Russian olive and Camphor woods

[elementfe]

Just got a surprise box in the mail from a woodworker friend, including some of each of the above.
There have been a couple threads about Russian Olive, but no responses (2015) from anyone who has used it- does anyone have experience with either of these, particularly for cooking knives?
Thanks for any input.

Note: Russian Olive isn't even remotely related to Olive, completely different plant with completely different characteristics top to bottom. (leaves are similar, both tolerate arid conditions)

Andy

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Personal knowledge - Camphor doesn't make good handles. It does not stabilize well either.
General knowledge - Russian Olive works fine for knife handles. IIRC,it works somewhat like buckeye burl and it stabilizes fine.

 

[milkbaby]

I really like the look of camphor burl and am a weirdo that likes how it smells too. However, it's freaking light and soft, and will still be both even if you can find somebody who'll waste your money trying to stabilize it.