I used a stag handle. A piece of brass for the gaurd and made the blade out of an old buzz saw blade. Didnt heat treat anything. When working the blade, grind a little at a time. So you wont blue the steel by getting it to hot. If its a rusty blank you are starting with start with 80 grt sand paper and work your way up until the finish you want is aquired. A coffee can of water is handy when workin the brass, it retains heat . Grind a little then quench it. Its not the blade so temper dont matter. One other thing, When its complete a little mothers wheel polishing compound will shine it up nice. It will actually keep shining till you have a mirror finish if you do it long enough and will not scratch the surface.