1) Here you see the two sizes that the machete is available in. The one on top has not yet been modified like the one below it. The "real tree" handle coating is still visible.
2) The "real tree" is made of a thin rubber-substance that disolves with alcohol. Wet the grips, and rub vigorously with a sanding sponge. This will expose the blue/grey plastic beneath.
3) Notice here in this photo that the ergonomic handle has three finger wells. This design flaw makes the grip uncomfortable because your middle, ring, and pinky fingers cannot fit into two wells.
4) With a utility razor begin to scrape the wells to accentuate them. Totally eliminate those two lower finger wells leaving a large one instead.
5) Continue to contour the scraped off areas with a half-round file.
6) With a utility razor start to scrape the palm side of the grip. Contour the corners off to meet the center of the handle.
7) Round, and needle files then used to fine tune the upper and lower contours to meet to form a dome shape on the sides. Rub smooth with the sanding sponge.
8) Black leather dye is applied with a brush. This dye for leather is the same as alcohol based industrial wood stain. Give it two liberal coats and allow some time to fully dry.
9) Polish shiny with wax. This shown in photo is leather polish that I made myself. It contains ingredients like beeswax and carnauba as well as others.
10) The finished modification is ready for the leather sheath to be done next. The nylon sheath it came with new no way fits the item properly.
11) This above is a Carnivore Z modified same way but coated with black Plasti-Dip for a non-slip grip. The sheath is made from re-purposed, durable, washable industrial conveyor belting stitched with Omega 840/2 nylon fiber #18 cordage.
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