Turned my first pen with Gaboon Ebony. That wood is other-worldly. I sanded it down smooth, hit it with the entire sequence of micromesh, and then a couple coats of Renaissance Wax. About as natural a finish as you can get. I was really like how it came out; was surprised by how much luster it was able to take, while still retaining a smooth matte appearance. The blank I got was jet-black with a very tight grain. I'll post some pictures soon. If I ever get good enough, I'd love to turn a chess set with some of that stuff.