This post could go into Hobbies, Tools or Gardening. You choose.

Received an Opinel #8 knife as a gift from my son. This is the carbon steel blade with the integral locking collar. Made in Savoie, France.



These knives have a world famous reputation as the knife of choice in the French vineyards and other "garden" type application.

For those interested you can get a nice history from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinel_knife

My question is the locking collar. It seems to be rather on the tight side and hurts the fingers when trying to move it into the locking position either open or closed. While researching this knife others have also mentioned this hard to rotate collar. But also said it will loosen as you use it.

I'm not a knife collector or enthusiast but would like to know if there is a way of making this collar a bit easier to move without damaging it or putting any marks on it. It's mainly a keep sake but I can see myself using it to trim my back yard grape vines just to say I used it for what it was meant for.

 

Nice gift!
Try a silicone based lubricant and sit down while you watch TV and cycle the collar.
Would make a fine mushroom picking knife as well.

 

Thanks Greg, I'll try that. But I'll use a glove until it loosens.

 

I agree with Greg...but no lube...you WANT it to rub and loosen. Lube will just make it take longer as it's reducing the friction between the rubbing points.

 

Hmm...good point. I'm also afraid that the lube might stain the wood.