Basics of rehandling, for non-handy people?

[the_jest]

I have the classic Wat Pro 180mm nakiri, with the "basic" handle, in oval burnt chestnut with a poorly joined plastic ferrule. I love the knife but dislike the cheap-feeling handle, and am interested in upgrading. But I don't otherwise have any elaborate requirements: I'm pretty happy with all the other octagonal wa handles I have, and I don't want anything especially bling-y. I just want a darkish handle with a darkish ferrule made of something natural, joined with no obvious seam.

I know that some stores sell handles, and people often have handles for sale in B&S here. But I'm not, um, handy, and would like someone to do this for me. The stores that sell handles don't typically say anything about a rehandling service. What are the general options for this? I'm based in NYC but I'm obviously OK with the idea of sending the knife out. (To be clear, I specifically do not want to be told that it's really easy and I should just learn to do it myself. Trust me, I'm not handy.)

 

[Just a DK]

If you are close to MTC or Korin... might could ask... I don't think its a service they provide but, the guys there should be able to do it... its probably more of a question of whether they want to...

 

[Heckel7302]

Do you have the replacement handle already? If yes, you could try walking into Korin and ask if they would do it. I'd guess they probably would.

You could also try Yanagi Knife in Brooklyn. They sell handles and I bet would swap one out for you. https://www.yanagiknife.com/

There's also Knives and Stones US, but they don't have a storefront. They do specialize in handles though. They might only do it if you buy one of their handles though.

There's always sending it to @JoBone at Sugi cutlery.

 

[tostadas]

Zach is now at @District Cutlery in DC. I know he used to do a lot of handle installs. You could reach out to them to see if that would be convenient for you.

 

[the_jest]

Many thanks to everyone for the suggestions, and sorry for the slow followup.

As it happens I live only a few blocks from MTC; they don't say anything on the website about rehandling, but I can just walk over and ask. This would certainly be the easiest, and would avoid any shipping issues. If that doesn't work, I'll consider some of the other suggestions, and will report back here on what happened!