Hammer handle. Walnut ?

[Frozen Bear Trading]

I am building a hammer. If I can ever finish milling the handle hole...lol I know the industry standard for handles is hickory and I understand why.

That said I acquired some very large walnut slabs for free. I thought a walnut handled hammer would be nice. But comparing the strength of the hickory to the walnut. Will the walnut stand the test thst hickory has
Will I regret using walnut later on because it will break ?

Should I just use hickory like every one else?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you have the walnut, make the handle. If it breaks, replace it with hickory or locust. Walnut is pretty tough and may do fine.

 

[Frozen Bear Trading]

If you have the walnut, make the handle. If it breaks, replace it with hickory or locust. Walnut is pretty tough and may do fine.

Ya that's a good idea. I am excited to get it done I'm still milling with a round file. At this rate the hole should be big enough by the 4th of July lol