First off, I would really like to thank D. Ellis and Lin for posting their awesome guard knowledge threads here for all of us to pirate. What a great treat it is we have such great resources to tap into and the great example they set for us. Thank you both so much. I used a little bit of both of your methods for the guards and a little of my own but if it wasn't for those two treads I would still be doing it improperly.
I've made a few hidden tangs before but nothing that was strong as it should have been and the guard fit wasn't great. I still have a lot of room for improvement but I'm happy with how this turned out regardless of my mishaps.
I used the hammer press method for the guard and a file guide to get the fit good. It isn't perfect but definitely a great fit. I silver soldered it into place once I hammered it down tight for extra strength.
I also tacked on some thread stock and drilled 3/4 through the pommel and tapped it so the actual pommel is one big pommel nut then trimmed the thread once everything was fitted to be super tight when the treads bottomed out.
I meant for it to be a bowie type hand guard but messed up and just made a teardrop to fit the elk antler.
Overall the fit and finish is great. Like I said, I'm still learning but thanks again for such awesome talent always sharing on this board.
Todd