Yep, i approach them like wood (as opposed to acrylic etc) as well--though i do as 1shootist does. For non-stabilized wood i finish with a skew in a scraping presentation. As to finishes--for pens usually CA, but sometimes boiled linseed oil followed by wax or friction polish. For bottle stoppers, usually friction polish--though i've just begun experimenting with sawdust burnishing followed by a paste wax finger burnished in. Looks great, and SHOULD be okay since it's stabilized. We'll find out about the longevity!!
earl