I think you have it right. Hickory is a strong wood that will make a great handle. It can also flex well. Maple would be prettier but whatever you have you should use. Once you make a good shape and have a matching set it’s going to be a crowd pleaser whichever way you go.

I don’t think it’s a question of which would hold up better. Both will do great and be long lasting. I would do maple instead though. Sure the hickory is cheap but a small amount of maple for handles won’t be much either and you’re making something to last forever.

Post pics when they’re done!

weird question but lemme check my computer

Try it and find out.

It'll be fine just learn how to bed a file and if you want them to last don't forgot the banding around the file end so when its rewet it doesn't split the wood.

In hammers, hickory is the best.

A Vaughn ( spelling? ) California Framer, with hickory handle, is THE framing hammer, and I never want to hear about Estwing steel-shaft hammers again.

The shock-absorption in the hickory is wonderful.

( I've never worked as a framer, but I have worked a few years as the grunt-guy on construction sites, and have tried many different tools, trying to find the ones that work properly for years )

The only question is whether the springiness of hickory would make it prone to falling-off the file quicker than rock-maple would..

Mind you, humidity expansion/contraction would probably be a factor in that, so maybe sealing the stuff, soaking it in varnish or something?

Anyways, it's an experiment I'd do, and if the hickory doesn't work-out, then try rock maple, see?