Sometimes we tend to be a little too critical of our own work. From what I can see in the pictures, the one with the dry fit looks pretty good.if you feel more comfortable hand sanding go for it. Personally I have messed up blades trying to put that last touch with the belt sander and ended up...
Built my first in 1964 for a scout project. I carried it in Veitnam, it was supposed to be a western bowie but it was so ugly it scared the vietcong. Lol