CrowleysGhost

Before I asked my question I'll let you know about my blacksmithing I'm doing it all old school as possible Bellows ran by foot pedal, wood and black coal for fuel. And starting with iron ore and turning it to Steel by adding my own carbon. And what I've been blacksmithing is a bearded axe with the size and weight of a maul. Now you know my metal working I need some advice on wood for handle. I know everyone seems to think hickory is best. I know of bitternut Hickory and Shaggy Bark Hickory both grow within my area but I've also heard of a more dense wood I also grows in my area I use it as my wood fuel Osage orange also referred to as hedge. Now the question is which Hickory would be better or the Osage orange be better? Or a combination of the two I know how to laminate wood and can make a Osage orange / Hickory laminated wood could I get some suggestions or insight from some more experienced blacksmiths who dabble with making handles?