Was commissioned to turn some pens for the mayor of Zama, Japan when he visited Tennessee a few months ago. These are made with local Cedar and finished with a satin CA/BLO finish so you can still "feel" the wood.
It does ding rather easily, but I "soak" them with thin CA to help harden them a little. Actually, I tell people that the dings are just a part of the natural patina that develops from use.