I've really been trying to pinpoint a year, but somewhere around '94-'97 I was a member of our local Traditional Archery club and we were having a 3-D shoot at our county fair grounds along a river bottom.
While going from target to target, I found this log about 10 feet long and maybe 7-8 inches in diameter. I couldn't help but try to pick it up and it seemed like it weighed a ton. I brought it home with me and had intentions of cutting it up and having it incorporated into a new riser on one of my new bows.
It never happened.
So, a few years ago I cut it up into blocks and stashed them in the ceiling of the shop where they've been drying. I sent them out a few months back to have them stabilized.
This is one of those blocks.
It has some very unique character and striations that I just don't see in many of the "exotic" woods we use so often.
The blade was forged down from my heavy 5160 stock and the take-down fittings are stainless steel.
I'll be taking this to the United Bowhunters of Illinois annual banquet this weekend where I have a table.
Thanks for letting me share.
 

You inspire Me Karl! Thanks C-Ya Bob

       

   

I'm with you Karl.  Very unusual.  If it weren't for the long grain/rays I'd swear it was hickory sapling or something.  Very cool.  

Oh, knife is impeccable as usual.  Still lovin' those sexy handle shapes best.

as usual, really pretty knife!  That wood does have some very subtle, unique character

Just a question though, what was the motivation behind the area of the handle just up from the butt that looks to be dished out?  Is that a personal preference or just "your style"?  I hadnt seen that before until I saw your knives.  I like the looks, just didnt know if it was purely aesthetic or if there was a comfort factor involved.  Thanks

It creates a palm swell and fits right into the "pocket" of your hand.
The heel of your hand is a fat part of your hand and fits into that dished out area.
I have had literally countless people say they had concerns about how it looked until they held one in their hand.
Then they bought it.

makes sense to me.  I figured it was something to do with the way it felt in the hand, but figured i would check anyway.  Thanks for the clarification