Durability of various handle materials

[veck]

I've recently started making some knife handles from natural materials like ironwood and stablized redwood and I'm now wondering how they will hold up to normal usage.

My most abused knive has a handle carved from a block of dymonwood. Its been to Iraq and back and is still going strong. The brass guard and pommel are tarnished (actually my friend had to black it out with magic marker for a while) and the handle has some rather ugly scratches but there are no cracks or warping of any kind.

I know micarta holds up well in the field, but I'm unsure of how any of the other materials will do.

Can anyone shed some light on this.

Thanks.

[McAhron]

stabilized wood should be nearly indestructable.micarta looks better than dymondwood and doesnt carry the stigma.cord wraps are also very durable.

[berettaman12000]

I've used customs for years with desert ironwood, African bladkwood and Cocobolo and all have held up very good.
Of course, linen Micarta is tops.