DanM

What do you know about mokume? It can be difficult or simple,I don't know if you have read Steve Midgett's book....here it is online. https://www.mokume.com/mokume-gane-a-comprehensive-study/table-of-contents

It needs to be cold forged and annealed frequently.

What graver steel are you using,do you dub the point? https://engraverscafe.com/threads/dubbing-the-point-of-a-graver.26869/

Do a search for micarta,I believe there have been a number of post about making it here.

Baldwin's patina..... https://www.reactivemetals.com/patinas-chemicals

Have you looked at this tutorial? https://www.jimkelso.com/inlaytutorial/inlaytutorial1.htm

I work mostly with non ferrous materials,you might think about pattern develop also.. https://www.mokume.com/mokume-gane-a-comprehensive-study/patterning-mokume-gane

They didn't need a magnifying lens, young people with myopia were chosen and trained to do the work. A north facing window has worked for centuries to provide enough light for gemstone cutting,engraving,etc.

A little info here..... https://www.jloose.com/damascusringfaq.html

Some people find other things while looking for mushrooms..... 3,000 bronze sword. https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/mushroom-hunter-finds-3300-year-old-bronze-age-sword

Sam Alfano has a number of books and videos on engraving,flare cuts came out recently. https://masterengraver.tv/

First knife about 25 years ago,band saw blade stock removal.Brass pierced scales with buffalo horn underlay.

You could join the forum and ask,many helpful people with the Lindsay. https://www.engravingforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=12

Which airgraver do you have?

I use a gluing jig like the one in this set of instructions. http://matuskalisky.blogspot.com/2016/06/project-4-birch-bark-handle-for-puukko.html