— An All-in-One Blade for the Wild and the Unexpected
→ Click here to check out the Opinel No.12 Explore Knife on the official Opinel website.
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Opinel’s reputation in the world of pocket knives is already cemented the No.8 is basically the French version of the Swiss Army knife but their No.12 Explore Nature Knife goes well beyond tradition and into rugged utility. This isn’t a gentleman’s blade for cheese and wine by a lake. It’s a do-it-all, “cut-the-seatbelt-in-an-upside-down-truck” kind of knife. Let’s break down the many features packed into this bushcraft-ready bit of kit.
Tick Remover
The knife comes with a removable tick remover tool built into the handle. And it’s not an afterthought. It’s designed to safely pull ticks from you, your dog, or your hiking partner without squeezing their venom back in. For anyone hiking in the Lyme-ridden woods of the Northeast, this is genuinely useful.
Lanyard Hang
The rear lanyard loop is reinforced and rotates out from the knife’s butt, letting you hang it securely off a pack, life vest, or climbing harness. No digging around for your knife when seconds count.
Seatbelt/Fishing Line Cutter
A small cutting hook lives in the handle — sharp enough for seatbelts, paracord, fishing line or snares. If you’ve ever tried cutting 100-lb paracord with your teeth in the dark, you’ll appreciate this more than most.
The High Carbon Blade
The High Carbon Steel blade is rugged and razor sharp out of the box — with just enough high carbon content that it can spark off a ferro rod for fire-starting. That carbon also means it’s prone to developing a patina or even rust if not oiled and cared for — but that’s the tradeoff for a truly bushcraft-capable edge.
Locking Collar Mechanism
Opinel’s classic Virobloc collar lock system is a twist-lock ring that locks the blade both open and closed. No spring assists, no buttons to break, just rugged simplicity that’s been around for 70+ years and still works flawlessly.
Silicone Grip
Wrapped around the knife’s handle is a non-slip, grippy silicone polymer that makes it one of the most secure-feeling Opinels I’ve ever held. No polished beechwood here — just solid, modern, weatherproof traction that works even when wet, cold, or bloody. Its bright orange so its easy to find in a pack or in the dark.
The Whistle
And finally there is a built into the base of the handle a 110 decibel loud survival whistle, capable of cutting through forest air when you’re lost or separated. This is the same volume as a running chainsaw. Not an afterthought. Genuinely piercing. Could save your life.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Multi-tool features in a single, rugged knife
✔ Excellent blade sharpness and shape for bushcraft
✔ Silicone grip is non-slip and ergonomic
✔ Built-in whistle and tick remover are genuinely useful
✔ High carbon blade can strike a ferro rod
✔ Locks open and closed with trusted Opinel design
Cons
✘ Blade can rust or patina without proper care
✘ Slightly bulky for an EDC pocket knife
✘ Hook cutter may not replace a dedicated rescue tool
About Opinel
Opinel knives have been made in the Savoie region of France since 1890. What started as a farmer’s folding knife has become an icon of functional simplicity. While they’ve kept their wood-handled classics unchanged for decades, Opinel continues to push into modern, outdoor-focused territory — and the No.12 Explore is a perfect example of how heritage and innovation can live together in your gear bag.
→ Click here to buy the Opinel No.12 Explore Knife directly from Opinel.
(Supports this site via affiliate link at no extra cost to you!)
