I am not an expert; however, I have used most varieties in gunstocks and other projects. The one thing I know is generalizations can be dangerous. Some English may be porous and "softer" than some American black. A lot has to do with the individual tree, climate, soil conditions, etc.
My favorite is English and it varietals (e.g. French). I have had some excellent American, Turkish and Bastogne has some wonderful traits for hardness. Ok, I like them all if they are properly laid out, have small pores, straight grain wrists and great figure!
Jim
