A pocket knife can cut through packaging, rope, and other everyday materials, but it becomes less useful when a small repair calls for a screwdriver or wire stripper. Those jobs often mean searching for another tool, even when the work takes only a few minutes. For anyone keeping a basic repair kit in a car, backpack, or desk drawer, carrying separate tools for occasional jobs isn’t always convenient.
Price: $40
Where to Buy: Amazon
The Opinel No.09 DIY addresses that problem by combining an 8 cm folding blade with wire-cutting and stripping features and two screwdriver bits stored in its handle. Made in France, it uses Sandvik 12C27M stainless steel, a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide handle, and Opinel’s Virobloc locking ring. It adds several basic repair functions to a conventional folding knife without requiring a larger plier-based multitool.
A Folding Blade With More Than One Job
The No.09 DIY features a drop-point blade measuring approximately 3.15 inches. Its stainless steel blade offers corrosion resistance and is easy to maintain. The blade is suitable for common cutting jobs such as opening packages, breaking down cardboard boxes, cutting cord, and trimming lightweight materials.
The No.09 DIY uses a conventional folding-knife profile. The pointed tip also allows more precise work when opening packaging or cutting around an edge. However, the integrated wire-cutting and stripping features interrupt the cutting edge, which may be less appealing to people who prefer a continuous plain-edge blade.
The No.09 DIY retains Opinel’s Virobloc locking ring, a rotating stainless steel collar introduced in 1955. It can secure the blade in its open position during cutting and in its closed position during storage. The mechanism is straightforward, although users must still handle the knife carefully and confirm that the ring is properly engaged.
Wire Cutting and Stripping Without a Separate Tool
The No.09 DIY incorporates wire-cutting and stripping features into its blade. Opinel rates the wire cutter for cable up to 5 mm in diameter and the wire stripper for cable up to 1.8 mm in diameter.
On compatible cable, the built-in features can reduce the need for separate cutting and stripping tools. Preparing a short cable or removing insulation during a small repair becomes more convenient when the necessary functions are already incorporated into the knife.
The built-in notches are intended for occasional cable preparation, not as a replacement for dedicated electrical tools. Check the cable size against Opinel’s stated limits before use.
Use the wire features only on de-energized cable; this is not a rated insulated electrical tool. Verify that circuits are de-energized before working, and use appropriately rated equipment for electrical installations.
Two Screwdrivers Stored Inside the Handle
The reinforced handle contains two screwdriver bits: a flat-head bit for 4 mm screws and a cross-head bit for screws approximately 3.5 to 5 mm in size. Both fit into a magnetic holder at the end of the handle. Close the blade and secure it with the Virobloc locking ring before using either bit.
This arrangement is useful for tightening loose cabinet hardware, adjusting small fixtures, or handling minor repairs around a workspace. The magnetic holder helps retain the selected bit, while the handle provides a gripping surface for light fastening jobs.
The screwdriver is not intended for high-torque applications or stubborn fasteners. Its included bits cover common screw types, but users who regularly work with Torx, hex, or specialized fasteners will need additional equipment. The design is more appropriate for occasional adjustments than prolonged assembly work.
A Reinforced Handle for Everyday Use
Traditional Opinel knives are associated with wooden handles, but the No.09 DIY uses fiberglass-reinforced polyamide. This material is designed to withstand impacts and humidity, making it suitable for a utility knife stored in a garage, vehicle, or outdoor equipment bag.
The handle also includes a lanyard hole for attaching a cord or tether. Its gray finish maintains the recognizable Opinel silhouette while giving the knife a more utilitarian appearance.
With an 8 cm blade and an 11.82 cm handle, the No.09 DIY combines a folding knife and several basic repair functions in one tool.
Who Should Buy the Opinel No.09 DIY?
The Opinel No.09 DIY is suited to homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and people who want a folding knife capable of handling occasional fastening and cable preparation tasks. Its combination of a conventional blade, wire-cutting and stripping notches, and two screwdriver bits provides useful versatility for light maintenance.
Its limitations are equally important. The screwdriver is best suited to modest fastening jobs, the wire features are intended for occasional cable preparation, and the knife is not a rated insulated electrical tool.
Price: $40
Where to Buy: Amazon
For someone assembling a compact maintenance kit for a car, office, or home, the No.09 DIY offers an alternative to carrying several separate tools. It is best suited to people who primarily need a folding knife but appreciate having basic repair functions available when a small job comes up.
