If backing with rawhide, how bad can a hickory board be?

[J05H]

Check the wheel barrel handles too. Make sure they are hickory first of course, but they often are.

+1

I got a pair once thinking they were hickory and they turned out to be white oak. Still worked out pretty well. I'm just saying hickory isn't your only option.

[sleek]

Pretty sure i have seen ash also. It works too.

[Springbuck]

Also ash shovel handles.  A bit narrow, but good for backings. The grain is usually very obvious, and it's easy to chase a ring if you want.

[TheDeltaFactor]

If I was going to use sledge handles, would I flatten the back and belly, essentially making a board from them? Or leave the back rounded and just flatten the belly for thickness and tillering?

[sleek]

Leave the back round as it is then just tiller the belly as usual.

[TheDeltaFactor]

Leave the back round as it is then just tiller the belly as usual.

Great, thanks.