Alkanet was used in fine gun making for hundreds of years by the finest gun makers and is still in use today in limited bespoke firearms. In the restoration of an 1882 W&C Scott years ago I needed something that would replicate the stain. After communicating with a gunsmith in Scotland I learned that it was alkanet based which was common in the era. I use the finest alkanet root from Pakistan to give the oil a consistent and wonderful hue.
Unlike most modern stains that can be very heavy in color my alkanet is very transparent and simply amplifies the beauty that is already there. If it has some porosity in the wood it will fill it with dark burgundy tones. The reds get deeper, the purples get more intense and the reds and oranges seem to grow in their intensity. For light woods like beech it can be mixed with darker traditional stains but on walnut which is 99% of woods you will encounter it's fine as is. The Alkanet Stain and Finish is also ok for using as a finish but it has very limited sheen. It needs to cure so needs to be rubbed out super thin usually 1 coat per DAY. If you build up too fast it will not harden ! Pros will rub out with rottenstone as a final. You can apply any varnish, I sell a great one, you like over the top of it if you desire the high gloss look or just desire a more weatherproof finish. This is a large 4 oz bottle that can do multiple guns. I can't ship to Canada or International !!! Please read my feedback if you have any concerns questions feel free to write. NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING. Instructions on SBMcWilliams.com