Bro! I just posted on an other forum about this very thing I'm like you did'nt spend alot for the blade and did'nt feel good about spending alot on restoring it so, $4.50 for a block of birds eye maple and I made my own scales,all hand made, no power tools, sandpaper, files (used a drumle on the rusty blade) plus it now has the look I like and its' got alittle of me in it. It's also relaxing.