I’ve made gouge handles out of ash, olive wood, Osage so far. I really like the weight and density of osage for a large bowl gouge. Show off what your tool handles are made of!
I agree Ric, I’ve made a couple from Ash with Jimmy Clewes inserts. He has a video where he appli so that surface treatment. I liked the feel of the scorched and brushed surface so much I’ve also “converted” most of my tools bought with handles.I like Ash the best, especially the ones that I've treated with shou sugi ban (surface scorched & wire brushed). Yields a comfortable non slip texture that I like.