I marked out a 1 1/2" drop on the shoulder with a centre reference line on the top of the splice/handle. I then used a small saw (as I don't have a bandswaw) and very carefully cut along the line. To make the curve in the shoulder, I used a black and decker drum sander attachment for my drill. It's like a circular foam sponge and the belt sanding sheets slide over the circumference. I used a 120grit belt sheet and it easily removed the willow to leave a really nice curve.
I agree with the yellow stickers - I deliberately tried to match the colour if the yellow with the grip. Can't wait to see how all of them turn out!