Handle material

[Rusty Snuffers]

Ok, now that I've got my first handle under my belt (not in my belt just yet... gotta make that sheath), I'm looking for ideas for the next.  What's your favorite wood or handle material to work with?  Keep in mind that my list of tools is a short one, mainly comprised of a bench-top belt/disc sander, a Dremel with router bits and a few common hand tools.

Thanks for any and all input.

Rusty

[gudspelr]

In my limited experience, I really like Cocobolo.  The oil means you need to take an extra step or two when epoxying and will gum up belts, but it also makes for a naturally weather resistant handle and a nice finish easily attained.

I hear a lot of guys like iron wood and I'm looking forward to trying it.  I also have my first piece of stabilized wood that I'm very curious to try.  Lots of good stuff out there-half the fun's trying them out   .


Jeremy

[Ragnarok Forge]

Cocabo Is favorite of mine.  I love the look of curly maple too.

[4est trekker]

I really like horn for scales.  It works and finishes very easily.

[skullworks]

#1.... ALWAYS wear a respirator when dealing with sanding wood and horn or antler...ALWAYS. I'm not talking about a little dust mask..I mean a respirator with replaceable cartridges. Cocobolo is a very nice wood but can lead to severe allergic reactions. I love all kinds of wood...my tops being...in no particular order...
Snakewood
Ironwood
Bocote
All of the burl woods.

[jaymoon]

I like curly maple, osage, mammoth ivory, oosik. The more exotic the better. I like to go for the wow factor. When you tell a customer what it's made of and they say wow where did you get that. Good luck and have fun. Moon.