Handle placement?

[Stew]

Not sure. Stabilised something that I've had for years.

 

[Robson Valley]

If it's not too late, #2.

 

[C_Claycomb]

I like number 1.

One tends to see knives from the top and the side and the first arrangement puts the stripes up where they will be seen.

I am willing to bet that its curly redwood. The two tones and the wide looking rings would fit that timber. If its anything like the redwood that I have, the top surface of the sap wood isn't as eye catching as the stripy heartwood.

 

[Stew]

Well, it has been decided....