Looks like you're off to a great start. Do you have a file guide, or a set of 1-2-3 blocks? The reason I ask is because the shoulders need to be really square to each other in order to make the blade look right once the guard or handle is mounted. Trying to get those suckers square is no small feat. You can pinch the knife vertically in a vise with the tang end sticking up and file each side down to the vise jaws, but most vises are nearly square enough to get the shoulders perfect. A $15 set of 1-2-3 blocks from Amazon bolted/clamped on the blade make for a handy dandy inexpensive file guide.