I saw a piece of purple stabilized quilted maple from Cook Woods (Oregon) web site. I had no idea as to how a purple handle would look on a knife, but part of the fun for me is to experiment and do the best I can to find out. The result, to me was a pleasant surprise. D-2 blade with RC 60 hardness.
 
 

Mike,

There's never been a knife of yours I've seen that I didn't love, and this one is no exception. What are the dimensions? I'm loving my beautiful Koa knife you built for me -- probably the finest cutting knife I have -- like a light saber from Star Wars!!!!!!

Allan

This one has 4" blade with 5" handle.
Mike O.

Very nice Mike. I like how the grain of the maple flows right into the other wood, black palm is it? Thanks for sharing.

Chris

Yes, stabilized black palm with .030" G10 spacer accent strip.

That's a looker Mike, and the blade looks laser sharp!