Antler handle set up help

[Randydb]

Hi,
I have had this blade sitting around for a while and would like to build it with an antler handle. Thing is I have not done a knife like this and I am not sure about angles, shape of bolster, how much of the antler to grind away.....a bunch of things.

Here is what I have. 2.75" damascus blade from Triplex Knives and a shed I found.
Questions
1) Should the top of the blade be close to the top edge of the handle?
2) It feels like the blade is angled down a bit in the handle now, do I need to change the angle of the blade in relation to the handle a bit?
3) What shape should the brass bolster be?
4) There is a lump on one side of the antler that I need to deal with. Just grind it off? Can I match it up somehow?

5) Any other input I am missing?

 

[john april]

1)yes i think it would look nicer if the handle material matched the top edge of the blade.
2) you do not need to change the angle, but it will look more streamlined if you remove some of the material inside the hole so the blade will sit a bit straighter.
3) an oval is a nice shape for a guard.
4) you can file/grind/sand the antler to your liking so it fits well in your hand.

 

[Ken H>]

I think I would consider grinding the lump down so it matched rest of antler.