Cracks in Sassafras

RRHenseler

The Canoeist
I've been working on a paddle from what looked like a beautiful piece of sassafras. As I carved into the board I exposed a lot of small cracks or checks in the grain. Any suggestions for to best way to fill them, and is this a common problem with sassafras?
 
I have seen that before, in a paddle I carved. I was told that is called "honeycombing", caused by kiln drying too fast. I scrapped the paddle, but you could fill them with epoxy or wood filler if you just want a functional paddle. Then paint?
Sassafras is a wonderful working wood and makes a strong, relatively lightweight paddle.
 
Cut a slot in the end of the blade if they are in that area and add a slice of wood with west system. The PC of wood should be perpendicular to the paddle.
 
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