Cosplay help request

So, given that a number of people on my f-list are known to turn out absolutely stunning wooden weapons for cosplay projects, could I talk any of you into giving me some help with some cosplay-related woodwork of my own? =D

My Hiei costume for Waicon at the end of this year will include a katana. I bought a wooden bokken with a sheath from a martial arts supplies shop which I'm planning to modify and paint to get the right look, but not having worked with wood much before, I could really use some advice as to how not to stuff it up completely in the process. I think I've figured out how to mod the hilt guard, but the hilt itself will need to be narrowed down and carved to get the shape on the end you can see in the picture, and that's likely to be a bit trickier. A little assistance from anymore more experienced with woodwork than I would be immensely appreciated. <3