Hope this isn't off-topic, but I thought I'd get started
on a Greenland-style paddle this weekend. Even though it's
just an experiment, I'd like to pretty it up a bit. I'm
thinking about edging it in some kind of plastic, the way
a lot of canoe paddles are produced. I'm eager to get your
suggestions about what material to use, how to afix it and
when in the process I should do so. I'm thinking about adding
plastic tips with an epoxied mortise and tenon joint at the
beginning of the process, then just carving away. Bad idea?

Also, many g-paddlers suggest no finish or an oil finish rather
than varnish. Thoughts? What about varnished blades and
an oiled shaft?

Don't know why I'm getting so wrapped up in a $10 project,
but "it's not about the money" now, is it?