this stave is fairly good aside from the one knot, which is actually in the handle. the other one i have has some character with a few knots and twist from limb to limb, ill try to do a build along of the other one after i get this one out successfully, although i will keep updates on this one posted. best of luck to you guys on yours too, hickory is one of the more duly noted selfbows and its exciting to finally get to work a raw stave.