1500 handbrake grip removal?

["Paul E. Beer" <beerman@magmacom.com>]

Has anyone got any tips for removing the handbrake grip?

I'm trying to fit a new center armrest console in my car
and the grip has to come off for me to do this.

I've tried gently twisting and pulling it, but I can tell
that the handbrake lever will twist off before the grip
will.

The only thing that I can think of trying is squirting
some soap between the grip and the lever. That sounds
kind of messy though.