All the materials you list are quite durable, that includes the shell. Micarta is material soaked and pressed in resin, usually paper, linen or canvas, also very strong. Good luck with your endeavor.
I have never had a problem with engraving the sheilds nor have I heard of any problems from other knife engravers. However if for some reason it did pop loose, just superglue the shield to a plate of steel, finish the engraving and the maker can just epoxy it back in when you send it back.
Learn the fundamentals of ornamental design. The first part is understanding how to draw the backbone of your design which is the framework everything is built upon and then you start adding your leaf elements. All the info is out there in the form of books and forums you just need to sift...
Try posting this on the main forum, better chances of getting views and responses. Good luck with your endeavor.
Thanks all for taking a look and the kind words. Be well. B.
Some Matthew Lerch scales I did for a dagger for the Arts in Metal show, with a couple WIP shots.
Platinum inlay into stainless damascus
design lined out and ready to engrave
I make my own red wire and sheet in various karats. The more copper in the alloy the more often you need to anneal to avoid cracking, which as stated is the result of work hardening. On sheet there is always some cracking at the edges but overall if you anneal every other roll when it is still...
If the power company would accept honor as payment then perhaps I would engrave for honor :) but no I only engrave for money. Jerry Fisher built the hammer, and being I engrave many of Jerry's guns, John asked me to do the engraving.
It was a good intro though, I never really talked with John...
This is the one I did for him. Jerry Fisher was the maker. John said Jerry was going to make him one out of walnut as well, but not sure if that ever was completed