Ash can work for ipé, but I think there are better alternatives. Bamboo comes to mind, obviously, but it requires more prep work and is more difficult to find. Hickory is great as well, and even maple would be preferred over ash.
If the grain split from the handle fade, there is obviously a design flaw. Probably every other backing would have failed in this case. Re-consider the width lay-out and fade placement. Don't blame the wood, but start over with an improved design. Don't do a glue-up straight away, since you're frustrated already. You'd be likely to make stupid mistakes again due to frustration.