Opinel vs. Victorinox: Which Folding Knife Is Best for Camping?

Two legendary knife brands, with timeless designs and options for every bushcrafter or camper. They’re compact enough to carry anywhere or add to your kit as secondary blades, and countless knives from both companies have served their owners well for cutting tasks. Now, we’re asking: which is the best folding knife for camping? 

Before we dive in, let’s take a look at both contenders. Opinel folding knives are made in France, feature a unique locking mechanism, are available in a range of sizes, and include stellar factory edge geometry. Swiss Army Knives are a bit harder to pin down with countless variants in size, tools, and even handle materials. For the sake of argument, we’re focusing on the Victorinox Farmer model due to its similar size and popularity. 

By the Numbers: Opinel versus Swiss Army Knife

So here are some specs to keep in mind in case you aren’t familiar with the two knives we’re comparing. Opinels come in a range of sizes, from the keychain-carryable No. 2 to the largest No. 12, but we’re focusing on the midsize models that strike a good balance between everyday carry and capability. The No. 6 features a 2.87-inch blade, the No. 7 features a 3.07-inch blade, and the No. 8 features a 3.28-inch blade. All three are available in both Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel and XC90 high-carbon steel, and feature Opinel’s Virobloc rotating blade lock. 

Then our chosen SAK counterpart, the Victorinox Farmer, features a 2.75-inch blade and, of course, several other tools, including a wood saw, awl/reamer, can opener, bottle opener, two screwdrivers, and wire stripper. The Farmer uses a proprietary stainless steel. 

Beyond blade length, the Opinels weigh in at 1.4 ounces for the No. 7, and the Victorinox Farmer tips the scales at just over double that at 3 ounces. Both disappear in the pocket, but it’s worth noting. 

Cut to it

Now that we’ve seen how they compare on paper, here’s how these two go head to head as general camp-use knives. We’re not looking at these knives in extreme survival scenarios, but more of how they perform common tasks around camp when a larger fixed blade or other primary tool would be overkill. The No. 7 from Opinel seems to be the closest in size to the Victorinox Farmer, so that’s the two we’re featuring, but be on the lookout for notes about other models. 

Out of the box, both knives are sharp, but we have to give the win to the Opinels on this front. They’re extremely sharp from the factory and under normal use only require a quick strop to keep that edge keen. The Victorinox has a toothier edge out of the box and still cuts great, but the difference between the two is noticeable. 

On camp kitchen duties, the Opinel is the clear favorite. The blade slices, dices, and cuts anything I’ve come across while whipping up backcountry meals. I’m especially a fan of the No. 8 Opinels for this purpose in terms of size, and I have a painted-handle version that keeps the handle from absorbing liquids. This isn’t as foolproof as the aluminum scales on the Farmer, but it helps.

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For general camp tasks, this is a tough comparison. The Farmer offers 9 tools if you count everything separately. The spearpoint blade is especially well suited for a variety of cutting tasks, and the factory geometry is great for cordage, light wood cutting tasks, and other common camp chores. Plus, the saw is great for notches and smaller projects; it’s a great scraper, the awl is super useful for repairs and some carving, and while they may not be used often, the openers and screwdrivers can really come in handy when you need them. While the Opinel edges the Victorinox strictly on cutting, the Farmer is a great complementary tool to your main blade. 

Like most gear choices in camping and bushcraft, the best option between these two knives comes down to your preferences and intended uses. If you’re just looking for an extra knife, or even a couple if you want to dedicate one to camp cooking, etc., then it’s tough to beat an Opinel. You can choose the size, the steel, and even pick from a range of handles included exotic woods and painted versions. You can buy two or three before you approach the cost of the Farmer. If you’re looking for a classic multitool, because it doesn’t have to have pliers to have multiple tools, then the Victorinox Farmer is a great option. There are reasons both of these companies have been making knives for nearly 140 years, and you can trust options from both to serve you well. 

Opinel vs. Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

For a quick reference, here are our major pros and cons of both the Opinel knives and the Victorinox Farmer.

Opinel Pros

• The thin blade is excellent for food prep, slicing cordage, feather sticks, and light carving tasks.
• The rounded handle is extremely comfortable for extended use.
• Virobloc locking mechanism is secure when open and closed. Bonus points for field “repairable” if it gets too loose. 
• Squared spine is excellent for scraping or striking a ferro rod.
• Price ranges from $19-$24 depending on size for basic models. 

Opinel Cons

• Compared to a Swiss Army Knife, it’s a single-purpose tool.
• Wooden handle can swell if exposed to moisture.
• Relatively thin tip is prone to bending or breaking when prying.

Victorinox Farmer Pros 

• Essentially a small camp toolbox with a very high performing small saw plus other handy tools. 
• Aluminum scales are extremely durable.
• Durable grind and blade geometry for extended use. 
• Typically around $60. More expensive than the Opinels, but a great price for a trusted tool.

Victorinox Farmer Cons

• No locking blade, or other tools for that matter. 
• Squared scales and additional tools can cause hot spots with prolonged use. 
• Some tools may rarely get used depending on what you take camping, ie can and bottle openers.