I was thinkin the same thing. My friend Randy gave ma a set of blades that were wood and covered clear, but the covering blew off of one. (30 size) so I removed the covering from the other, and sprayed them with clear laquer for walmart. They look really good that way. My BCP blades are covered with tape, and that would make them look new again wirh a little sanding. The clear laquer make them a little darker too. Looks real good... Weather or not the heat shrink helps hold the blade together, I would have to say probably... Can't imagine why they would cover a nice wood blade... Hmmmm... Lets find out !!!