If I ever messed up the handle of one of my dogs beyond repair I would be tempted to make a nice custom handle out of some fancy wood or elk antler.
Imagine a DF with a polished blade and an Elk antler handle. It would sure look great but it would also still be as tough as a DFCG. I am surprised we don't see more mods like this as Scrappers are cheap enough to make great projects.
If you wanted something traditional but still really tough you could make a nice maple handle with blued steel. Maybe with a coffin or dogbone shaped handle.
I love traditional looking bowies or an S6 would be good as well. Now I am kicking myself for not jumping on the stripped S6 that was for sale on a canadian site.