Thinking about modifications

[Ob1 Zenobi]

Hi there, picked up a 184 & coming up the learning curve about it. My interests in this blade are more utilitarian, I'm not concerned about losing collector value etc so don't be shocked.

It's very late, perhaps I didn't use the right search parameters or maybe no one has asked this question...(or I just missed it.)

Why is the endcap made so massively? it really adds to weight- perhaps it's for balance? doesn't seem to though. I'd think that lightening it up a bit might make it more useful.
I am thinking about taking mine to the drill press/ milling machine & carefully deepening the hole in the endcap to lighten it up. Of course the reduced inside diameter is due to the o- ring... but there's a LOT of extra material in depth beyond what would be needed if one needed to use the cap as a hammer...

I'm also looking around to see if anyone makes a custom rubberized handle cover that makes it a bit more ergonomic. Thinking about coating it with PL black polyurethane & forming my own textured grip. The steel handle gets a little rough in the hand after doing some hacking. I really like some of the firearm grip surfaces like Hogue etc but haven't found anything like it for this.
Any suggestions? Thanks for your time!

[Scout]

The rubber of a bicycle tire inner tube should slide over the handle nicely.

[porterkids]

You are correct about the pommel cap; it was designed for hammering.

I've seen people wrap the grip with paracord but that's all I've ever seen.

[Tommy L]

I have 4 184's. I bought a well used one on ebay and far from being mint condition I would like to modify it as you say you would like to do with yours. I would like to reduce the weight, make the handle more comfy with a custom finger type grip, and perhaps drill some holes in the top portion of the blade to lighten it slightly. If you can please post some pictures of your completed mods and I will do same once completed.