knife handle material -opnions wanted

[Killdeer]

I use a filet knife on deer a lot, and I second, third or whatever the finger grooves or even a guard. My hand just naturally creeps up onto a filet blade, and my fingers get mighty insulted.

I am looking forward to seeing what you finally decide on.
Killdeer  

[elk ninja]

I have seen a Helle filet with a fly-rod type cork handle, it is supposed to float, which would be GREAT if you are cleaning a fish while leaning out over the boat!  But it was really cool and I am going to build one just like it soon for my pops.
Semper Fi

[Tom P]

G-10 or Micarta bead blasted.

[Buffler Razz]

Cholla cactus! Use the dried out stalks after the outer membrane has peeled off. I've used it on a few knives. It has a honeycomb texture to it. Split it with a saw, clean out the "pores" and fill with wood filler from the inside. It is really hard and when sanded lightly and given an oil type finish the colors from the minerals in the soil really come out nicely. I may have a few pieces laying around, email me if you need some.

[JStark]

I'll be grinding a fishing and skinning knife out for a brother-in-law soon, and I'm going with cork.  It looks good, grips comfortably and sticky, and floats.  Also, it builds character over time, darkening with use.

[Philip Morris]

find some bambooo growing on the riverbank, and look for the roots.  Get one with the nodes close together and slightly curved.  If you can find one already dried even better.  glue a butt cap on the or cut it right behind a node, drill it and epoxy it on the tang.

Phil