Hank,
Saw your thread on the FMA sub-forum also. I have to agree with Mr. Caffrey that its workable but specific to the region and type of wood. Wood tends to shift (expanding or shrinking), crack or warp if they are in different climates than where they are naturally grown. The blades u saw prob never left the island climate.
Example, Sword scabbard makers take this into consideration when arranging the fit of the sword to the climate where the sword will geographically end up. If the climate is warm, said wood scabbard may expand resulting in a loose blade to scabbard fit. Likewise, if the climate is colder, the scabbard may shrink resulting in drawing difficulty. Then again, this wasn't a concern in historically speaking.
Regarding tropical hardwoods (kamagong, bahi, cocobolo,african ebony), they absolutely crack quicker in colder climates. I've concluded this from my own testing (and sick of FMA hype)of trying to break my own sets of hardwood sticks in the winter and summer here in NYC on numerous occasions. Matter of fact, my bahi sticks ( 3 sets) all cracked coming back from P.I. to NYC in a matter of months without use. I've dozens of P.I. blades and I prefer peened over non peened any day. I do like tropical hardwoods, but, many don't stand up to practical use here in the USA if you are talking handles for long blades.
The capentry example u are using is a bit apples to oranges. Most Bladesmiths don't use unseasoned wood and prefer naturally seasoned, kiln dried or stabilized woods for handles.
