Filework on spine

I've begun work on knife #2 (pictures of #1 will be posted shortly), and have an assembly question. The second knife is slabbed handled, and I'll be doing filework on the spine, including where the handle slabs will be attached. How do I avoid having epoxy squeeze out into the filework when I attach the slabs?

You can't avoid it. However, there are couple of options:

1) you can plan for it and dye the epoxy a contrasting color, then, after it cures, sand it flush with the filework.

2) you can carefully apply wax to the contours of the filework, being careful not to get it on any intended gluing surfaces. Then you can pick it out after it cures.

3) While the glue is still liquid (right after gluing), sit down with some cotton swabs, acetone, and toothpicks to clean out the filework.

I generally watch the epoxy closely until it gets to the stiff tacky stage then wash the excess out with laquer thinners.