Recommendation? Which fix should I do?

[Rayray70]

Scored this Case XX 316-5 SSP at a pawn shop for $5:

I'm pretty sure it is from 1965-69 from what I can tell. One just sold on eBay for 50 bucks in much better condition with the sheath, so I don't want to spend a bunch to fix it. The stacked leather handle is in bad shape. I have been trying to bring the leather back to life with pure neatsfoot oil, but it is not responding much, if at all. A piece was broken and it fell off, so it's very loose.( was loose before too). So, I can see if Case will replace the handle(for a charge because I'm sure this would not be covered by warranty), OR I have some antlers that I've been wanting to put on a blade. I have also seen guys redo the leather handles and they come out nice, but that looks a little above my pay grade. I need a nudge to cure my indecisiveness. What would y'all do?

 

[OldNavy]

I did a rehab on an old kitchen knife that was a barn find, I got it free. used some scrap Red Oak
Molding roughed in the shape with a wood rasp & used epoxy & brass rivets. Not super pretty
but the steel takes a good edge and it's a work horse around the kitchen

before

after

 

[Rayray70]

I did a rehab on an old kitchen knife that was a barn find, I got it free. used some scrap Red Oak
Molding roughed in the shape with a wood rasp & used epoxy & brass rivets. Not super pretty
but the steel takes a good edge and it's a work horse around the kitchen

before

after

Really nice!

 

[Rayray70]

Well my first antler handle. Has flaws but I like it.

Not bad for 5 bucks.