OPINELNo. 03 Carbone - Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife, Beechwood Handle, Iconic Simple Design, Non-Locking, Made in France Since 1890

It's a solid choice still. It's a good compromise in size and utility. A nice tool with a good history behind it. It's not as thick as other more modern knives but the light weight and ease of maintenance more than make up for it sharp out of the box and easy to keep sharp, a favorite of mine in any size.

This is a tiny tool, to be sure. I have not purchased an Opinel smaller than No. 06 (a handy pocket carry with the locking system), but I wanted something on the smaller side. I got my wish with this one. Even when studying the dimensions, I didn’t envision it being as petite as it is. But I am not disappointed. I was looking for an addition to my light, small knives in the “Sunday carry” category. An unobtrusive knife for dress slacks attire. This is a cool, funky addition to my collection.For comparison, the knives pictured alongside it in the photos are: Old Timer Mighty Mite, Gerber Silver Knight, and an executive Wenger Delémont I picked up in Switzerland years ago. The Opinel is by far the lightest of the bunch because of the thin blade and beechwood handle. Feathers in the pocket.It’s not a utility knife, but a handy cutter for light duty jobs. Of course, I would like a locking mechanism, but that’s not an option on these small Opinels. And frankly, you don’t need a lock for small jobs. It’s a nice, functional little knife for a small investment. I consider it a good value.For those wondering, I did a 24-hour force patina on the carbon blade in an onion to resist corrosion. It will hold a good edge for a long time and sharpen easily.If you are interested in little and light knife for your collection, this is a winner. It feels right.

Very small and sharp knife. I simply didn't have any use for it, so I decided to return this knife. While I had it, it was very very compact and very sharp. What would you use it for though? Intricate detail work, perhaps? Anyway, amazing knife, but wasn't for me. Seems a bit gimmicky and cute, but maybe you'll have an actual use for it. Double-check the overall knife length to see if this is for you. Make sure you know what you're getting. This sucker is small. Very much a desk knife... or with a charcuterie board. Overall, wasn't for me but still great quality.

This knife comes very sharp. But, as is typical for a high carbon steel, you will need to maintain the edge with a nice "whetstone": I have one of the triangle shaped stones with coarse, medium and fine. As long as you keep up with it, you can run it over the fine every now and then to keep it razor sharp. The edge will quickly deteriorate on this knife otherwise. It is much smaller than I expected. Additionally, without a lockup it is somewhat dangerous to use for anything other than a letter opener. If you are looking for a great first knife, or a daily office carry (not a knife to take into the field) I would suggest taking a look at the size 6 as a minimum. If you are looking for a first knife for you kid or boyscout, the 6's locking feature will make it much more safe. The soft steel on these make it a great learning platform for honing your sharpening skills. It is very quick to take an edge, but very quick to lose its edge.

Having seen these classic, simple knives in various examples for years, I finally decided it was time to see what they were about. Unsure what the best size would be, I chose the #5 as it was the largest of the non locking style. Carbon steel (cause I appreciate the extra effort needed for maintenance for being so easy to sharpen), and pocket sized. Smaller than I expected, but the feather weight disappeared in my pocket, and didn't flag "knife!" with a pocket clip.Feels good in the hand, and the decent factory edge let me make my kids lunch with it out of the box. All knife nerds need at least one of these as an example of a classic European working man's pocket knife

The Opinel No. 3, the smallest of the traditional Opinel line, is a marvel of miniaturized utility. Don't let its diminutive size fool you; this little knife is a precision instrument, perfect for delicate tasks and everyday carry when space is at a premium.What immediately impresses is the sharpness of its slender blade. Even at this scale, the Opinel's renowned edge holds true. It's ideal for tasks requiring finesse, such as opening small packages, detailed crafting, or even precise food preparation on the go.The classic beechwood handle, while small, remains comfortable and secure in the hand. The simple, elegant design is a testament to Opinel's enduring appeal. It's a knife that exudes a sense of timeless craftsmanship.The Virobloc locking ring, even in its smaller form, functions flawlessly. It provides a secure lock, ensuring safety during use, a crucial feature in such a compact tool.The No. 3's ultra-compact size makes it incredibly easy to carry. It disappears into a pocket or bag, making it a perfect companion for travel, picnics, or any situation where a small, precise knife is needed.While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks, the Opinel No. 3 excels at what it's designed for: delicate work and effortless portability. It's a testament to the fact that even the smallest tools can deliver exceptional performance. If you need a tiny, sharp, and reliable knife, the Opinel No. 3 is a perfect choice.

Good quality that can be sharpened to a razor edge.