Great work...like it...!!!!

Very nice job. I just bought my first Opinel and plan on doing a few modifications to it when it arrives. They look like fun and simple knives

@emptymonkeyfist Both finishes are fine, but you have to apply them several times to soak the wood (remember to thoroughly strip handle of original lacquer!). Gunstock oil penetrates better, but it doesn't give glossy finish. Boiled linseed oil gives more glossy finish, but excess oil needs to be wiped off every time before it dries. Some boiled linseed oils contain heavy metal dryers, so beware of toxicity. Let dry completely, buff with cotton cloth, and that's it. Hope this helps.

very nice...i did something similar with my first opinel...i mean the blade(drop point)and the handle(reshaped to be smoother) but i have to admit, yours looks cooler

yea thats what i had to do its really easy, just make sure you use a double boiler and then you can just put it in the freezer for 30-45 mins to make it set quickly.

Cool - thanks for the tip! I can't get it here where I live but I can surely get the components and mix it up by myself :)

also a very good finish i found out about recently is Linwax (Linseed oil, Beeswax and Turpentine) walkthroughs can be found on youtube. i used it on my axe and it gave it a very nice shine after sanding and buffing it and a fair few coats of the linwax. great stuff !!

There's no tang or shank, yet these knives are considered sturdy enough for tasks normally associated with traditional wooden-handle friction folders. I haven't heard of any Opinel breakages under normal use.

Very nice looking mod. Nice music too, what song is it?

Is it still a folder or did you make it fixed blade?

Which finish works best in you opinion, this one with the linseed oil or the "vintage farmer" mod on your other video? I'm waiting for my Opinel to be delivered and can't wait to start tinkering with it. Thanks

@traderjoes Still a fully functional folder.

@aplwaplw Aluminium insert (OD 6mm, ID 4mm) was scavenged from an old TV antenna and epoxy glued into a drilled hole. Don't force the insert in, it has to be a finger pressure fit or you'll crack the handle!. Cheers:)

Yeah, linseed oil and turpentine can be dangerous if heated the wrong way, I mean really nasty... Fortunately turpentine starts to dissolve beeswax at room temperature, I know since I've used the mixture for my MTB chain and cogs:)

Random question. I love everything about the knife style, but haven't ordered one because I do not know one thing. Is there a steel shank/tang within the handle, or is all the steel present at only one end of the wood handle? I am concerned about using the knife, and having the wood break which would mean razor sharp steel going in a random direction.

Well, there are no special tips. You'd need a power drill (and some extra care) for lanyard hole, everything else can be accomplished with sandpaper. Aluminum insert must be pressed in very carefully (and preferably glued in), otherwise the handle tail may crack. If you ask me, don't make your Dad anxious, get a spare cheapo Opinel and try. Cheers