Discover through this interview, the birth of a new collaboration.
Can you tell us a few words about yourself?
My name is Jeremy Groshens, Dje to my friends. I'm a product designer by training, originally in the outdoor industry and I'm now working in tattooing and illustration. I'm a big nature lover and I’m passionate about adventure and excitement. My work as an illustrator aboard my little traveling salon, the Outdoor Tattoo Truck, is inspired by all of this.
What is your first memory of Opinel?
I grew up being in the forests and mountains a lot, with my family. Whether it was with my grandparents or my parents, someone always had an Opinel in their pocket to carve a piece of wood, pick mushrooms or slice bread. My parents gave me my first Opinel when we were in a resort, it was one of those coloured models with the name of the resort on it, mine was green.
For many people, Opinel is synonymous with being passed down and with expertise. What are the values that Opinel conveys for you?
Heritage and authenticity, this object which is so simple yet so useful and which is passed from hand to hand over time. It's not only the knife that is passed on, it's the actions, the memories and the technique that go along with it. This resourceful and manual aspect also represents a return to the roots, the link to simple things and to nature.
You have just contributed to the creation of a limited edition collection for the brand, what does this mean to you? How did the collaboration go?
It's huge, I'm the same kid I was at the resort 15 years ago, holding my first Opinel in my hand. There is all this history behind it, these stories, these memories. It's an encounter that has meaning for me and I'm very proud to have my own knife series. It's also a real opportunity in my new career as an illustrator to be able to dress up such an iconic object.
The collaboration went wonderfully, everything came together very naturally with people who know and love the brand. It was an enriching exchange and a real pleasure to learn even more about Opinel.
Thank you!
If you had to choose just one, what would be your Opinel knife of choice?
Beyond the knife, I would say that as a symbol, the classic No. 08 best represents these values and this history.
