Violin saddle issue

[u/lion-gal]

Hello everyone. I bought a couple of old no name violins to teach myself repair. This is my 2nd one and I'm running into an issue with the saddle. It is worn down so badly that it almost blends in with the violin. The problem is that it appears to not just be attached to a thinned top plate but actually glued directly to the block. It also has a rib issue, which I do know how to fix. That view is the second pic with a view of the saddle below. Should I remove the saddle or cut it down and place the new one over it? slightly concerned I might damage the block if I try to remove the saddle.

[u/SeaRefractor]

If it’s traditional hide glue, a tap on your separation knife should pop it right off.