Knife manufacturer Opel unveils a groundbreaking design with the Spring-Loaded Neo6, marking a significant departure from their seven-decade-long traditional approach.
The French knife-making company Opinel has unveiled the Neo6, a compact EDC folder that blends modern innovations with the brand's timeless design.
At the heart of the Neo6 is the patent-pending Opiflex mechanism, a significant mechanical evolution for Opinel. This spring-loaded system secures the blade without technically locking it, providing a more intuitive user experience compared to the traditional Virobloc. This design departure eliminates the fumbling that can occur with the traditional Virobloc under gloves or in poor conditions, making the Neo6 a more urban-friendly choice.
The Neo6 features a 2.75-inch (7 cm) stainless steel blade with a deliberately rounded tip, designed to be people-friendly and safer for urban use. The handle comes in three materials: sustainably sourced French walnut, Italian olive wood, or FSBE-certified African ebony. Each handle variant is finished with a food-safe protective varnish and supplied with a recycled leather lanyard.
The Neo6 maintains Opinel’s classic ergonomic design in a more compact form factor, making it suitable for everyday carry (EDC). Weighing just 0.88 ounces (25 g) and with an overall length of 6.5 inches open and 3.625 inches closed, the Neo6 is extremely lightweight and pocket-friendly.
Manufactured in Chambéry, France, the Neo6 emphasizes quality and heritage. In regulated environments, its non-locking Opiflex blade retention system may be more urban-friendly due to easier compliance with knife regulations.
The Neo6's rounded tip further reinforces its approachable character, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of tasks. The traditional Virobloc system, while museum-worthy design for decades, can feel clunky in daily use. The Neo6, on the other hand, offers a smoother, more intuitive experience.
The Neo6 is available now through authorized dealers and the company's website. With its blend of modern innovations and timeless design, the Neo6 is set to become a staple in any urban user's EDC.
[1] These innovations mark a significant departure from Opinel’s seven-decade tradition by combining modern legal compliance, urban utility, lightweight portability, and sustainability in a compact folding knife designed for everyday use.
- The Neo6's modern innovations, such as the Opiflex mechanism and lighter weight design, depart from Opinel's traditional style, yet they emphasize urban-friendly aspects like compliance with knife regulations and suitability for everyday carry (EDC).
- The Neo6, with its rounded tip, lightweight construction, and stylish handle materials like French walnut, Italian olive wood, or African ebony, positions itself as a more contemporary gadget compared to Opinel's historic Virobloc system, offering a smoother and more intuitive user experience for urban tasks.
