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This may be helpful & the table should let you assess the merits of each finish.
Wood finishing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You've got a good attitude! You could use a satin varnish of some sort, or maybe an oil finish. There are loads of threads with finish info, so you shouldn't have any problems finding one that works...

I'll not add to the contructive advice on the scales & pinning takes some practise. I will say, aim to keep the scratch pattern uniform with a satin finish blade. Wheels are available for this, or...