If you were to search my closet you would find an Opinel No. 8 pocket knife in each and every outdoor coat. This low cost, incredibly durable 3 1/4 inch blade is exactly what I need.
Opinel is a fairly famous brand in France and has been making knives since 1890. Chose between the stainless steel or carbon blades, stainless will never rust, but carbon stays sharper longer and is less brittle than steel. Then pick a size you like, the No. 8 is perfect for me. I find the lovely, barely finished wood handle fits my hand perfectly and the blade size is fairly all-purpose. On knives I've had for a while the handle gains a classic and personal feel from dents, scratches and use.
I have various multi-tools specific to most of my hobbies, so I don't find a 'Swiss Army' style knife very useful. For cutting apples, trimming some rope, cleaning a trout, cleaning a salmon, popping PLA off the build plate and so many other things, I always turn to my Opinel. It has a blade to cut with and a twist lock to lock the blade in place. Nothing more to it.
I also love the price at less than $15 delivered. Often, I see them for sale at a local surf shop and various online retailers at prices that dwarf these. Some online retailers will tell you it is “elite” and special in myriad ways for $30 or more. I can tell you that at less than $15 it cuts things you want cut and will last longer than you will.
