starting with the back... Learning experience so mistakes can sort of be hidden as the back of any axe is seldom seen...
It has been 24hrs since the Denim was glued on. A few minor spills with the glue cleaned up reasonably well.... Edge of the denim has also been trimmed, and the pearl binding has been only taped into place. Main reasons for only taping at this stage was trying to fit and bend and glue would most probably result in disaster, so fitting and bending without the glue at this stage... also helps me find any issues with any element not wanting to be in the correct place.
Rather than use a heat gun to soften the binding into its final shape I chose to leave it out in the tropical Spring sun for a few hours... Seems to have worked...