I'm not sure if adding a brass guard is recommended for a production knife (maybe it weakens the blade?) but that is what I did to mine and I love it now! I cut a bit off the top of the scales to fit until I have time to make micarta ones. The sheath needed to be cut down to accommodate the guard and I screwed some scrap leather to the sheath with a retention snap. Also attached a lanyard with the included bead to increase "size" of the handle. I wear this every time I need a knife, (though I admit I'm not ready to leave the bk9 behind just yet!") For the bk9, I ordered a $20 leather sheath from evil bay, which is perfect