Opinel No. 03 Carbone - Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife, Beechwood Handle, Iconic Simple Design, Non-Locking, Made in France Since 1890

The Opinel No. 3, the smallest of the traditional Opinel line, is a marvel of miniaturized utility. Don't let its diminutive size fool you; this little knife is a precision instrument, perfect for delicate tasks and everyday carry when space is at a premium.What immediately impresses is the sharpness of its slender blade. Even at this scale, the Opinel's renowned edge holds true. It's ideal for tasks requiring finesse, such as opening small packages, detailed crafting, or even precise food preparation on the go.The classic beechwood handle, while small, remains comfortable and secure in the hand. The simple, elegant design is a testament to Opinel's enduring appeal. It's a knife that exudes a sense of timeless craftsmanship.The Virobloc locking ring, even in its smaller form, functions flawlessly. It provides a secure lock, ensuring safety during use, a crucial feature in such a compact tool.The No. 3's ultra-compact size makes it incredibly easy to carry. It disappears into a pocket or bag, making it a perfect companion for travel, picnics, or any situation where a small, precise knife is needed.While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks, the Opinel No. 3 excels at what it's designed for: delicate work and effortless portability. It's a testament to the fact that even the smallest tools can deliver exceptional performance. If you need a tiny, sharp, and reliable knife, the Opinel No. 3 is a perfect choice.

This is a tiny tool, to be sure. I have not purchased an Opinel smaller than No. 06 (a handy pocket carry with the locking system), but I wanted something on the smaller side. I got my wish with this one. Even when studying the dimensions, I didn’t envision it being as petite as it is. But I am not disappointed. I was looking for an addition to my light, small knives in the “Sunday carry” category. An unobtrusive knife for dress slacks attire. This is a cool, funky addition to my collection.For comparison, the knives pictured alongside it in the photos are: Old Timer Mighty Mite, Gerber Silver Knight, and an executive Wenger Delémont I picked up in Switzerland years ago. The Opinel is by far the lightest of the bunch because of the thin blade and beechwood handle. Feathers in the pocket.It’s not a utility knife, but a handy cutter for light duty jobs. Of course, I would like a locking mechanism, but that’s not an option on these small Opinels. And frankly, you don’t need a lock for small jobs. It’s a nice, functional little knife for a small investment. I consider it a good value.For those wondering, I did a 24-hour force patina on the carbon blade in an onion to resist corrosion. It will hold a good edge for a long time and sharpen easily.If you are interested in little and light knife for your collection, this is a winner. It feels right.

Tiny is the form, midget is the factor. Where it fits, imagine a non disposable x-acto style blade with a cool little wooden handle. Sooo forgo the convivence of a throw away blade and anticipate having to put an edge on the blade yourself. I'm no expert on free hand sharpening however the Opinel thin blades make it very easy to return it to at least paper carving sharp (Both Carbon & Stainless blade versions). Opinel is attractive to those who appreciate the peasant utility of non disposable product with zero frills and a high degree of nostalgia. This size (No. 2) is very limited in practical application so I would highly recommend going with the locking blades No 6 and larger (No 8 is the deFacto standard size, I like No 9 for the handle grip length). If the aforementioned use as a mini razor is your need then this is a your tool.

Closed, this #2 version of a great knife is only about an inch and a half long. Too small to be much more than a letter opener or used to sharpen your pencil. It makes an awesome ferro rod striker though, as do all the Opinel carbon blades. Just close the blade and use the sharp exposed spine to strike. Tons of sparks.Thin blade holds a really sharp edge, and responds well to stropping. Seriously though. It's awfully small. And there's no locking collar as with larger versions.I also have a #4 and a #7. The 4 is also a bit on the small side and has no lock collar for the blade either. I like the 7 for basic food prep and basic cutting/slicing. I'm thinking a #6 would be best as a pocket knife, size-wise.Because they're wood at the blade hinge, take care not to get the handle wet. The wood swells and pinches the blade closed or open. Let it back in the sun for a little while to dry it back out if it gets damp or wet.

Good quality that can be sharpened to a razor edge.

Good for detail on small whitling projects if used cautiously. Being a non locking blade it can be a bit prone to free blade movement. Lack of lock is understandable and I wouldn't pocket carry personally.

To start with, I just loved the concept of a tiny knife, particularly an Opinel. Opinels are known for their quality, trustworthiness of the blade, and lightweight handles. This knife is no exception, except for one thing. Out of the package, the blade had oxidation and rust spots on it. This is something you get with a carbon steel blade, as it isn't stainless steel, but it should definitely not be happening on a new knife, and especially not an Opinel. That being said, it is possible that it was incorrectly stored or transported in some way that allowed moisture to reach it. I bought two of these knives, and while one had rust on the blade, the second knife was spotless and met my fullest expectations. I gave this product three stars to draw attention to the lack of care given that allowed the product to be damaged. The second Opinel No.2 is a great knife and will hopefully prove itself further with more use.

A simply perfect small pocket knivr