Helen, you may be onto something. One of the most beautiful turned
wooden bowls my husband ever made sits by his favorite lounging
chair. When new, he’d just sit and rub it while watching television
or visiting with family. It was just the warmth and natural skin oils
that before long gave it that satiny look you admire. Sometimes now
he’ll do it just because it feels good. You might call it a
rubbed oil finish - labor intensive but worth it for that special
something.
Pat