How to Disassemble Opinel Knife?

Opinel knives are widely recognized for their quality and durability. They are versatile, affordable, and easy to use. However, there may come a time when you need to disassemble your Opinel knife. 

Whether you need to clean it, replace a part, or sharpen the blade, taking apart an Opinel knife may seem daunting at first. 

But fear not, with the right tools and knowledge, disassembling an Opinel knife is a straightforward process. In this article, we will go through the steps on how to disassemble your Opinel knife with ease.

Tools Required

Before we dive into the disassembling process, let’s first gather the tools you’ll need. Here are the tools required to disassemble an Opinel knife:

Torx Screwdriver Set – This is essential for removing the screws holding the knife together. Opinel knives use Torx screws of varying sizes, so it’s important to have a set that includes a variety of sizes.

Lubricant – You’ll need a lubricant like WD-40 to loosen up the screws and make them easier to remove.

Clean Cloth – This is important for cleaning the knife parts after disassembling.

Now that we have the necessary tools, let’s dive into the disassembly process.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Disassemble an Opinel Knife

Step 1: Remove the Blade

The first step is to remove the blade from the knife handle. To do this, open the blade fully and hold the knife handle firmly with one hand. Then, use the Torx screwdriver to remove the screw located at the base of the blade.

Once the screw is removed, carefully lift the blade away from the handle. You may need to wiggle it back and forth gently to release it from the handle.

Step 2: Remove the Locking Ring

Next, remove the locking ring. The locking ring is the circular metal piece that secures the blade in place when it’s open. To remove it, use the Torx screwdriver to loosen the screw that’s located on the opposite end of the handle.

Once the screw is loose, carefully lift the locking ring away from the handle. Be sure to keep the screw in a safe place as you’ll need it to reassemble the knife later.

Step 3: Remove the Handle

With the blade and locking ring removed, it’s time to take apart the handle. To do this, use the Torx screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the handle together. 

Be sure to keep the screws in a safe place as you’ll need them to reassemble the knife later.

Once all the screws are removed, carefully lift the handle away from the blade carrier. You may need to use a bit of force to pry the handle away from the blade carrier. 

Once the handle is removed, you should be able to see the inner workings of the knife, including the blade carrier and the pivot.

Step 4: Clean the Parts

With the knife disassembled, it’s time to clean the parts. Use a clean cloth and a bit of lubricant to clean each part thoroughly. Be sure to remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the parts.

Step 5: Reassemble the Knife

Now that the knife is clean, it’s time to reassemble it. Start by placing the blade carrier back into the handle. Then, place the blade onto the carrier and reattach the locking ring. Be sure to tighten the screw on the locking ring to secure it in place.

Next, reattach the handle to the blade carrier by lining up the screw holes and screwing in the screws with the Torx screwdriver. 

Tighten the screws securely, but be careful not to overtighten them as this can damage the knife.

Finally, reattach the blade to the handle by screwing in the screw located at the base of the blade with the Torx screwdriver. Again, be sure to tighten it securely, but don’t overtighten it.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your Opinel knife should be fully reassembled and ready to use.

FAQs

How often should I disassemble my Opinel knife for cleaning?

It’s a good idea to disassemble your Opinel knife for cleaning every few months or whenever it gets dirty. This will help to prevent rust and other damage.

Can I sharpen my Opinel knife blade while it’s disassembled?

Yes, you can sharpen the blade while it’s disassembled. This can actually make it easier to sharpen the blade evenly.

What should I do if I lose one of the screws during disassembly?

If you lose one of the screws during disassembly, you can usually find a replacement online or at a hardware store. Just be sure to get the right size and type of screw for your specific Opinel knife model.

Final Verdict

Disassembling an Opinel knife may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s actually a straightforward process. 

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disassemble your Opinel knife for cleaning, maintenance, or repairs. 

Just be sure to take your time and be careful not to damage any of the parts. With proper care, your Opinel knife can last for years to come.