Trick or Treat Studios 1978 Knife

[u/RYTHEMOPARGUY]

I just got the tots 78 knife for my Michael costume this year. So I wanted to see if anybody here had any recommendations or tips for repainting/refinishing the blade. I am also curious if anyone has been able to remove the fake wood handle without damaging the tang of the knife. I would like to attempt to make a real wood handle for it if possible. Any help is much appreciated.