You're best off doing some serious reading beforehand or finding a maker who would give you some 'training'.
I went to a 'hammer in' at a workshop of one of local makers, was heaps of fun and went with a stock removal method, there were others who forged theirs.
This is what I made so far

I guess inspiration is obvious...
I'm still not sure if I'll sand it more or just stonewash as is.
Need to make me some micarta!
And it's made from spring steel too!