Ok, thanks for the advice about the knocks and all. Today I cut the knocks off and corrected them (side grooves only, no cutting through the back). I decided not to do anything about the whip as it didn't seem to be too bad and I had already put a finish on it. This was my first. Also, I think the whip looked worse in the pic due to the natural twist in both limbs. Kind of plays tricks on the eyes. If you look at it from the other side, the whip looks different. Anyway, I'm going to call this one quits and see if I can find a straighter, less knotty stave :-)