Kitchen Knife Opinel Les Forges 1890 Chef 20 cm — stainless steel blade, wooden handle

Opinel Les Forges 1890 Chef 20 cm is a professional-style kitchen knife featuring a 20 cm stainless steel blade and a wooden handle. The long, slightly curved cutting edge supports rocking and straight slicing motions, while the full-size blade length provides reach for larger vegetables, roast trimming and portioning. The wooden handle is shaped to fit the hand and offers traditional appearance and balance for everyday meal preparation in home kitchens and small professional settings.

Advantages

The stainless steel blade provides corrosion resistance and a consistent cutting edge suitable for a variety of tasks, and the 20 cm length gives versatility between precision work and larger cuts. The wooden handle delivers ergonomic comfort and natural grip, contributing to balanced handling. The knife’s forged-style profile improves durability and edge retention compared with thinner stamped blades, making it practical for regular domestic use.

Suitable for

• Chopping and dicing vegetables and herbs
• Slicing meats, poultry and fish
• Preparing roasts and trimming larger cuts
• General day-to-day meal preparation in home kitchens
• Cooks seeking a traditional-looking, balanced chef’s knife

When it may not be suitable

This knife may not be ideal for heavy-duty butchery tasks such as breaking down large bones; it is designed primarily for cutting, slicing and chopping rather than cleaving. Also, the wooden handle requires more attentive care than synthetic handles—prolonged exposure to moisture or dishwashing may affect the wood’s finish and longevity.

Key specifications

• Blade length: 20 cm
• Blade material: stainless steel
• Handle material: wood
• Knife type: chef's/chef knife
• Edge style: straight/curved cutting edge suitable for rocking and slicing

How to use

Use the Opinel Les Forges 1890 Chef 20 cm for standard kitchen tasks such as slicing, dicing and chopping. Hold the handle with a firm but relaxed grip and guide the blade with your non-dominant hand to stabilize ingredients. For rocking cuts, place the tip on the board and move the heel through the food; for straight slices, use the full blade length in a smooth forward or backward motion. Keep the blade dry and wipe clean after use. Regular honing maintains the edge between sharpening sessions.

What to consider before purchase

• Intended use: suitable for slicing, chopping and everyday kitchen prep but not for heavy bone work
• Handle care: wooden handle needs hand washing and drying to preserve finish
• Blade length preference: 20 cm offers balance between control and reach
• Maintenance: plan for periodic sharpening and routine honing

Usage recommendations

For best results, hand wash and dry the knife immediately after use, store it in a knife block or on a magnetic strip to protect the edge, and hone regularly. Use a stable cutting board made of wood or plastic to preserve blade sharpness.