Edgetool maker at Albiez-Le-Vieux, a small village near Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in Savoie, Joseph Opinel manufactures the first Opinel knives in 1890. In 1901 he builds his first factory at Pont de Gévoudaz and produces a machine to make the handles. Maurice Opinel joins father Marcel, uncle Léon and grandfather Joseph in managing the business in 1950.

The Virobloc system is altered to ensure transport safety (the blade can be locked in the closed position). Since 1890, generations of Opinel cutlers have forged metal in traditional style to bring you authentic quality knives