I just re-read this entire thread and there's a lot of different opinions. Over 19 types of woods...and variations on those 19. A hell of a list. How about this:

* I would like anyone interested in a possible build, using an exotic wood for the handle, to vote for their favorite (3) types of wood. I will add them all up and whittle them down to a few choices (probably 3 or 4) for all of us to vote on. As a reminder: This is the list thus far. You may choose from these or any other you have a preference for:

*California buckeye burl
*Koa (curley or other)
*Maple(spalted, quilted, flame, bird's eye or curly)
*Mahogany
*Olivewood
*Cocobola(Brazilian rosewood)
*Babinga (or Bubinga)
*Walnut (English, Black French, Circassian, etc.)
*Redwood (burl or others)
*Snakewood
*Teak
*Ironwood (various)
*Sycamore(spalted or otherwise)
*Thuya Burl
*Camphor Burl
*Amboyana
*Leopard Lace
*Ringed Gidgee
*Ebony
*Macassar ebony

Good luck!! Best, Capt. Chris