Can so appreciate what you mean about making the handle and the little mistakes that set you back. I made a new handle for my Svord (you may have seen my posting) It's effectively my first proper handle I've made for any knife and I did learn a lot in the process and I'm used to handling wood and wood cutting tools.
Anyway, glad to read it hasn't put you off making more lovely cutlery.
So know what you mean about respect for the knife makers, it does look decpetively easy until you have a go and find those pitfalls, the hard way.