When it holds together, thats all you need. The look.... is always seen different by each person.
I actually made also my first spliced handles.
Maybe this help...
- a Z splice does the job as well.... less wedges - less work, more time for finess
- make the tips as wide as your saw blade
but I guess by this pile you gonna make a jig, which will definitely help too
Love your work and your tiller jobs are great.
Can't wait to see here all dressed up
Cheers
B2W