Comprehension: Iconic French Knife Continues to Look Sharp Despite its Age

A visit to the Opinel factory which sells millions of penknives every year and even has an entry in the catalogue of New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Watch the video and answer the questions below.  Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. The company has had to change the design of the Opinel knife to adapt to the times.
a. True
b. False

2. More Opinel knives are sold in France than abroad.
a. True
b. False

3. The company is planning to outsource abroad soon.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers:

Pablo Picasso used it to carve his sculptures. The ultimate accessory of French-style rustic living, the Opinel knife, is made here in Chambery in the French Alps. The design has changed very little since the 19th century, but the family-owned business has had to adapt to the times. 

"The original knife has evolved very little since the nineteenth century. We have adapted to the fashion: we've come out with models in various colours. You have to live with the times and Opinel does this well."
                    
Whether it's mushroom knives, butter knives or potato peelers - Opinel sells about 3.5 million blades a year, nearly half of those abroad. The company doesn’t plan to outsource anytime soon though, production will remain 100% French to keep that little je-ne-sais-quoi. 
                 
"It's part of the French heritage, it's a knife that's really very old, and I've heard of Opinel ever since I was a kid."
                    
"Let's just say that Opinel is a legend, I mean, who doesn't have their Opinel in their pocket?"
                                        
Penknife enthusiasts gathered here in the company's museum can learn about its founder Joseph Opinel and all about the details of their pocket companion. 

"You always have it in your pocket for picnics or as my son would say, to carve wood, and make things out of it, it’s fun."

"It's good for everything: to cut wood, to cut sandwiches and all that."
         
With Asian sales on the horizon, Opinel hopes to stay a cut above the rest. 

Answers:
1. b
2. a
3. b

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