Good, "findable" handle woods

[mitchshrader]

Osage orange is a very attractive wood for knife handles and needs no finish work other than fine sanding and buffing. AKA Bois D'Arc or horseapple wood.. many places the trees are considered an annoyance, and locust isn't too dissimilar. Resinous and dense.. good longevity.

 

[PB Wilson]

Check with an outfit that makes outdoor decks. Ipe is a wood being used more often because it is almost impervious to the elements and never needs staining. It's heavy and hard and should be available in the sizes you need for nothing if you ask nicely.