Opinel N°12 Carbon Folding Knife – XC90, 12 cm, Virobloc

Opinel N°12 Carbon Folding Knife – XC90, 12 cm, Virobloc

Opinel N°12 Carbon Folding Knife – XC90, 12 cm, Virobloc

  • Brand:OPINEL
  • Product Code: N°12 Carbon – XC90, 12 см, Virobloc
  • Availability: In Stock
  • 18.00 € / 35.20 лв.

    20.00 € / 39.12 лв.
  • 09 10 2026 08 11 2026
OPINEL • N°12 • XC90 CARBON STEEL • MADE IN FRANCE
Opinel N°12 Carbon Folding Knife 12 cm XC90 carbon steel • 16 cm beech handle • Virobloc®

Opinel N°12 Carbon is a large classic folding knife with a 12 cm XC90 carbon-steel blade, comfortable 16 cm beech handle and the characteristic Virobloc® locking system. It is the choice for users who value a keen cutting edge, straightforward sharpening and the traditional character of carbon steel.

N°12 is one of the larger practical Opinel sizes. The manufacturer positions it for tougher materials, agricultural and outdoor tasks, as well as serving larger foods such as cheeses and cured meats.

Opinel N°12 XC90 Carbon Steel 12 cm blade 16 cm beech Virobloc® Easy sharpening Requires maintenance Made in France
12 cmblade length
XC90carbon steel
16 cmhandle length
Virobloc®open / closed locking
Francemade in France
Opinel N°12 Carbon
The large classic Opinel with traditional carbon steel

Carbon steel is historically associated with the classic Opinel folding knife. In the N°12 it is combined with a large 12 cm blade and 16 cm handle, creating a practical configuration for users who prefer a more substantial working size.

12
12 cm blade

A generous working length for practical cutting, material processing and food preparation.

XC90
XC90 carbon steel

High-carbon steel known for its effective cutting edge, good wear resistance and straightforward resharpening.

WOOD
16 cm beech handle

The large handle provides stable support and a comfortable full grip when working with the 12 cm blade.

LOCK
Virobloc®

The safety ring allows the blade to be secured both during use and in the folded position.

XC90 Carbon Steel
The traditional carbon-steel philosophy of Opinel
XC90 high-carbon steel • classic Opinel material

Opinel describes XC90 as a very hard carbon steel with excellent cutting properties, good wear resistance and easy resharpening.

Why choose Carbon?

The key advantage of carbon steel is its cutting-edge behaviour. The material can be sharpened relatively easily and is often preferred by users who appreciate a traditional blade and are comfortable maintaining it regularly.

Opinel identifies carbon steel as the historic steel of the brand, linked to the classic folding knives developed from the time of Joseph Opinel.

The Carbon version is a different choice from Stainless Steel: it offers the characteristic benefits of carbon steel but requires more care against moisture and corrosion.
Carbon Steel Care
Maintenance is part of the character of this knife

XC90 carbon steel is sensitive to moisture and may develop staining, patina or corrosion if left wet. Correct maintenance is therefore an important part of owning and using the N°12 Carbon.

DRY
Dry after use

After contact with water or moist products, the blade should be cleaned and dried promptly.

OIL
Oil periodically

Opinel recommends maintaining the blade and pivot area with suitable oil.

DRY+
Do not store wet

Do not leave the knife in a damp environment or store it for prolonged periods with a wet blade.

Important: carbon steel may naturally develop a patina over time. This is characteristic of the material. Rust and deeper corrosion, however, should be prevented through proper cleaning, drying and oiling.
Carbon vs Stainless
Carbon or Stainless – what is the practical difference?
C
N°12 Carbon

Ideal for users who value straightforward sharpening, traditional carbon-steel character and are prepared to maintain the blade regularly.

SS
N°12 Stainless Steel

Better suited to users who prioritise higher corrosion resistance and lower day-to-day maintenance requirements.

Beech Handle
16 cm beech handle with the traditional Opinel shape

Beech is the most commonly used material for classic Opinel handles. The manufacturer specifies PEFC-certified wood from sustainably managed sources in the Jura and Vercors regions.

