintains genuine quality and longevity.
- Lightweight and Compact: Perfectly sized for everyday carry without bulk or unnecessary weight.
- Simple, Reliable Design: Minimal moving parts mean fewer potential failure points and easier maintenance.
- Versatile Blade: The 3.25-inch blade handles a wide range of cutting tasks, from food prep to light bushcraft work.
- Reputable Heritage: Over 130 years of manufacturing experience means you’re buying a proven design.
- Repairable and Reshapeable: If damaged, the blade can be professionally reshaped or DIY customized into a different tool.
- Beautiful Aesthetics: The wood handle and classic design appeal to those who appreciate timeless craftsmanship.
Cons and What to Know
- Thin Blade: While elegant, the blade is relatively thin and can bend or snap under misuse—it’s a cutting tool, not a pry bar.
- Requires Maintenance: Stainless steel still needs occasional cleaning and oiling to maintain optimal condition.
- Not a Heavy-Duty Tool: The Opinel No.8 excels at everyday tasks but isn’t designed for heavy bushcraft or survival scenarios.
- Locking Ring Learning Curve: Some users find the ring mechanism unintuitive at first, though it becomes second nature quickly.
- Don’t Lend It Out: As the viral post demonstrates, friends may not treat it as carefully as you do. Keep this one for yourself.
Who Is It Best For?
The Opinel No.8 is ideal for anyone seeking a reliable, affordable EDC knife that will last decades with minimal care. Whether you’re a casual user who needs a dependable blade for occasional tasks, a bushcrafter who values simplicity and weight savings, or a collector of quality tools, the Opinel No.8 earns its place in your pocket. It’s also perfect for anyone skeptical about expensive knife culture—this knife proves that premium quality doesn’t require a premium price tag.
The Bottom Line
The Opinel No.8 is a genuinely worth-the-investment knife that deserves its cult following. It’s a buy-it-for-life product in the truest sense: affordable enough to actually use, simple enough to rely on, and built with enough care to last generations. The recent Reddit post, while painful for its original poster, actually reinforces why this knife has endured for over a century. Even damaged, it’s worth keeping (or reshaping), and even if you need to replace it, at $20, it’s one of the easiest purchasing decisions you’ll make. Just remember: keep it for yourself. This knife is far too good to lend out.