Mr. Woolery gives you sound advice. I have been full time making knives and bladesmithing for 21 years now. That is how I, and everyone I know, does narrow tang (or stick tang, if you prefer that term) handles, fit as close as you can, then use epoxy to hold it all together. Exception being a couple of real historical accuracy type, OCD afflicted individuals I know. They use pitch. Some also use a pin through the handle to further secure it with a mechanical fastener. I frequently (but not always) do both.

I guess I should note that I don't drill a great big round hole and fill it in. I cut a rectangular section slot, with a very sharp, very thin sawzall blade. But you have to start with a drilled round hole.