Surthriver,
I didn't have a belt grinder when I started either. I used files and sand paper. I had a couple of wood blocks and dowels I wrapped sandpaper around to help with the sanding. I now have 3 different types of belt sanders and a 2x72 grinder and I still like to hand finish my handles. After you do a few of them your eyes will see where you need to work on the handle more to get what you want. Sand till all the scratches are gone before moving to the next grit, and if once you think its right, you fine that it is not. Go back a grit level and start over. Draw top, bottom, and each side out on paper then use the cut out of the drawing as a template to get the shape you are looking for.
On this one I am trying for a look that is in keeping with an antiqued looking knife. This knife is not period correct but a representation of an old knife a cook would have as his go to utility knife on the chuck wagon while on the trail. Not his butcher knife.
Starting out I would say you need a vise, files, and sandpaper. If your going to buy one google knife vise. You can get one for $50 or so. You can also get a regular vise and put a piece of leather on each side of the blade to protect it. When you progress into it this is a
great knife vise to get.
One of my first handles. Drill press vise, one combo rasp, one file, and lots of sandpaper!
I started putting handles on other folks knife blanks. Info on how I did that on
this page. I borrowed the Harbor Freight 1x30 sander for the photo on the page. If I can help with info just PM me.