If you use an alcohol based stain like "Chestnut Hill" there is no need to strip stock. Stain. 0000 steel wool to smooth and then Oil. I personally think a Tung Oil finish is superior to Linseed but be sure to use a pure food grade Tung Oil. 3 -7 THIN oilings 24 hrs apart, and finish with a coat of Arsenal Wax 1/3 Beeswax, 1/3 Turpentine, 1/3 linseed oilicon all melted and mixed together. Prepared Wax and food grade Tung oil can be found on the M1icon site of "flea" bay at reasonable prices. Others here may other suggestions but this procedure has worked very well for me.