Frustration

So I am working on making my first set of scales. I'm making them out of kydex since I have a ton of 1/8" kydex that I have no use for and its waterproof so why not? I'm putting them on the blade I had to regrind because of the crack (the one from Laura's parent's house). Anyway, after burning through a foot of brass rod with unsuccessfull peining I decided to go with the stainless steel fasteners I have. Anyway, long story short, I can't get the blade to center for the life of me! Quite frustrated right now. Oh well. Off to study and do some handsanding. Wish me luck.