Josh, it would awesome if you could make it to gathering. You know you have an open invitation here, anytime you're in the area. And, I agree cut-in handles on bendy handles bows are quite doable. But, I would advise a long fade area. I did one that was 1 1/4" long going from 1 wide handle to nearly 2". It did splinter at the fade. Now I do 3" of fade with no problem. And I like the additional sight plane.
Again, it would be great if you found yourself in Central KY the last weekend in March.