Thank you all for your positive comments - much appreciated !! I used Feibings Mahogany alcohol based leather dye. In the light of day you can really see the undulations of the bark under the cambium. I wipe all my bows with Tru-Oil by my finger, as it gives me the best control over the finish. I have a sister stave to this, and will be starting it after I finish my first Ipe bow which is now mid tiller stage.