Chuck, great post. Well done. If I may ask, when you bend up or down, do you get the impression that most of the bend takes place behind the tang, or did you notice? It would seem the upper and lower tangs would provide some stability to the wood between them and serve to hinder bending, or even promote "springing back".

What kind of oil did you use?

SRH

May God bless America and those who defend her.