My thoughts on IPE

Splinters: Raw wood or new cut corners, it can be like wire rope with broken strands , once it is machine and sanded should not be a problem.
Bending: It will not bend.
Adhesion You can clean with acetone and then take a blow torch to it and oil will pop out then acetone again. epoxy held just fine.
The wood is so hard that screw hole have to be drill or wood will split.
I am sure the wood is hard on tools but not a problem working the wood.
Slippery: guessing but do not think it would be slippery as deck.
Ripping the wood mite be easier using the band saw unless you have a table saw with a lot of power.
It is a little darker then teak so maybe hotter in the sun?