Thanks Del - I get the impression you quite like to cut rather than split logs? I understand the logic - but do you not risk them ending up with staves that don’t follow the grain?
Following the grain isn't big issue with Yew, and when you saw it you can to some extent, follow the grain if the log isn't straight.
Also you can be sympathetic to the grain when you start roughing out or using the draw knife.
Remember, at this stage, you are just dividing the log...not shaping a bow.
Del