Thinning the hanle of an Opinel is pretty easy. Put 80 grit paper on your bench and work away. Or put the blade in a padded vice and use a sanding block. Here is a #10 with a flattened handle.
Opinel #10 (modified) by Pinnah, on Flickr
If the OP wants to avoid refinishing beech handles, the Inox 8a are available in premium woods like Olive wood and ebony. Still not bank breakers.
Opinel #10 (modified) by Pinnah, on Flickr
If the OP wants to avoid refinishing beech handles, the Inox 8a are available in premium woods like Olive wood and ebony. Still not bank breakers.