Bobby,
That is a good question. I had to go about it like this:
- completely (actually about 99 percent)finish the blade with the exception of the etch
- fit the guard and drill the hole through the guard and blade. Temporarily pin the guard.
- fit and drill the handle scale to the predrilled holes in the tang. Use two temporary pins, one front, one rear of the handle.
- shape the handle to fit the tang and guard. This means completely shaped and contoured.
- punch out temporary pins and disassmeble the knife.
- finalize the finish on the blade and etch it.
- put the guard on and pien the new pin permanently and clean it up. Be VERY careful.
- put the scales on and pin them permanently.
- touch up and clean up the excess epoxy.