Hickory: To stain or not to stain

[twisted hickory]

I use a steel wool, coffee, and vinagar mix and it makes a real nice brown with just a hint of grey in it. I do most bows with it now. I put some on Black locust and it turned it black, that mixture makes for a great stain. You will need a week after doing it to allow it to dry back out.
Greg

[tailfeather]

Ended up using 3 coats of Rit dark brown with rubbing alcohol instead of water.  Turned out ok.....will look pretty good once the Tru Oil goes on, I think.