DC, thanks for posting this crazy beast! I've been digging through this pile of osage limbs that someone has cut off their tree and thrown in a heap. They've been there for decades and the heartwood is still good
. Anyway, a few have whoopty doos such as yours and now I'm considering going for it.
It looks like it's bending pretty good. I think Pat nailed it with, "Take your time and scrape thoughtfully."