My dad asked for a boning knife for christmas this year and I thought it would be nice if I bought a factory made blade and added a custom designed handle. Has anyone done this before? Does anyone know of a site where I can buy good quality knife blades? Also, what types of wood are acceptable for knife handles? I am thinking of using osage orange or hackberry because I some of these types of wood from trees that my dad and I cut down. Or should I just buy a knife and forget this project?
hope this isn't too many questions, I really don't know where to start on this project.

Thanks in advance,
Stephen