bradsmith: It's only the latewood/earlywood transition you see. also I will take down the last ring a little more careful...not using the sharp rasp anymore
not sure tough how violated rings already are at the top of the knot.
DC:rasping down to 1/8 and hollow a little the violated spot maybe is doable
if I leave the limb a little wider also there...
TimBo: I do chase a ring also with yew
Have to think about it. Last time I ran into a knot like this I planed the back and backed it. Would really like to avoid this on this pretty piece of wood. Maybe put it in the corner of pending projects and get another stave