Opinel as seen by Pierre Edouard Robine

For the Opinel anniversary, Pierre Edouard Robine answered some questions about the brand. 

 

PIERRE EDOUARD ROBINE, Farmer & forager

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I am 38 and I live in Normandy, where I was born. I have a passion for nature and gastronomy, I gather wild edible plants and produce natural cider and sparkling wines which I deliver to fair trade restaurants weekly.

What is your first Opinel memory?

Cutting the strings around haystacks with Jacques, my dad, to feed cows. He taught me to cut them the right way, which is near the knot, and to open the blade of my Opinel by gently tapping against a piece of wood in the stable, just like my grandfather had taught him.

Many think Opinel is synonymous with expertise and something to be passed on. What values does Opinel convey to you?

Perseverance and adaptability, which are values I find crucial to lead a project the right way. The Opinel knife gets passed on from one generation to the next, it only needs sharpening to keep it alive. I use it daily when picking wild plants, cooking or making cider. And I will soon again for grafting in my orchard.

If you could only choose one Opinel, which would it be?

The Nº08 with carbon blade, without a doubt.

Opinel in three words?

In the pocket.

Photo credits : Anne-Claire Héraud, Roman Synkevych