yesterday i took a osage stave that Clint gifted me and took a belly split from it.today i got a bow roughed out.there was a snall check on the back that i thought was no big deal.when i was reducing my thickness,i noticed the check went down through the belly.i worked hard on this stave with all hand tools.i am not going to let it fail.i will probably do as Clint suggested,and do a sinew wrap.it is a nice stave,i am not going to let it get the best of me.hope you guys are having a great day.