Opinel

Opinel – The Icon of the French Folding Knife

The Art of Beauty and Functionality

At Maison Godillot, we select timeless objects that combine quality, craftsmanship, and design. The Opinel knife, a true icon of French heritage, perfectly embodies this philosophy. Discover its history and what makes it an essential companion for everyday life.

A story born in Savoie

Born into a family of blacksmiths, Joseph Opinel made his first knives in 1890 in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Going against the grain of his time, he designed a simple, sturdy, and practical knife, intended for artisans and workers. Unlike the Swiss knife, which appeared a year later, the Opinel stands out for its ease of use and streamlined functionality. Adopted by all social classes, it quickly became an essential tool of everyday life.

The Birth of the Crowned Hand

As early as 1565, a royal ordinance required cutlers to affix a symbol on their products to guarantee their authenticity. In 1909, Joseph Opinel chose the Crowned Hand, inspired by the coat of arms of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and a tribute to his Savoyard roots. Even today, this symbol is engraved on every Opinel knife, a mark of authenticity and quality.

A knife adopted by the greatest

Despite its modest beginnings, Opinel has managed to establish itself thanks to iconic personalities. Pablo Picasso used it for sculpting, the explorer Roger Frison-Roche always kept it with him in the mountains, and the sailor Éric Tabarly never parted with it. In literature, Jacques Lanzmann, Michel Déon, and Jean Dutourd immortalized it in their stories. A legendary knife that has stood the test of time.

A timeless design recognized worldwide

An Opinel is sold every ten seconds around the world, and more than 3 million knives are manufactured each year in France. Its design, which has remained almost unchanged for over a century, is considered one of the most accomplished in history. In 1985, the Victoria and Albert Museum ranked it among the 100 best-designed objects in the world, alongside the Rolex watch and the Porsche 911.

'Opinel, the ally of everyday life'

Halfway between tradition and modernity, the Opinel is much more than just a knife: it is a loyal companion, designed to last. Its clean and functional design makes it an essential tool, whether for DIY, cooking, outdoor activities, or collecting.

Discover our Opinel collection at Maison Godillot

Timeless, reliable, and elegant, the Opinel knife transcends generations without aging a bit. Discover our selection of models now at Maison Godillot and choose yours to combine precision, tradition, and French craftsmanship.