Thanks guys!
Laurence - The Pine Cone material is different to work with. It seems to be soft and flexible when you handle it, but it really has some durability to it! It does cut and grind without any problems and it polishes up really well. I actually went with a Tru-Oil finish on both handles and it worked out great! The manufacture recommended buffing the handles, but sometimes you have to experiment. I agree with the suggestion about the Thong hole, but this one was ordered without it.
Thanks again! - Cory