Leopardwood finish?

[N.N]

I have a project I'm about to finish that is going to have leopardwood scales...not stabilized, but dried and ready to go.

I don't think I'm going to send them off for stabilization, so what do you think about the finish?

I know this wood is porous and it's going to need some sealing past just oil and wax. What would you guys suggest that's fairly easy and quick and has anyone used leopardwood in this way before? I've been looking into lacquer or possibly a full poly finish, but I've never done either as I tend to usually stay with woods that are oily/resinous and don't need it.

Suggestions and comments of all types are welcome here. I'm finding it difficult to make up my mind on what direction I should go.

 

[Smallshop]

http://knifedogs.com/showthread.php?37254-what-do-you-use-to-finish-hardwoods

 

[N.N]

I just read that you're trying the birchwood casey stuff in the other thread. Most of that thread won't work for me (as mentioned above oil finishes) because I've read that leopardwood tends to not work well with oil finishes. I'll be curious to see how that works out for you as your walnut is probably just as open pored as the leopardwood is.