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Opinel Modification

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Joined
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While much isn't needed regarding a introduction on Opinel blades besides great steel and they can take a wicked edge, I'm a fan of these inexpensive and simple friction folders.

For some time I've wanted to construct a simple period friction folder, yet with numerous other projects that take priority, time just didn't allow. Being a slow day I decided to undertake the project, which is easily accomplished with minimal tooling and something anyone can do!

I used a cut-off wheel to carefully zip my scribed line along the blade, heat is a concern as you don't want to draw the temper from the blade. Slow and steady the blade was zizzed off, filed clean and complete!

Moved on to the handles which were cut down and easily reshaped. A small piece of maple was cut, fitted and glued to the inside blade channel of the handle. This modification allows the blade to rest in a position that it's easily opened without a nail groove and allows the locking collar to still be used.

Finished off the handles by heating them and applying a mix of hot mink tallow and beeswax for an easy finish that can be added and reapplied whenever.

Just a fun little project I wanted to share that took only an hours time to complete, nothing to run home about by any means but maybe this will inspire someone else to give it a go!
 

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I’ve been carrying a no.6 daily since my first trip to Smoky Mountain Knife Works many years ago, very handy little blade, I have one on a lanyard I wear around my neck that I use for a patch knife sometimes, I pick up several every time I visit the knife works and give them out to customers and friends around the holidays.
 
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