After 70 Years, an Icon of EDC Finally Gets a Redesign

After 70 Years, an Icon of EDC Finally Gets a Redesign

A legendary family-owned French everyday carry brand swaps out its signature patented mechanism for something new. Opinel Opinel’s Virobloc safety ring is one of the most significant, important and recognizable locking mechanisms in all of EDC history. And for 70 years, it’s been virtually the only lock the family-owned and -operated French brand has employed. However, after seven decades, that has officially changed. The brand’s newest inno…

Sign of the Times: Opinel Updates Its Iconic Collar Lock for the First Time in 70 Years

Since 1890, French knifemaker Opinel has been crafting affordable, reliable, folding knives that are easily recognized by their distinctive wooden handles. Opinel’s simple construction enabled the company to keep its prices low, and thus buoyed the brand’s sustained popularity among the outdoor crowd over the last 135 years. However, the one thing Opinel is not known for is change. While its variety of knives has grown over the years, including …