KA-BAR find: restoration suggestions needed

[Kokopelli]

Was in a second hand store today and spotted a knife. They wanted $30 for it and I took a chance. I have been meaning to buy a replacement KA-BAR USMC knife to replace my old one. I gifted it to my oldest Army son when he was first deployed to Iraq around 2008.

The previous owner decorated it with a Native American motif. I was able to rip off the sheath decorations by hand. The glue appears to be water soluble. I dipped a Q-Tip in hot water and was able to wipe off a few thin spots of glue. Would it damage the leather sheath to soak it in boiling water? Am I better off ordering a new replacement for $20?

The beads around the handle are in pretty tight. Maybe I can chip them out. I could order a new grip set for $8 but I am not sure I could make it look as good an new.

The blade is in excellent condition. Below are pictures. I appreciate your input.

[sonofeugene]

It’s trench art. Do not change it.

[rromeo]

It's a very recent production, so if you buy a new sheath, you haven't gotten rid of anything that could be thought of as history.
Are the beads tied in?

[Kokopelli]

It's a very recent production, so if you buy a new sheath, you haven't gotten rid of anything that could be thought of as history.
Are the beads tied in?

The beads on the handle are strung through with a thin metal wire and there is glue underneath them.

If the handle is soaked in hot water to soften the glue, will it damage the leather?

[IronsightsRifleman]

Maybe try oiling the leather first to protect it, then mineral spirits or Hoppe's bore cleaner to dissolve the glue.

[Tom-ADC]

If I wanted the beads off, I’d use something thin to get under the wire pop it up and loose, use needle nose or similar plier pull the wire up and off then clean the groove out with a round jewelers file or even piece of folded up sand paper.
They can’t be that secure to the leather and they have to come off anyway.

[Kokopelli]

Been busy with the knife. The knife itself is cleaned up now but the sheath is a mess.

The glue on the sheath was softened by water but then started twisting and warping badly. I think I'll just order a new one for $19 off of Amazon.

[Tom-ADC]

Good job looks great.

[hermosabeach]

Find a paint stir stick

Hot water on the leather

Once pliable, insert the paint stir stick as a blade replica.

Set a brick on top of it


Let it dry - brick to hold it flat


Neetsfoot oil or mink oil when dry.

[hermosabeach]

Alternate
Cut the threads

Brick each side separately

Stitch up when dry

[Kokopelli]

Find a paint stir stick

Hot water on the leather

Once pliable, insert the paint stir stick as a blade replica.

Set a brick on top of it


Let it dry - brick to hold it flat


Neetsfoot oil or mink oil when dry.

Thanks for the tip!

[Tom-ADC]

Worse comes to worse new ones are $20.00 plus shipping from Kabar.