A Little advice please

[Benoli]

I've acquired this blank thinking I like the blade and might try my hand a finishing this off as a complete knife. What's the best way to fill the gap at the guard AND, given the type of tang, how best would the a handle be attached. I'm sure you can tell by the questions I'm a complete rookie.

[kansas stik man]

i dont know much but if me i would put brass dust in epoxy and line the tang with it. and then refile to fit but take your time.

[Ray Hammond]

Does a gap show at the other side of the brass? I'd fill the back with JB Weld but the other side should have no gap

Is the brass pinned through the ricasso as well? If not that needs to happen before you glue it up

The back of the ricasso shouldn't have shoulders that extend behind the brass if you can help it as its easier to fit the handle block up to the brass guard

There also doesn't appear to be a hole in the tang for a pin

You shouldn't rely just on glue to hold the handle on.  A mechanical connection in the form of a pin is best in addition to waterproof epoxy

[Benoli]

Ray, the top pic is looking from the blade side towards the brass so there is a gap there at the white arrow. The brass has been pinned to the ricasso. Regarding the back of the ricasso, it does extend slightly past the brass. I added a pic that shows this if you look close. Can I file (carefully) or grind it even? I was wondering about a pin especially since the tang seems rather short to me. Your thoughts? Thank you.

[Ray Hammond]

I suspect either the ricasso  isn't flat or the guard slot is uneven and too large.  Hard to know without seeing it in person

You can 'upset the brass with a hammer to get it closer  but you'll want to solder the guard to fill the gaps. That will of course create the need for repair any marring of the brass the hammering causes

Don't get too worried about perfection at this point and let's just make a working knife so you can get the processes in your head.

[Benoli]

Thanks for the tips!