I figurted that out Matt. It amazes me what 80 grit on a block will do, even very lightly worked. I love it! However I cant wrap my osage/whitewood brain around soft equaling strong.....a few days from now when its ready to be final tillered and shot I will have my answer.
Hehe....yeah, Im freaked out when working yew too. Its soft, and once it goes it really explodes....but man it is wicked bow wood. I wish I had more...only a few billets are left in my stash, cramped in behind heaps of wych elm:-/.
I see suggestion of giving her snake skins...not a bad idea. But, once buffed up the sapwood has the most amazing cream colour and I think you will lose some of the contrast that characterise a yew sap/heartwood bow with skins. If you decide not to back it, then keep in mind that it dents easily....it being soft and all.
Looking forward to the results:-)
Cheers