Words of wisdom, PD. Good advice.
Let the stave determine the design.
Even a bend in the handle design is pushing it for that length of stave with a sapwood back.
When I make a bow, I like to set myself up for success. I don't make as many as I used to now that I am officially an old man. When I make I want to end up with a bow.
I'd at the very least back it with rawhide and let the handle bend.
Just thought I'd give my $ 0.02.
Jawge