replacing the handle in a CS recon tanto

[Juramentado]

This is a question for a friend of mine. He wants replace the kraton handle of his CS recon tanto for one made from one of our local tropical hardwoods.

Has anyone here done this? If so, how long is the tang and are there any problems he needs to look out for.

 

[Hankins]

Have re-handled a few CS knives in the past and most tangs run 3/4 of the way up the handle.
Just slice or grind the Kraton off, rough up the tang and add a guard and handle.

 

[Ilovetoolsteel]

Drill out the tube rivet that holds the handle on, the rubber will slide off pretty easy. If it has that black coating on the blade it's a pain to remove just with sandpaper. Paint stripper works but you have to prepare the surface first. Take the shine off with 180 grit wet dry. soak it in the paint stripper, I paint both sides heavy and wrap it in aluminum foil and let it soak for 2 hours. Scrub it with steel wool or green scotchbrite. The steel underneath will look crappy. It will take a lot of hand work to make it purty. I start with 180 grit creamic stones up through 600 grit wet dry paper.

If your blade was finished bright then all you need to do is make a handle, I like Micarta