Ponyman,
On pieces that I have browned I have never seen them scratch easily. The final carding I usually do with an old sock (cotton) and then oil. The browning I used was Wakon Bay and I understand it is no longer available.
They will all scratch with something metal if you are determined to scratch them, but normal handling will not be a problem. A good brown job turns a rich color of deep (dark) brown and does not look like the piece has been left out in the rain.
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Art in metal and wood
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