[nutcracker]

Jake - buffing and polishing oxidation seems to drive it in or create a green haze. After than I can't seem to budge it.

Soak in oxyclean (30 mins or so) then sand. The oxy seems to bring it to the surface.
I use 220, 320, 400, 500 grit, then revert to micromesh pads once the funk is gone. I sand lengthwise down the stem as much as possible. Transverse scratches are hard to remove.

You can use an electric drill as a buffing wheel motor.

You are supposed to sand the stem while on the stummel so the ends don't round. Some insulation tape can protect if you are not removing the finish n the bowl anyway.