Don I've tried to discuss the pith question several times and the impression I get is that no one really knows. I would basically ignore the pith and look instead to the curve of the stave. I'm thinking oceanspray/vinemaple here. If there is any curve to it at all, and little twist, then I'd lay it on its side like a big banana with the curve right or left and run it through the bandsaw so that the inside curve ends up on the stave and the outside curve gets tossed. Unless you want a deflexed handle then I'd save the outside curve.
And, as usual, I would debark and not seal anything. I watch closely for checking for about a week and if I see none then I leave it alone. Otherwise I'd layer it with glue. That's just me and I have alot of moisture in my basement so I have the luxury of not sealing.
