i took a dremel power tool with a sanding bit or whatever you call it on their and grinded those damned checkers off.its a little smooth now but better.

i realized that if i ever had to use that [censored] thing and didnt have gloves i was in trouble.

do you have the regular 1/8in thick cheaper one or the 3/8in fatty thats like $150.00?

i got both,like both for beaters and did the same handle mod to both.if you dont have a dremel you could use anything that will sand,including your hand and some sheets of sandpaper.

if your mind is set on cord wraping it than i would suggest taking the seven inner strands out and using hollow 550 cord.550 with the guts might be to thick and not as pliable.

also try it out before doing anything permanent and if it is one of the cheap machetes than if you dont like it its easy to replace.

my favorite thing about those is their so cheap i consider them "throw aways" but at the same time their so strong i've never had to throw one away.

their is nothing they cant do,including heavy batoning and for the price.......