Tanto Tsuba Final

Finished the tanto I think. The only thing I may do yet is put a poly coat on it. I put a lot of effort into shading this, and it is a subtle thing, but I hope it shows. (for other swordmakers/painters, it is really hard to shade acrylic, you've been warned) Anyways, I've got the before and afters up, let me know what you think. I'm very interested is how you like the shading, I'm kind of afraid it might just look like a bad paint job. Please critique! Thanks.

Done on basswood, with utility knife.