i just reciently dicoverd a new place it's called BellForestproducts.com
thier in the U,P of mich. i bought a mixed box of exotic hardwood cut offs,
15,lbs for 30;00. when i got the box OMG no kidding.
there was snakewood
birdseye maple
congalo alves
olivewood
purpleheart
zebrawood
and a number of others
as for material for knife handles
wow you just have to see the site,and the service is great too.
so now i have to get busy on the blade making part, lol.