Just to give you all an idea of why this is a sad situation..
My grandfather who taught me everything I know about hunting was recently in Spain and was very excited to pick me out a stock. I asked him to get the closest block resembling #1 grade wood, but in #2 price range. I never would have thought that they would have inferior wood materials at the aya factory, especially for hand selection. This is the piece he picked, he is not back yet so I haven't had a chance to talk to him about it, but the dealer I am having it built through mentioned when he was sent the pic that he might have rejected it based on the knot.
I am not sure I would have purchased an Aya if it wasn't for the sentimental value of having my grandfather pick out the stock. I am a younger guy and I figured I would think of him every time I look at it. It was very disheartening to learn that this might not be a structurally sound piece of wood. But I guess I will just have to give it a go.
