Just dont let it dry too quick. It's fine to debark it now, it'll make the the back orange and cool looking. It will check if dried too quick. The tension strength is very slightly greater than the compression strength, so if it is too narrow or short, heavy, etc, you will get minor chrysals. Be careful of grain tearouts when working with any kind of knife, you'll have to use a rasp more than normal. it'll smooth out to a great finish. I wouldn't suggest splitting it tho, the grain is usually twisted. Any diameter from 3/4" beyond will work great. If you want you can check out some of my posts to get an idea, it's also my primary wood, definitely a great bow wood.
