takes a little getting used to if all you've known were t or crook handles but I prefer it. Feels nice to have a good handful. As for the wood, I've never really found it harder than the rest of the stick unless it's a gnarled,twisted old root. Even then really the hardest thing is shaping a nice ball.So far I haven't dug up any root balls. Is the wood harder, or maybe just has a twisty grain? At any rte, looks like it makes a fine grip.
thanks! Here's a tip if you want to try it. When you're finally ready to start sanding spread it out over a week. Sand it down then oil up, let it sit overnight,do it again the next day and the next and so on. It's a pint tedious but it really allows the oil to seep into the wood.Nice sticks! I like the knob sticks. I have one root ball drying. It'll be a while before I can make my own.
Rodney