I spent some time reducing an osage stave. I decided to go around some of the knots and make it more snakey. It did mean that the stave narrowed considerably, but since I was having trouble finding good (splinter free) wood around the fade, I only really had about 1.25" to work with out the handle anyway. I am sure it will be enough. It is just starting to flex a little. There is one knot left--with a big void on the belly and some on the back that I need to work down still. I don't know if it will go all the way through yet, or if I should fill the belly hole, or what the best move will be. I have left plenty of meat around it, so I think it will be okay
The length is now 66". Still have to lay out the yew. . .