Speaking strictly from my own point of view, I personally like Bocote and ebony, but ebony is prone to checking ( small tiny cracks ) if it gets to hot while grinding. I use a lot of Bocote as spacers on my deer horn handled stub tang knives, and it shows a beautiful side grain. It is also very easy to work and finish. I use four or five coats of super glue as a finish. Looks unbelivable when polished!!