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    • Virobloc

    Virobloc Lock Knives: Marcel Opinel's Classic Rotating Collar Mechanism

     

    The Virobloc is the classic rotating collar locking mechanism invented by Marcel Opinel in 1955, featured exclusively on Opinel's traditional folding knives from the No. 6 through the No. 12. The mechanism consists of two stainless steel sections fitted around the handle pivot, a fixed inner collar and a sliding outer ring, that work together to lock the blade in either the open or closed position with a simple twist of the hand.

    At Knifeworks, you are buying from an authorized dealer: every Opinel Virobloc knife we carry ships through legitimate distribution channels with full manufacturer support intact, sourced directly from Opinel's traditional production in France.

    Once the blade is opened, rotating the outer ring brings its solid steel section over the heel of the blade tang, preventing the blade from folding closed accidentally during heavy cutting work. When the blade is folded back into the handle, rotating the ring the opposite direction slips that same steel collar over the tip of the tang instead, locking the blade shut so it cannot open accidentally inside a pocket or pack. The same simple ring handles both jobs, just rotated to a different position depending on whether the blade is open or closed.

    Why the Virobloc has lasted since 1955The Virobloc's appeal is its simplicity: two stainless steel parts, no springs, no internal pivots to wear out or fail under stress. It was designed to solve a real problem with Opinel's earlier friction-only folders, blades that could close on the user's fingers during hard use, and it has needed essentially no re-engineering since Marcel Opinel introduced it. That mechanical simplicity is also why Virobloc-equipped Opinels remain inexpensive relative to knives with more complex lock mechanisms.

    Call 888-225-9775 — our team can help you choose the right Opinel Virobloc size for your use.

    Lock type
    Rotating Collar
    Inventor
    Marcel Opinel
    Introduced
    1955
    Sizes
    No. 6–No. 12
    Locks
    Open & Closed
    Dealer Status
    Authorized
    Compare Selected
    What is the Virobloc?+

    The Virobloc is a rotating collar locking mechanism invented by Marcel Opinel in 1955, featured exclusively on Opinel's traditional folding knives from the No. 6 through the No. 12. It consists of a fixed inner collar and a sliding outer ring fitted around the handle pivot, which the user rotates by hand to lock the blade in either the open or closed position.

    How does the Virobloc work?+

    Once the blade is opened, rotating the outer ring brings its solid steel section over the heel of the blade tang, preventing the blade from folding closed accidentally during use. When the blade is folded back into the handle, rotating the ring the opposite direction slips that same steel collar over the tip of the tang, locking the blade shut so it cannot open accidentally in a pocket or pack.

    Does the Virobloc lock the blade both open and closed?+

    Yes. The same ring handles both functions, just rotated to a different position: over the heel of the tang to lock the blade open for cutting, or over the tip of the tang to lock the blade closed for safe carry.

    How does the Virobloc compare to a Liner Lock or Frame Lock?+

    Liner Locks and Frame Locks use a flexing piece of the handle that engages automatically when the blade opens, and they only lock the blade open, not closed. The Virobloc requires a manual twist of the ring to engage in either position, but it is a simpler, spring-free mechanism that also locks the blade shut for safer carry, something most liner and frame lock folders do not do.

    Is the Virobloc considered a locking knife?+

    Yes, when the ring is rotated into the open-locked position, the Virobloc holds the blade firmly open during use. Knife laws regarding locking versus non-locking blades vary by state and locality, so buyers should confirm local regulations before carrying an Opinel with the ring engaged.

    What sizes of Opinel use the Virobloc?+

    The Virobloc appears on Opinel's traditional folding knife sizes from the No. 6 through the No. 12, covering everything from compact pocket knives to larger outdoor and kitchen-style folders. Smaller Opinel sizes below No. 6 typically do not include the Virobloc collar.

    How do I maintain a Virobloc-equipped Opinel?+

    Keep the collar and pivot area free of dirt and food residue, and apply a light drop of oil to the pivot occasionally to keep the ring rotating smoothly. Opinel's carbon steel blade options also benefit from wiping the blade dry after use to prevent patina or rust.

    Are there Virobloc KW Exclusives at Knifeworks?+

    Knifeworks stocks Opinel's Virobloc lineup across multiple sizes and handle woods through our authorized dealer channels. Call 888-225-9775 to check current availability on specific sizes and finishes.

    Virobloc Opinel sizes: popular models at Knifeworks

    ModelBlade LengthSteelHandleUse Case
    Opinel No. 8 ★3.35"Carbon or StainlessBeechwoodEveryday Carry
    Opinel No. 62.75"Carbon or StainlessBeechwoodCompact EDC
    Opinel No. 124.75"Carbon or StainlessBeechwoodOutdoor / Camp
    🛡️
    Authorized Opinel dealerEvery Virobloc Opinel ships through authorized channels sourced directly from France.
    🚚
    Same-day shippingShips from Columbia, Louisiana — 888-225-9775
    🏆
    Complete Virobloc lineupOpinel No. 6 through No. 12 in stock across carbon and stainless steel options.
    📞
    Call us before you buy888-225-9775 — we carry these knives daily.