Michel Desjoyeaux, the famous sailor, talked to us about his experience with Opinel for the 130 years of the brand.
Meet Michel.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I have been a sailing enthusiast ever since I can remember, and I have chosen to sail competitively and make it my job. I have gained recognition for my solo achievements, but I have also sailed in teams, always with great pleasure.
What is your first Opinel memory?
I had one on a keyring. And then a Nº7 or Nº8 to make bows with wooden sticks. At my parents’ shipyard, the ‘real’ ships were made from wood, and, listening to the carpenter’s tricks of the trade, I quickly understood what the right cutting tools were.
Many think Opinel is synonymous with expertise and something to be passed on. What values does Opinel convey to you?
I had the chance to see the Opinel factory and realised that the quality of the knives is not based on luck. Opinel is a family story, it involves passionate workers who were trained by an older generation with true expertise. Books cannot teach everything, the notion of inheritance from generation to generation is important, which is a value that Opinel conveys.
If you could only choose one Opinel, which would it be?
The Nº08, everywhere, on land or at sea, to slice charcuterie!
Opinel in three words?
Quality, tradition, reference.
