After you select a template, trace the pattern onto your chosen timber. For your first handle, it's probably best to start with something that’s a little easier to work with and a bit less costly, should you make a mistake. For maximum comfort, don’t use wood less than 1" thick. However, you can go thicker if you like a chunky grip.
Follow the same steps as you did while making the template – bore the holes for the inside curves and then cut out the remainder. Be sure to cut out only the front of the handle where the kerf will go, that way, if the kerf goes wrong, you won't have wasted all that work. Take the blade for which you are making the handle and lay it on the blank. Mark the back edge of the blade to indicate how deep to saw the kerf. Also mark the location of the securing bolts.
The handle shape and the bolt locations marked on the blank.