[Crex]

If you can secure a couple of aluminum angle sections. Clamp your blade section including the ricasso area in a large jawed vise. Aluminum will protect your blade from scratches and act as a heatsink. Heat the area you want to drill with a torch to red then let cool slowly while in vise to touch. You should be then to drill the holes. One of the biggest problems most run into is trying to drill holes with dull bits. Make sure they are sharp, if they are squeaking or squealing they are too dull to cut steel. Center punching your spot is also good practice to prevent "skating" which will quickly start the dulling process.
Learning how and when to sharpen your bits will save you a lot of time and money. Not that hard a skill to master.