Not what I expected.
The blade is fine, it's just getting it out and locked that is the problem, and unlocking it to fold away.
The blade is very tight in the handle, the pivot stiff to the point of breaking a nail, if your hands were wet/muddy etc. you'd stand no chance.
A good idea ruined for want of a better control on tolerances.
To compound this the locking ring is very tight and with it being a plated pressing it is difficult to grip.
I've just spent a couple of hours working the blade pivot and locking ring and lubricating them but they are still too tight.
With a bit better manufacture and quality control this would be a good knife but I don't see why you should have to spend time fettling something that should work when new.
***EDIT ***
I've just ordered and received a second No8 and this one is better, still not loose enough but at least the locking ring turns properly.
I also visited a local "Hunting Shooting Fishing" shop and mentioned the problems I've had with Opinel knives. we went through his display box of various sizes and found that the knives were very variable, some so tight that they were useless and some that were O.K. (I bought a good No6). The salesman said that they have to return quite a few of all sizes so it seems that Opinel do have a problem with variable quality control.
If you buy one mail order from anywhere it's down to luck whether you get a good one or an over-tight one.
I still like the knives for their classic design and simplicity, the "Virobloc " locking mechanism is a wonderfully elegant solution to the need for the extra security that a locked open or locked closed blade gives.
I'm aiming to eventually get one of each type.
I've changed the rating I've given from a "don't like it" to an "it's O.K." because I think they are basically a good knife, just be prepared to send it back or do some work on one if it's too stiff.