Dtech, I was taught a little "down and dirty, quick and easy" technique that's so simple it hurt my head; you will need a vertical vise or holding set up of some type. Secure the blade in the vice w leather and wood jaws so the handle will fit onto the tang without interference. You may need to stack a support on the opposite side, near the pommel of the handle. Line up your drill bit with the hole in the tang, and secure the vice and knife so it doesn't move on the drill press table. Once you're happy with the alignment, slip the handle material onto the tang, making sure it's seated correctly and then drill the hole straight through both sides of the handle material, going slow enough to prevent a blow out on the back side.
I bought a 90 degree tilting drill press vice from ebay, and use t-bolts on the table to secure the vice.
https://www.jabetc.com/products/tilt...ant=8702307205
After seeing this done, my head darn near exploded! Easy-peesy-lemon-squezy...worked wonderfully!