Following up on something in Rudy's post: The Land Ark is also very repairable. On smooth timbers (S4S) it can be sanded and re-oiled very easily. You can apply a couple of coats and give it a good rub and you'll have a furniture-like finish. As far as darkening goes, all finishes are going to darken over time which has as much to do with the wood as it does the finish.