Henry Leman did this to many gunstocks back in the 19th century. There is evidence that "teeth" were cut into a wide paint brush so several stripes could be stained at once. Don't try the wood stains you get a Lowes, they won't penetrate enough on the hardwoods. An alcohol based penetrating stock stain like Laurel mountain forge is good, Fiebings leather dye is an alcohol based stain and works great on wood, I like the dark brown. its a real dark reddish color. These stains are very strong and can be thinned with alcohol (recommended). The "acid" stains need to be heated over an open flame to bring out the color, you don't need to wait several months, they are best used on curly maple, they bring out the curl real well. that burning rope trick is BULL C---!!!! Ed