i think that would be safe. on page 52 of TBB2 there is a picture of a northeast Algonquin bow. its dimentions are 1" wide allong the entire length, 11/16" thick at the handle, 9/16" thick mid limb, and 3/8" thick at the tips. its 68" long, and is made of hickory. there are faces carved into the tips said to probably represent a "keeper of the game"
Dana, you posted just as i was going to, and ill add something to what you wrote, its been my expirence that hickory's performance is GREATLY improved if its heat treaded. and if you trap the back it will help the belly too. but it would be a good idea to back it with cloth or something if ya do that. I know Manny uses cotton cloth from wal-mart as a backing with good results.
Phil