Alright, I'm calling this mod finished!
Here's the run down:
1) turned the blade into a spear/drop point type
I love the look of the classic Opinel blade, but to me it functions more like a skinner blade rather than a true clip point. One day I'll make one of these Opinels into a true wharncliff, but for now I wasn't willing to waste all that good edge and the new spear gives me a more accessible point.
2) installed a 5/32 brass stop pin
The clever virobloc locking mechanism is great, but as the knife gets sharpened over the course of it's life, the locking ring will reach it's maximum capacity. There's two thoughts here: the first is that I could just grind the "ramp" further, getting rid of the current 'stop' that's there. This is only a temporary fix. The other is that I change the reference point to a more permanent reference by adding a stop pin. Typically the blade edge rests against the wood of the handle's blade well, so as the blade gets more sharpenings it will sit down lower and lower until the virobloc no longer holds it snugly in place.
3) filed the blade to depth for the stop pin
This stop depth can be further adjusted. It will help 'nickless' versions of this knife by keeping the blade up out of the well. It will also keep the edge off the wood- I never really liked the idea of putting my pristine edge into the wood, as I imagine jostling in my pocket would cause that edge to roll.
4) took the edge off the lower part of the blade (now between the stop pin cutout and the handle)
I've nicked myself on that edge a few times. I tend to choke up on the handle for some activities and this really wasn't conducive to that. The metal is still thin there, so it's not exactly comfortable, but it doesn't draw blood anymore.
5) reshaped the butt of the handle (the famous 'fish tail')
I agonized over this one- I do love the look of the traditional Opinel handle. Some of the lines in the swell of the handle are just perfection. My issue was in the point-forward sabre grip. That heel corner tends to put itself directly into the palm of my hand. I rounded that off without changing many of the graceful lines this knife handle features. I finished it with sanding to 220 grit, applying two coats of danish oil, then finally giving it a beeswax/mineral oil application.
All-in-all I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I'd do a couple things differently. I'd place the stop pin slightly higher up (towards the blade) and I'd use smaller stock. (I just happened to have this 5/32" brass rod).
Edit: Towards the *pivot*, not the blade.