Course there is a distinction between face grain and end grain (totally tubular) and end grain is what abutts that over-oiled action, Mel.

Apply a couple coats of Formby's Satin Tung Oil Finish. Don't wait for total cure. Rub each coat out and burnish it down with soft cotton cloth after about 3-4 hrs. under your average incandescant lamp. You'll have sufficient diving face grain and pores to suit you. I always use the gloss Formby's because I like some shine and I get it very easily with a bit of Simichrome Moto Polish on a rag. However I don't particularly care for heavy gloss finishes that have the build to resemble poured Epoxy.

jack