Knotty and snakey Osage stave

[razorsharptokill]

This stave has few prominent knots and a concavity about mid limb that is about 1/4" deep. I'm still in the reduction stage. Wondering how badly the defects will affect survival and function if I continue. Also, what are some recommendations as how to proceeded?

[TimBo]

I wonder how much of that funky concave are will disappear once you get the sapwood off, and/or go down a ring or two.  It will be fun to see what you can get out of that stave!

[razorsharptokill]

The knot that is about 8 inches from one tip is a concern too. It is on the edge.

[TimBo]

I would try to follow the grain around that last one.  How wide is the stave now - 2" or so?

[TimBo]

Looking back at the photo, I can see it is more narrow than that, but it still seems like you might be able to go around the edge knot and eliminate it.

[bjrogg]

The first knot looks fine.

I'm just on my phone so hard to tell what's going on with the black streak and sapwood. Is that a delamination of the growth ring below? Almost looks like it on the edge grain. I'd probably go down at least below it for my back.

The knot on the edge by the tip I think I'd try to follow the grain as close to the inside edge of it as I could and get rid of it.

Bjrogg

PS should be a fun one.

[razorsharptokill]

The black streak is a scar for lack of better words.

[bjrogg]

I'd go down below that scar. I think I might see a delamination in edge grain the next ring down. Not sure but I'd go below the scar. Might be a wind check.
Bjrogg