So my uncle had a few pieces of red oak heartwood, he's had them stored for a few years while he wants to do something with them. He ended up giving me a piece, it's a beautiful piece of wood. Looks about perfect to make a handle out of. My question is would it be a good hammer handle? Maybe for a hatchet even? I'm not sure what I want to try and do with it, if I use it as a handle though I'm going to wait to use it until I make something to put it on.

I've wondered the same. I think it would make a good handle for a hammer, not as good as hickory but I think it would be adequate. Try it and see, all you have to lose is a piece of wood and a little time. 

As red oak can be used to make bows, (google it!), it should work OK as a hammer handle.

Cool, I saw some forums where people said they use it a lot. I just want to use it for a tool I make though. So maybe sometime this summer I can get a smith to help me with it, would like to make either a diagonal peen or a rounding hammer right about 2#.