I'd strongly consider involving the stockmaker in the process, and best if the stockmaker supplies the wood for many reasons. Lots can go wrong w/ a blank once it's whittled down, and you have an assurance w/ stockmaker provided wood.
I certainly "third" the motion above that you should put yourself into the hands of a good wood man if the stockmaker doesn't supply the wood.
On your concerns about the really wild wood being more fragile, it's really all about layout and grain flow. Your instincts are correct - you must be very careful about the grip section.
