For sure a beautiful blade... I love it. And I second the pinning, it's a much cleaner look. You would have to recess the screws to be flush to not stand out so much. And careful with the filing of the pining as to not damage the scale. But I gotta ask... why popsicle sticks man? It seems like such a cheap and easy way out for such an original and beautiful piece. No matter the time and effort put in, know that when it is finished, it is finished for ever (or so you hope).