I have followed topics on this site about wood selection. Many knife makers seem to prefer very dense woods because of durability and ease of finishing. Wood density is rated on the Janka scale. Here is a good site for Janka ratings. Make sure to scroll throughout the page.
http://www.morlanwoodgifts.com/MM011.ASP?pageno=207
Nice :) Here is a page with pics and some other info on a huge collection of woods :
http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/index.htm