Noblie Custom Knives — WIP relief engraving sketch for a folding knife handle (too much… or just right?

[Noblie Custom Knives]

Hey BladeForums,

This WIP sketch is for hand-cut relief engraving on the handle scale of a folding knife by Noblie Custom Knives. The character up top is Baron Samedi — I got the spark from that 007 “Spectre” carnival scene, when Bond’s in the Baron look with the skull mask walking into the crowd. I wanted that same “ceremonial elegance + menace” contrast: formal suit and hat, skull face, and roses framing the whole panel.

If you saw this on a folder, would you actually EDC it… or is it instantly a “display-only” knife because the theme is too loud?


Also, should the lower portrait stay as the Catrina-style counterpoint, or should I keep the whole scale strictly “Baron” and simplify the bottom half to more florals/ornament?

 

[Nate’s Knives]

Definitely both. Will it be color or…

 

[jfk1110]

Cool......BOTH..

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

That looks excellent as is.

All monochrome with select bronze, gold and copper inlay would be incredible.

 

[Noblie Custom Knives]

Thanks guys, for your comments! I’ll be starting the engraving on this knife soon. I’ll post some photos as the work progresses. This time it’s going to be a deep relief engraving, with no gold or other metal inlay.