I had thought Maple burl myself, but the eyes didn't look right. Cutting parallel rather than across the eyes could well give that look. Good thinking.
Mike I am not sure, but if you will send it to me @ C Craft,@^&***)**)^,FL. after examination for a couple of years if I am still not able to determine the species I will, if I haven't lost your address, I will return it too you!!!
Don't know for sure the species but it reminds me of some Maple we tore out of an old school years ago. So if I had to name it I would call it drop dead beautiful!! Hey and the knife blade and sheath are not too shabby either! That is top shelf stuff Mike!!!!