ash growth rings

[Bloodhound]

I am working on an ash stave that developed checks all along the back. I removed 2 rings and got below the checking. The limbs are perfect but there is a big knot dead center in the handle where I am having trouble chasing the rings. My question is since it is dead center in the handle is it a problem if I leave it a ring or 2 higher there?

[TacticalFate]

As long as the handle doesnt bend you'll be fine methinks

[Marc St Louis]

It won't be a problem if it"s a stiff handle.

[DarkSoul]

Ash is easy to ring chase. Try to get to the right ring, even though it won't be necessary as long as the handle stays (semi) rigid. Chase both limbs first to the correct ring, and then sneak up to the knots, from both limbs inwards. A scraper works excellent for this.

[Bloodhound]

I got it chased, picked up a flexcut mini flexible drawknife which worked perfect for this.

[Marc St Louis]

If you are making a stiff handle bow you can even have the limbs with 2 different levels of growth ring, as long as the change is inside the handle.

[BowSlayer]

is it a stiff handle? pics would help.