I really appreciate everyones input
I figured that the the carving was onlly on one side for a reason.
Although I really don't need another project,I'm looking forward to carving a handle

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There are no rules as such, so I'd say that it depends upon the design that you're carving.
Some designs would look terrible if they were carved on the front and just stopped at the edges while others look fine where the design forms its own edge.
However, where the design continues around the back of the handle I tend to smooth and polish the back a bit more to be comfortable against the leg, likewise if I put metal pins in the handle then I usually only put them on the front face.
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Rab, I was hoping that you would pick up on this thread
Thanks for all the advice

Right now I,m jonesing for the blades and handle material I ordered from you