16
16 cm length

The larger handle is suitable for users who prefer a full grip and additional control during practical tasks.

PEFC
PEFC-certified beech

The wood is hard, durable and traditionally used on classic Opinel folding knives.

VARN
Varnished finish

The varnish helps protect the natural wood against moisture and dirt under normal use.

Virobloc®
Simple and proven dual-position locking

Virobloc® was created by Marcel Opinel in 1955 and is used on Opinel folding models from N°06 upward. The system consists of a fixed section and a rotating stainless-steel safety ring.

OPEN
Locking during use

The ring secures the blade in the open position and helps reduce the risk of unintended folding.

CLOSE
Locking during transport

The system also allows the blade to be secured in the closed position during transport and storage.

Practical Use
Large folding knife for outdoor, work and food-related tasks

Opinel positions the N°12 Carbon for tougher materials and more substantial practical jobs. The manufacturer also identifies the size as suitable for outdoor work and for serving large cheeses and cured meats.

FIELD
Outdoor work

The larger format is useful for a broad range of outdoor and practical tasks.

WORK
Tougher materials

The 12 cm blade provides additional working length where a compact knife may not be sufficient.

FOOD
Cheese & cured meats

The larger blade can also serve as a practical knife for cutting and serving larger food products.

Made in France
Traditional Opinel Carbon – made in France

Carbon steel is historically linked to classic Opinel knives. The brand identifies this type of steel as the original material used in the early folding knives created by Joseph Opinel. N°12 Carbon continues this tradition in a large practical format.

1890
History since 1890

The classic folding Opinel has been part of French knife-making tradition for more than a century.

FR
Made in France

Opinel N°12 Carbon is manufactured in France.

XC90
Historic steel choice

Carbon steel remains a preferred option for enthusiasts of the traditional Opinel character.

Technical Specifications
Opinel N°12 Carbon – specifications
Brand
Opinel
Model
N°12 Carbon
Type
Folding knife
Series
Classic Carbon
Blade length
12 cm
Blade material
XC90 carbon steel
Corrosion resistance
Lower than stainless steel; regular maintenance required
Blade maintenance
Cleaning, drying and periodic oiling
Handle material
Beech
Wood certification
PEFC
Handle finish
Varnished
Handle length
16 cm
Locking system
Virobloc®
Open-position locking
Yes
Closed-position locking
Yes
Country of manufacture
France
Note: Opinel officially specifies XC90 carbon steel for the N°12 Carbon but does not publish an HRC value on the product page, so no unverified hardness figure is included here.
FAQ • Opinel N°12 Carbon
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact model?

This is the Opinel N°12 Carbon with a 12 cm XC90 carbon-steel blade.

How does it differ from the N°12 Stainless Steel?

The Carbon version uses XC90 carbon steel, valued for its cutting performance and easy sharpening, but it requires more care against moisture and corrosion. The Stainless Steel version requires less day-to-day maintenance.

How long is the blade?

The officially specified blade length is 12 cm.

Should the blade be oiled?

Yes. Opinel recommends drying the carbon-steel blade carefully after use and oiling it regularly.

Can the blade develop a patina?

Yes. Carbon steel may gradually change colour and develop a patina. This is characteristic of the material.

How long is the handle?

The officially specified handle length is 16 cm.

Does the blade lock?

Yes. Virobloc® allows the blade to be locked in both the open and closed positions.

Where is it made?

Opinel N°12 Carbon is Made in France.

Online Ordering
Opinel N°12 Carbon can be ordered online

The model can be ordered online from MoskovHunt subject to current availability. If you are choosing between Carbon and Stainless Steel, our team can help you select the version that best matches your intended use and maintenance preference.

Opinel N°12 Carbon • XC90 • 12 cm • Virobloc® • Made in France

Looking for a classic Opinel with a traditional carbon-steel blade? Contact MoskovHunt for information about availability and choosing between the Carbon and Stainless Steel versions.

MoskovHunt • Levski, 37 Tsar Simeon St., 5900, Bulgaria 089 446 2621 – Viber/WhatsApp 089 681 1177 – Viber/WhatsApp gmoskov@mail.bg



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