Tom
There is no reason you can't make a different handle for a modern 17 as it will not void the warranty as the handle is removable. I made a new one with ironwood, but you could slot some micarta or G10 and even have finger grips or a border patrol handle if you like.

Peter

WHAT A SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously Peter ... that's the best looking #17 I've ever seen!

Very nice..GREAT Idea.
I bet Micarta/finger grips would look great too.
NASA Micarta would be right at home too....are you following this thread Capt. Chris?

That really looks good Peter!

Cliff Lacey
RKS #23

I had always thought the handle was thin and the guard large to accomodate the bulky gloves that the astronauts wore.

Jon

That looks so nice! Peter you are the Ironwood King.

WOW!!
Peter, i'm really impressed...that's the most stylish survival knife i've ever seen!!
best,

Oh yes there is, Peter. I'm not much of a craftsman. Heck, I'm still trying to master the toaster oven.

Seriously, though, I've often thought a "custom" Astro handle would be an ideal modification. Your handle is beautiful. Great job! Are you for hire?

Thanks Tom
Unfortunately, at the rate I work I could only let me charge about 10 cents an hour. I am pretty sure that folks like Jim or James Behring or Gene Beal could rehandle a model 17 to your tastes for a reasonable cost since they do a lot of custom work.
I just fool around a little so it took me many hours to make my handles
Let us know if you have a custom handle made

Peter

You know, Tom, when you put new handles on an Astro, you don't have to stop at the "standard" narrow scale size--instead, you can put a slotted handle on, similar to the one on the Model 15! Here's a picture of mine...