A splice is a great idea, and it is just the kind of thing I would do myself, once, just to do it.  But I am more likely to resort to an Albright knot for a bow handle.  

The Albright is a fishing knot, not typically used in sailing/boating, but it therefore comes with the advantage that fishing knots confer.  It is a secure knot, simple to tie, and not meant to be undone.  I assure you that it can be untied out of thicker line and fairly easily too, but it is meant to be a tie-once knot in monofilament.

This pic shows how just under 5-feet of 1/4-inch line comes together.  It makes a very nice handle. Add or subtract to the 5-foot length for more or fewer turns or a different size loop.

It is comfortable, and 1/4-inch line is just about perfect for this.  Trim the tag parts of the line close, and an Albright knot on a loop of rope is pretty close to the perfect handle.  The Double Fisherman’s knot is great for joining, but not nearly as well suited for a handle.  

The "Animated Knots by Grog" web site (which by the way is absolutely fantastic) shows how to tie two lines together with this knot (as a fisherman would).  Just consider the two ends of a single rope to be the two ends of two ropes and it works the same way.  http://www.animatedknots.com/albright/index.php?

Gosh, I’m pleased to contribute something back to this site.  I’ve learned so much here.  I am still struggling with my first boat, but I can tie a handle!

MC.  I like your idea of using the Albright knot.  How big did you drill th hole and did 5 feet of 1/4 inch line work out.  I am getting ready to something soon.

Thanks fojr your input. 

Coach C.