ONCE i cut up some mountain mahogany for knife scales. The wood came from the area where I hunted. I started with a nicely aged dead snag. At the time I had access to a machine shop. Using a large band saw and cutting with the grain I cut planks. Then cut them into large scale size. Splitting occurred at the ends. I then milled the scales flat and to thickness; didn't have a planner. Used the material for my set of kitchen knives and they have held up well. The amount of time I had into the scales was excessive and prevented me from ever trying it again.
I sent the balance of the inventory to MichiganRoadKill and he may share his troubles.
