I've seen a number of both antique and reproduction swords (mostly messers and hunting swords) that have a visible tang and slab scales on a grip that widens from guard to pommel. How did they get the guards on without a huge gap on the underside? There's obviously something I'm missing here. :confused:

On my messer I made a "2-stage" shoulder. A wide blade, then a slightly narrower place for the crossguard, and then a narrow handle that widens towards the pommel. The widest part of the handle is still narrower than the place for the crossguard.