To celebrate the 2022 Tour de France, the world’s preeminent road race, French heritage brand Opinel released two limited-edition No. 08 Folding Knives on June 13.
Both knives are made in France. They are designed in collaboration with Manivelle (Matthieu Lifschitz), a passionate cyclist and art director for renowned French cycling publication, 200 Magazine. Each knife showcases unique and beautifully designed handle graphics that highlight classic motifs emblematic of the Tour.
The “Les Maillots” edition pays tribute to the iconic jerseys worn by the leaders in each category during the race. The yellow (leader), green (best sprinter), and red polka dot (best climber) are displayed on the Hornbeam handle of the No. 08 folding knife.
The “Landmarks” edition tells the story of the Tour de France through the iconic landmarks and symbols that encapsulate the tour. Pictured are the Arc de Triomphe and Mont Ventoux, paired with graphics symbolizing the elements of water, rain, and mist on the knife’s beechwood handle. A yellow leather lanyard pays tribute to the primary color of the Tour de France.
A celebration of cycling and French culture, the Tour de France limited edition knives are fun collectors items. They also make for a great daily carry for the cycling enthusiast in your life. The Les Maillots model is $55 and the Landmarks model is $29.
About Opinel
I picked up an Opinel No. 8 knife about six or seven years ago while on the way to Point Reyes National Seashore in central California. My wife and I stopped at Cowgirl Creamery to snag some picnic items and the knives were by the checkout area. Inexpensive and legendary, I got one. We needed something to cut the Mt Tam and prosciutto, although the latter is IMO more fun when torn with fingers or eaten in one bite.
I still have that knife. It’s been with me on numerous hunting, fishing and hiking trips, and also abroad. I also bought three of the “My First Opinel Folding Knife” versions with the rounded blade. They’re quite nice, as expected, and I figured if I forgot one in a backpack that TSA might be a bit more forgiving. What would I do with a rounded blade? Offer to cut the horrible chicken and rock-cold butter on a flight?
Based in the French Alps, Opinel has been making pocket knives and kitchen tools in France since 1890. The brand launched its U.S. subsidiary in 2016.
