Sorry, no prize for the winner (only bragging rights), but I would be extremely impressed with anyone who could name this handle material.......

And my question (probably more appropriate for the "ordering" post): I'm getting ready to ship this block off for stabilization. It measures 5" length x 1-1/2" wide x 1-1/2" thick--are those dimensions in speck for a Randall 12-9 Sportman's and Bear Bear Bowie without having to make any additional cuts?

Thanks.

Doug,
I have several exotic woods in my "stash" that resemble yours. Maple burl...Spalted maple burl...Hackelberry and Olive wood. Your dimensions are large..."BUT"...(There's that word again)...If you want some handle "shaping" it'll help. Standard specs call for:

1 3/8" x 1 1/2" x 5"
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris
PS: Now...What's the wood?

Thank you Captain....I was thinking that I had wiggle room for a maximum tolerance of plus 1/8" (0.125 inches). So I think I should be OK for the following without making any additional cuts:

Large Bowie Knives (#12-8", #12-9", Small Sasquatch)
1 3/8" (1.375") × 1 1/2" (1.5") × 5"

By the way...those are pretty good guesses on the wood type--especially the first two you named. However, gonna keep you hanging just a little longer.....

Amboina?

Redwood
:)Rocky

The wood is Australian Brown Mallee Burl.

Here's a description I found:

Brown Mallee (An Aboriginal word) Burl is from the Goldfield region in Western Australia. More of a growth form than a species of Eucalypt, it typically comes from poor sandy soil areas found in this region. Some multi branched Eucalypt develop large underground woody swellings (lignotubers). These produce the stunning tight burls patterns gold to medium brown colors of the Brown Mallee Burl.

I've got a piece of brown..."and" Red Mallee. I didn't think you'd go "that" exotic. It's great stuff! Can't wait to see the end results.
Best, Capt. Chris

Off to K&G this morning....I'll make sure I post a picture of the finished product....whenever/whatever that may be.....

If you like that wood, consider stabilized thuya burl sometime!

Great looking Steve.....and, nice idea for a model to put it on!