I think there is a certain seriousness or maybe gratitude when you're making a yew bow just because of its ring count. A 4 or 5 inch diameter stave can be 100 to 200 years old. I am working on a smaller yew bow, from a small diameter tree (4.5 inches); but this tree started growing maybe decades before Ishi was even born! Makes you appreciate whats in your hands.
Gabe