Knotty Western Red Cedar

[PerpetuallyNewCarver]

I love the smell, grains, and colors of cedar in general. I had an opportunity this week to get two 1"x8" x 10' boards for $16.00 this was a guy I have dealt with before so when he said it was low on knots and really good quality, I took him at his word and sent a friend to get it for me since my truck was out of commission. When he got back with the boards, well they are not what I was promised. They are very knotty one is split along the thickness for about 8 inches. I did not expect top quality lumber but I was expecting it to match his description. Anyway, now I have 20 feet of very knotty cedar, but me being the person I am, I am undeterred. I need suggestions of how to incorporate the knots, or to work them for my purposes. if you have any suggestions I would be greatly appreciative.

[Robson Valley]

I've been carving WRC for several years. While I try to get clear & straight-grained wood, I'll discover a "pin" knot or something bigger, long overgrown. I have 3 carpenter's chisels sharpened at 40 degrees. Carving sharp. 1", 1/2" and 1/4". Plus a crappy little Craftsman screw driver sharpened up. Those are my "knot busters."
As you know already, knots in WRC are like bones in meat.