okay, I didn't forget about this, I just got backed up with moving, kids, fencing, winter, and a new baby.
I've got 3 of these in the "getting handles" stage.
this one is ready for anyone who may be interested. Sheath isn't made yet, so there's options there. Personally, I'd take a ranger on this, but an expedition would work out well.
Handle is wenge. Finished to 600 grit, then a bronze brush is used to lightly "distress" the grain. The lighter grain sections are softer than the darker. So you get a slightly textured feel to it. Blade is finished to 600 grit and wiped with 800.