What is the best wood for my hand made knife handle?

[SurvivalKnives]

Hi everyone,
Just wondering what kind of hardwood I should use for my knife handle. I am making my own custom knife starting with just a blank tang/blade made from 440A stainless steel tempered to 58RC. It will be full length/width tang with slab handles. I want a kind of dark reddish brown wood not a light colour. Anyone got any ideas? I am only 14 so I don't really know much about knife making so I would really appreciate some advice especially from experienced knife makers etc...
So it is going to be hand made by me, and I want to carve my initials into the handle. I want to make a good leather sheath for it too. I got all the information I need about making the sheath so don't worry about that bit.

Thank you in advance for any helpful information.

 

[mtangent]

You can get all the info you need, in Australia, here: http://www.australianbladeforums.com/vb4/

As for wood, many Aussie hardwoods have a dark red/brown colour, it won't be hard to find.
There are suppliers on the link who are trustworthy.

 

[SurvivalKnives]

You can get all the info you need, in Australia, here: http://www.australianbladeforums.com/vb4/

As for wood, many Aussie hardwoods have a dark red/brown colour, it won't be hard to find.
There are suppliers on the link who are trustworthy.

Thank you I'll look that link up. I am a member of that forum too so it will be easy.