French knifemaker Opinel gets into the spirit of the Tour de France with a set of custom knives any cycling fan would be proud to tuck into their pocket.
Opinel has crafted two distinct folding knives in its signature No. 08 model that capture the spirit of the tour with designs paying homage to the jerseys worn by race leaders, along with iconic landmarks riders pass throughout the race.
The first design, dubbed Les Maillots, features a wooden handle painted with the colors of the jerseys worn by the best sprinter, the best climber, and the overall race leader.
The handle begins in the sprinter’s green near the blade. Then it transitions to the climber’s polka dots in the middle before giving way to the unmistakable yellow of the prestigious maillot jaune.
The second Landmarks design includes images of the Arc de Triomphe, which riders circle during the last stage of the race along the Champs Elysee. Mont Ventoux, a notoriously difficult climbing section of the race, comes next.
The design also features graphics representing rain, water, and mist etched into the handle, and a yellow lanyard as another hat tip to the coveted yellow jersey.
Both include the official Tour de France brand stamp as well.
The Opinel No. 08 has existed as a staple of the brand’s lineup since French knifemaker Joseph Opinel developed it in the 1890s.
It landed as part of a series of knives in varying sizes, but the No. 08 found popularity because of its compact size, which fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
The blade measures 3.28 inches. Fully extended, the entire knife stretches out to 7.59 inches. More than 30 million have been sold since it first went to market, according to Opinel.
Limited-Edition Availability
The Opinel No. 08 usually goes for $18. The Les Maillots version sells for $55, and the Landmarks model costs $29. Order yours now.
