Even without the pics here's my thoughts. I always try and go to the thickest one that's the closest to the back as is. I'm kinda lazy that way. If its a real thick stave and you can still leave at least 1-1/2" thick in the handle area to start your rough out then just pick the thickest one, just being careful to not go too far down and leave yourself too thin for you handle. As long as you get it chased properly then one is as good as another in most cases. Its just a generaj principle I use rather than a hard and fast rule.
