I drill the bolster pin holes in the blade only prior to heat-treat.
Then after the blade is totally done as far as grinding and finishing (post heat-treat) I drill and fit my bolsters.
Many of the popular stainless for bolster stock gain some stain resistance if they're heat-treated, but not enough (IMHO) to outweigh all the head-ache of trying to follow that route.
I have an email saved on bolsters that I sent to Nathan, if you would like me to forward it to you.
Nick
[This message has been edited by NickWheeler (edited 04-28-2001).]