Only blo?

[samuel07]

I was just working on a cherry / walnut segmented slimeline (kind of just practicing).
I sanded it to 400 grit, ran it through the buffing wheel with the tripoli, wiped it down with dna and applied some blo and worked it in at a high speed. I think it looks great! kind of a semigloss finish.
Any idea how long it would last? will the blo cure like tung oil?

 

[mrcook4570]

BLO has driers added to it, so it will cure. I know several turners who use it as a finish on bowls, vases, etc. and it looks great. I'm not sure about its durability on a pen, however.

 

[ctEaglesc]

It will shine for a day or 2 but will lose the gloss.
This is not necessarily a bad thing based on the recipents prefrences.
Even a pen that has not been "finished" with anything but "burnished" with a paper bag will have a glossy appearance.
think of a pen done in this manner similar to a cutting board.
the more a knife is used on it the more the surface will loose the gloss.
A reapplication of mineral oil will restore somewhat until a refinishing job is necessary.
The pen will acquire "character" and improve with age.
It will be a "maintance" item which is not necessarily a bad thing.
I love polishing brass, and silver to show the beauty.
Others like the patina.
YOur choice.