Question on splitting Osage?

[bentstick54]

I’ve tried it several ways, but for you guys that have split a lot more Osage than me tell me how you prefer where to split around limbs and visible knot.

If you have 10” diameter tree that you can get a 7ft trunk, with straight bark pattern, and about mid section there is a 1/2” to 1-1/2” limb coming out on 1 side, do you try to split it through the limb/knot? Or up the edge of the limb knot, or try to split it 90 degrees to the limb?  Which do you think will you would get the most and best staves out of?

[Pappy]

I try and let it follow around the limb/knot. Most time it dose , but sometimes it don't. Picture would help.
 Pappy

[bentstick54]

Pappy, I don’t currently have any cut, as I recently got what I had all split. I just always look at a log, then debate the best way to split it to get the best quality of staves out of it.

[Pat B]

I agree with Pappy. 

[osage outlaw]

Splitting around knots can be a pain.  Once you get started the split will go where it wants to.  It's hard to correct it.