The Tool Desk
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What is different about the No.08 Animalia?
Opinel’s U.S. page describes Animalia as a collection of pre-engraved animal designs on a No.08 pocket knife with an oak handle. The animal artwork is the defining change; the listing does not describe a different blade mechanism or a performance upgrade. Opinel USA’s Animalia listing
The designs vary by regional listing. The U.S. page names motifs including Boar, Elk, Trout, Bird Dog, Moose, Mountain Goat, Bison, Bear and Ground Hog. Opinel Japan separately identifies Bison, Moose and Bear as No.08 Animalia America designs, while the French listing documents a Marmotte version. These pages do not establish that the regional versions are identical products or share one SKU. Opinel Japan’s No.08 overview · Opinel France’s Marmotte listing
Specifications depend on the specific regional listing
Use the figures below as listing-specific details, not as a single universal Animalia specification. In particular, the Japan Moose page is a separate product listing from the U.S. and French pages.
#1 Best Overall
- ANIMALIA COLLECTION: featuring pre-engraved designs on a No.08 stainless steel pocket knife, with an oak wood handle. Adorned with animals from around the world, from fish to bison, choose from the engraved variety to liven up your Opinel assortment
- FLAGSHIP SIZE: The Number 8 is the most sold and versatile size in the ever-growing line of Opinel folding pocket knives, earning its reputation as an everyday carry staple. 3. 35inch blade (8. 5cm), open length 7. 5 inches (19. 5cm)
- INOX BLADE: We use Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. It is anti-corrosive thanks to the addition of chrome and requires no special maintenance. Carbon content of at least 0.40% provides an excellent cutting edge and is easily sharpened.
- PATENTED VIROBLOC: A hallmark of Opinel everyday carry knives since it’s invention in 1955, the Virobloc ring offers a unique, thoughtful, and easy to use safety mechanism for locking the blade during use, during transport, and during storage
- FRENCH HERITAGE: For over 130 years Opinel has been crafting knives and tools in the heart of the French Alps. Much like Joseph Opinel did from his workshop in 1890, today we still manufacture Opinel products from our factory in Chambery, France.
| Listing | Blade | Other stated details |
|---|---|---|
| Opinel USA, Animalia collection | 3.28-inch stainless-steel blade | Oak handle; 7.59-inch overall length; 1.6 ounces. Opinel USA |
| Opinel France, N°08 Animalia Marmotte | 8.5 cm stainless-steel blade; martensitic stainless steel, 55–57 HRC, described as European origin | Varnished, engraved oak handle; French manufacture. Opinel France |
| Opinel Japan, Animalia America No.08 Moose | 85 mm stainless-steel blade; 1.8 mm thick | Oak handle; approximately 192 mm overall length; about 48 g; product number 41626. Opinel Japan |
For comparison, Opinel Japan’s general No.08 overview gives an 8.5 cm blade, 9 cm handle and approximate weight of 47 g. That general description is not a substitute for checking the exact Animalia listing in your market. Opinel Japan
The No.08 mechanism and blade design
Opinel describes the No.08 as a five-part design: blade, handle, fixed ferrule, rivet and Virobloc safety ring. The company says the collar locks the blade for use and transport; for the French Marmotte listing, it specifically says the collar locks the blade open or closed. These are the maker’s descriptions of the mechanism, not independent test findings. Opinel Japan · Opinel France
Rank #2
- ANIMALIA COLLECTION: featuring pre-engraved designs on a No.08 stainless steel pocket knife, with an oak wood handle. Adorned with animals from around the world, from fish to bison, choose from the engraved variety to liven up your Opinel assortment
- FLAGSHIP SIZE: The Number 8 is the most sold and versatile size in the ever-growing line of Opinel folding pocket knives, earning its reputation as an everyday carry staple. 3. 35inch blade (8. 5cm), open length 7. 5 inches (19. 5cm)
- INOX BLADE: We use Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. It is anti-corrosive thanks to the addition of chrome and requires no special maintenance. Carbon content of at least 0.40% provides an excellent cutting edge and is easily sharpened.
- PATENTED VIROBLOC: A hallmark of Opinel everyday carry knives since it’s invention in 1955, the Virobloc ring offers a unique, thoughtful, and easy to use safety mechanism for locking the blade during use, during transport, and during storage
- FRENCH HERITAGE: For over 130 years Opinel has been crafting knives and tools in the heart of the French Alps. Much like Joseph Opinel did from his workshop in 1890, today we still manufacture Opinel products from our factory in Chambery, France.
Opinel France describes the classic blade as Yatagan-shaped, with an upswept point, and says its convex grind is intended to support strength and resharpening. That explanation concerns the maker’s stated design intent; it does not establish a measured performance advantage for an Animalia edition. Opinel France
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price, availability and accessories
The Gadgeteer’s October 2, 2026 article reported a $30 price and Amazon as the retailer. Those details were not independently verified as a current offer, so check the live listing for the exact animal design, price and stock before buying. The Gadgeteer
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- Unmatched design and quality. Experience and Swiss tradition.
Opinel Great Britain lists both an N°08 Animalia Marmotte and a scabbard among its pocket-knife products, but that page does not establish that the scabbard fits every No.08 Animalia version. Confirm compatibility with the specific knife before ordering. Opinel Great Britain
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OLIVEWOOD: The mythical tree of the Mediterranean, this hard wood has a yellow to orange appearance with dense and often tortuous veining, soft to the touch with polished finish
- INOX BLADE: We use Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. It is anti-corrosive thanks to the addition of chrome and requires no special maintenance. Carbon content of at least 0.40% provides an excellent cutting edge and is easily sharpened.
- THE CROWNED HAND: In 1565 King Charles IX commanded every knife maker to stamp an emblem on their products to guarantee their origin and quality. In 1909 in order to honor this tradition Joseph Opinel chose the Crowned Hand as his emblem
- PATENTED VIROBLOC: A hallmark of Opinel everyday carry knives since it’s invention in 1955, the Virobloc ring offers a unique, thoughtful, and easy to use safety mechanism for locking the blade during use, during transport, and during storage
- FRENCH HERITAGE: For over 130 years Opinel has been crafting knives and tools in the heart of the French Alps. Much like Joseph Opinel did from his workshop in 1890, today we still manufacture Opinel products from our factory in Chambery, France.
Rank #4
- ANIMALIA COLLECTION: featuring pre-engraved designs on a No.08 stainless steel pocket knife, with an oak wood handle. Adorned with animals from around the world, from fish to bison, choose from the engraved variety to liven up your Opinel assortment
- FLAGSHIP SIZE: The Number 8 is the most sold and versatile size in the ever-growing line of Opinel folding pocket knives, earning its reputation as an everyday carry staple. 3. 35inch blade (8. 5cm), open length 7. 5 inches (19. 5cm)
- INOX BLADE: We use Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. It is anti-corrosive thanks to the addition of chrome and requires no special maintenance. Carbon content of at least 0.40% provides an excellent cutting edge and is easily sharpened.
- PATENTED VIROBLOC: A hallmark of Opinel everyday carry knives since it’s invention in 1955, the Virobloc ring offers a unique, thoughtful, and easy to use safety mechanism for locking the blade during use, during transport, and during storage
- FRENCH HERITAGE: For over 130 years Opinel has been crafting knives and tools in the heart of the French Alps. Much like Joseph Opinel did from his workshop in 1890, today we still manufacture Opinel products from our factory in Chambery, France.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
