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Opinel No. 12 Explorer Review

Opinel 12 Review

The Opinel No. 12 Stainless Steel Explorer Pocket Knife is a versatile and reliable tool that combines exceptional blade quality, durable handle material, and convenient measurements.

Blade Quality

The blade of the Opinel No. 12 pocket knife is crafted from stainless steel, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance and longevity.

It exhibits remarkable sharpness, making it ideal for a variety of cutting tasks, from slicing fruits and vegetables to light-duty outdoor activities.

The stainless steel blade maintains its edge well, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.

Handle Material

The handle of the Opinel No. 12 is crafted from beechwood, providing a comfortable grip and a natural, timeless aesthetic. The wood is smooth and well-finished, offering a tactile pleasure during use. The handle’s ergonomic design ensures a secure hold, enabling precise control and reducing the risk of slippage. The beechwood construction also adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the knife’s overall appearance.

Measurements

The Opinel No. 12 Explorer features a convenient size and weight, making it suitable for everyday carry.

With a closed length of 6.22 inches (15.8 cm) and a blade length of 4.82 inches (12.24 cm), it strikes a balance between portability and functionality.

It has an open length of 11.04 inches (28.04 cm).

The knife’s weight of 3.9 ounces (110.6 grams) ensures it won’t weigh you down, making it an excellent companion for various activities, whether camping, hiking, or everyday tasks around the house.

Additional Features – Virobloc Safety Ring

The Opinel No. 12 stainless steel pocket knife incorporates the iconic Virobloc safety ring, which allows for secure locking in both the open and closed positions.

This feature ensures safe handling and prevents accidental blade closure during use.

The knife also includes a simple yet effective folding mechanism, allowing for quick and easy deployment.

Conclusion – Solid Tool at an Amazing Price

The Opinel No. 12 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife offers outstanding blade quality, a comfortable beechwood handle, and convenient measurements, making it a reliable and versatile everyday carry tool.

It also costs less than $30. – Amazon.com

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1095 Steel – Forging Blades of Strength and Sharpness

1095 Steel

When it comes to crafting exceptional knives, the choice of steel is crucial. One popular option is 1095 steel.

Known for its remarkable properties, 1095 is favored by knife makers worldwide.

In this blog post, we will explore the unique qualities of 1095 steel. We will look at how it is used to create knives that deliver strength, sharpness, and durability.

1095 Steel – Hardness and Edge Retention

1095 possesses impressive hardness. This makes it ideal for creating blades with exceptional edge retention.

This means the blade can retain its sharpness even after heavy use.

Knives made from 1095 will maintain their cutting performance, allowing for precise and efficient cuts. This assumes proper heat treating.

Quick Trick to Determine Carbon Content/Hardening Ability:

  • The last two numbers in “1095” tell you the percentage of carbon in the steel.
  • 95 translates to 0.95% carbon.
  • The remaining majority of the steel alloy is Iron.

Easy to Sharpen

One of the notable advantages of 1095 is its ease of sharpening.

This steel type responds well to sharpening tools. This allows blades to be honed to a razor-sharp edge.

This attribute is particularly appealing to both professional chefs and outdoor enthusiasts. These knives can be easily maintained and sharpened to maintain their peak performance.

Excellent Wear Resistance

1095 demonstrates excellent wear resistance. Knives made from this steel can withstand heavy use without losing their sharpness.

This is a function of the carbon content in the steel and proper heat treating.

This property is particularly valuable for blades subjected to demanding tasks, such as cutting through fibrous materials or performing rugged outdoor activities.

Knives crafted from 1095 can handle tough conditions, making them reliable companions in various situations.

Considerations for Rust and Corrosion

It’s important to note that 1095 is not stainless. This means it is more susceptible to rust and corrosion compared to stainless steel counterparts.

To prevent rust, it is essential to properly care for and maintain knives made from 1095.

Applying a thin coat of oil to the blade after each use and ensuring proper storage will help safeguard the steel and extend the life of the knife.

Here are some oil suggestions for high carbon steel:

Conclusion

1095 is a highly regarded material in the world of knife making, prized for its:

  • Superior hardness
  • Edge retention
  • Ease of sharpening
  • Wear resistance.

Knives crafted from 1095 carbon steel offer a winning combination of strength and sharpness, making them reliable tools for a wide range of cutting tasks.

However, proper maintenance is crucial to prevent rust and corrosion.

By understanding the unique properties of 1095 carbon steel, knife enthusiasts can make informed choices when selecting their ideal blade.

Where to Buy 1095

1095 Carbon Steel

You can purchase cut lengths of 1095 from OnlineMetals.com

Select these options:

  1. Carbon Steel under “Select Material”
  2. Bar-Rectangle under “Select Shape”
  3. 1095 under “Select Alloy”