The Antonini Old Bear Knife Review

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I recently bought an Antonini “Old Bear” folding knife. Made in Maniago, the “knife-making capital of Italy”.
The blade shape and steel are definitely reminiscent of the Opinel, but the locking mechanism is an improvement over the Opinel in my opinion. Here’s why: it locks when the knife is open and when it is closed, but with a small nub that is easier to manipulate.

Here’s a stock photo of the knife:

And, here’s how the lock works: notice the brass bolster at the knife pivot. If you look closely you can see a plain steel “nub” … that is the locking mechanism. When the blade is open you slide that lock towards the blade and a bar physically blocks the knife from closing.

When the knife is closed the same action also physically blocks the knife from opening. Blade steel options are either carbon steel or stainless. Handle is oiled walnut.

The Old Bear comes in a couple of sizes. Although this is not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ it is (again, in my opinion) an improvement over the Opinel … Oh no, here come the villagers with the torches and pitchforks … heresy, heresy!

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