Building a mini shovel for backcountry snow

The Black Diamond Lynx and many other medium-weight shovels are fine choices for the backcountry traveler who needs a shovel for emergencies and moderate use. Nonetheless, such shovels are heavy and bulky for environments where use is unlikely (such as skiing mellow spring cornsnow). The trick in this situation is to carry a lighter and smaller shovel. To get such a tool, I modify my older worn-out shovels. In testing the Black Diamond Lynx shovel we'd driven over it a few times. The poor thing was not quite roadkill (indeed, it held up quite well to our extreme abuse), but it was a bit stressed, so it was a good candidate for a relaxing trip to the fat farm. Here is what they did at the farm.

Mark shovel for tip trim, extend marks from side of forward lashing holes, to just below center molded section.
Cut the tip off the shovel. Use a hacksaw, working from both sides. A vise helps but is not essential. Use a file or rotary grinder to smooth the edges.
Drill plentiful lashing holes, which also lighten the weight a bit. Also drill a few lightning holes in the shaft, where it inserts in the blade socket, and cut the ends off the shaft handle. For a true mini, consider shortening the shaft a few inches. The drill press is optional, a hand-drill works fine.
The Lynx is now a minx.