Exotic hardwood handles?

How 'bout black walnut? It can range in hardness depending on how it grew, but of course it's widely known for beauty. Stronger than oak or hickory, and more resistant to splitting than osage orange from what little comparisons I've done.

If you want to cut down on hand shock, taper the handle so it's thicker/wider towards the head end.
 
@peterb

I hope his important parts are better!

I'd try screwbean, but it's a.) hard to get in the size I need, and b.) not too great at impact loads.

@ the possum

I loooove black walnut, and I don't mean to be contrary, but hickory (and most oak) are harder, tougher and can withstand higher impact loads than black walnut.

As for taper, I can't really taper the handle too much because it's going to be 28-30" long, and well, a taper would add too much material.

I think I might give osage orange another look unless I fall upon a definite better option.
 
Nothing wrong with good straight grained hickory. Try a little carving and I've found I realy like the finish stain "early American" from minwax. Here's a pic of a spike hawk I did a while back. A couple of coats of tung oil and a little carving make it a bit more interesting.
 

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I'm partial to Bocote. I don't know how strong it is, but Lonnie Hanson has used for some of his stunning hawks. Cocobolo would be a good choice too. It is often used for Police Batons and Escrima sticks.

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osage orange will split like a gunshot on ya. My hammer handle did anyway. Works for a while and then pop.

Black walnut is useless in this application.

Ash is good,Pecan is about like hickory, closer grain I think, maple is good for purty
 
I'm kind of going for a more traditional look, plus I plan on actually using this axe, so keeping it down to one wood is kind of important.

I'm sorry to hear more negative press for the osage orange. It looks like I'll have to settle with boring old hickory.
 
Not trying to hijack the thread, but where can you get good hickory for long (6') handles? I want to make a bardiche at some point, and figure hickory would work for the handle.
 
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