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.