Pens Plus and the other Doctor's products are friction polishes, but there is something substantially different about the chemical breakdown of the Doctor's products. In this case, the inventor is a doctor of chemistry who spent years working on the microcrystaline structure of the product. For those who have done a fair amount of friction polishing, you will notice an immediate difference in the way Pens Plus performs while still applying it to the pen. The inventor can tell you all about why this is so, but I only absorbed some of the science behind it. It goes on easily and evenly-very nice to work with.
As to longevity of the finish, the inventor claimed that due to the structure of the crystals in the product, they adhere to the wood better and have superior wear resistance. In his demonstration booth, he had a basket full of bottle stoppers, all of which were finished with Pens Plus. He told me that he uses the same basket full at each demonstration he does, where the stoppers are picked up and examined over and over, rubbed, etc. To keep the shine, he sometimes uses a fine cloth over the stoppers.
So how did they look? They were beautiful! What I noticed immediately about the finish is that there was a mild shine, but not intense enough to cause glare. This allowed you to see the grain much more clearly and as a result, the beauty of the wood dominated. I have not tried Pens Plus yet, but other members of the local pen turning club are giving it a try. I know several bowl turners who use the product and endorse it heartily.
I hope this helps.