[Woodcarver] Question on Osage

[Geo]

Hey folks,
My names George, and I'm a newbie carver located in Cleveland, Ohio. I've only done some simple projects, mostly basswood items, and have been wanting to work on new ideas. One of my favorite things thus far has been warlking sticks (mostly woodspirit type carvings,) and recently, a friend gave me a piece of osage orange in the shape of a perfect walking stick that he told me to do with what I wanted. Well, the piece has been aging for quite awhile (5 years) and is hard as a rock. I was thinking of trying a draw knife then doing some sanding to get to the darker wood. I had no intention to dull my carving knives down on this piece, so I was thinking of just sanding and polishing and putting a good finish on it. 

Any feedback or ideas? I could use some creative input.

Many thanks,
George