When I mention “stain”, i personally use a trans-tin dye in black color moxed with distilled water. I brush it on the raw checkering and when it dries it looks kind of grayish colored. And then I oil it with sealer or finish. It darkens the checkering, but still allows the grain to show through. I used to use black leather dye, but it made it BLACK with no transparency. I got away from that.

When I mention using shoe polish, it would be for simulating old wear and dirt/grime. Usually reserved for if a small area needs to be repaired and I am trying to blend everything with the surrounding look. Like in your case.

Thanks Brian, I have a VH that is in a completely recheckered state, taking your comments to heart it sounds like I should use some sort of stain or dye and NOT shoe polish?

To your previous comment, it screams that is has been redone.

I love those fully checkered forends:)