run off hickory backing question w/pics

[Frode]

Hi all,
I was working up a hickory backed elm, about 6 foot long, stiff handle flat bow style, just got to the tapering the tips down stage when I noticed this (see below).  The grain on this 1/8" thick hickory is about 45 degrees most of the way, and while it does wave back and forth, there aren't any ring violations, if I understand what that means.

Is the way this runs off at the taper going to be a problem?  It looks like it'll do it at both ends, to some degree.

I can see 4 possible outcomes;

1.  It's not a problem, after all, it is hickory, and the glue joint is good,

2.  I leave the tips stiff to the taper and claim I got the idea from TBB4,

3.  I narrow and lighten the tips while leaving them stiff, Mollegabet style,

4.  Hickory backed elm walking stick

Here's a link to a video fly by, which may or may not be clear enough to see the grain;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiR39bNR7Xs

Any hoo, thanks in advance for your greatly appreciated wisdom,

Frode

[half eye]

Hey Frode,
       Think if it was mine, I'd go with the stiff tipped flat bow....or Eiffel Tower molle type deal (still a stiff tip design). If ya keep it from bending the issue should not be an issue.
JMO
rich

[ken75]

yeah stiff tips and round the corners real good shouldnt be a prob !

[stallion27]

I third the stiff tip idea. Better safe than sorry. Although, a walking stick might be nice as well.

[Frode]

Stiff tips it is!
@ken, I'm a big fan of round corners 
@Rich, Another Mollegabet!?  I guess if I have to, I have to.  Seriously, though, I just did a 60" hickory pyramid with Eiffel Tower-ing  on the ever so slightly stiffened tips, I'm going to put a few through it Wed. evening, first time I've tried that style.
@stallion, I wasn't going to tell, but it's better to out yourself then let somebody else beat you to it; I have two identical walking sticks in my Corner of Shame from back when i didn't do good glue joints (last Friday    )  They'll be the first fully reflexed composite walking sticks in this area!
Thanks guys!
Frode

[stallion27]

My corner of shame is usually empty. Not because I don't break bows, but because they usually get burned. Gets mighty cold this time of year in Pennsylvania...not a failure if it keeps you warm!