My eldest boy flies back to the UK tomorrow, last term at university for this year. I'm always a little heavy hearted when they have to go away again. So to sooth my maternal heart, I'm following his suggestion for a boy's post: Opinel knives.
We live in the countryside - have I already mentioned that?! - and being a fairly hands-on, outdoorsy sort of family, the children have been encouraged to use tools. I have always seen my boys with a pocket knife, from about the age of 8. Whittling sticks, cutting up worms, sharing an apple, carving initials - it's just a country boy's must-have.
The quintessential French pocket knife is the Opinel. Inexpensive, fold away, sharp, good looking. The knives are made in the Savoie region of France; a beech wood handle and steel blade. Originally designed in 1895, they have since acquired design status and feature in museums worldwide.
How about you, do you have a favourite accessory you associate with your children?
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We have used an Opinel knife for many years and many picnics. Used to take it on our European trips...no more.
ReplyDeleteit is a beautiful knife. I would certianly give something like that to a boy (if I had one).
ReplyDeleteThe UK is having a fit about anyone carrying a knife. It wouldn't surprise me if they banned everyone in the country from carrying one! Insane... Anyone, that has a mind to, can cause harm with any sharp item. Even a pencil can be lethal.
Sharon, I bought myself one of these in Prague when I was cycling through Europe for several weeks last year. It never left my pocket and I used it everyday. As my husband played with his fancy swiss army knife, I felt I had all I needed in this lovely simple object.
ReplyDeleteMy swiss army knife always travels with me.. although these days that means suitcase not carry on..
ReplyDeleteHope you and family had a lovely easter Sharon.. xxxx Julie
Great gift idea. I'll remember this for upcoming graduation gifts. ~ Sarah
ReplyDeleteMy son has had a pocket knife since he was about the same age. He now has several and is my go to guy whenever I need to open a package or cut a piece of twine. He would love one of these beautiful knives.
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Boys and their toys...and heres to them. In the UK there is an increasingly strong no knife culture, but we mustn't forget that boys are boys. On the positive side, have you heard of'Forest schools'? These are growing in the Uk quite rapidly and many schools have forest school sessions now each week. These come from Scandanavia and get children outdoors into the forest, to build fires, climb trees, make tents etc. As a nursery teacher, I have helped to run forest school sessions and they are briliant, especially for boys, and for those children less academically able. Heres to the great outdoors!
ReplyDeleteHope your son has a good term at Uni! (Probably very wise to be studying now before the tuition fees rise!)
Sarah x (The Oregano Tower)
My son was a boy scout and I hated him having a pocketknife -- I was always scared he'd stab himself when he was little! LOL! Good luck to your son in school, and for his trip back tomorrow. Godspeed.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Gloria
Mon grand-père avait toujours un Opinel dans sa poche, il en existe même des tous petits pour les sacs de fille !
ReplyDeleteOnly the French can make even a pocket knife ad look incredibly romantic and chic!
ReplyDeleteLove Opinel. Always a popular item in our shop. Thanks for posting about them - they're beautiful, convenient, sharp and compact - one to always carry in your car or picnic basket. Found your site through HARO - bookmarking it!
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous!
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