Not too tough Jeff.. To strip off the guides, I use a sharp blade to cut through the thread and finish on the top of the guide feet.. By cutting the top of the foot you avoid damaging the blank... once that thread is removed to can pop out the guide out, and peel away the rest of the wrap.. any remaining thread or finish can be carefully scraped away.. As phil says, you can use heat to soften the finish, but you have to be real careful not to melt the blank.. I prefer to avoid it with the guidewraps if possible.. If the grips are eva/foam they are easily cut off with a sharp knife /razor.. the residue will need to be lightly sanded away.. cork will be a lot tougher to remove.. I've done it with a rasp, then sandpaper.. no fun.. The reel seat can be tricky.. after the foregrip is off, you can unscrew the locknut.. then, I found the best way to get it off is to cut it lengthwise with a dremel type tool.. being sure not to go too deep and score the blank... make a cut on top and bottom, then get a flat screwdriver into the slot you cut and pry it off.. then clean away the epoxy underneath.. again, some careful use of heat can make this part easier as well.. hope this helps.. Have fun!