I have a piece of wood that I'd like to use as a handle on a Helle knife kit.  There is alot more material than I need.  What is a good hand tool to use to remove some of this excess?  I don't need to get it down to the final shape, just something so I'm not rasping and filing for the next 2 months.  Thanks...Mike

a copeing saw works well or even better a bandsaw.  good luck.

Thanks, I don't have a bandsaw, but do have a coping saw.  Didn't even think of trying it, though...Mike

I'm currently working on my first one, and I used a coping saw.  Worked very well. This is another I thought about using, fairly cheap, and I suppose it would work great for cutting slabs.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93012

scroll saws work ok, just be gentle with the blades.