I use turpentine & boiled (not raw) linseed oil mixed 50-50. I mix up all that I will use for all the coats and as the turpentine evaporates over time, it naturally increases the percentage of linseed oil (a good thing). I have seen it written (Greg Stamer?)something like "one coat a day for a week, one coat a week for a month, once a month for a year, etc." This works for me. I have NO problem with with the finish coming off. Linseed oil gives a light tacky feel that I like.

As far as smell goes, there is modern commercial turpentine and then there is old fashion pure tree sap turpentine. The later smells like a pine forest, quite nice. The former smells absolutely disgusting! I can't tell you a brand that is good, but it seems like most of what is at the hardware store these days is the disgusting stuff. I use the turps my wife uses in her oil paintings. This is very high grade stuff and expensive. I'd try a paint supply store and definitely smell it before you buy.

I tried epoxy coating a paddle once in a misguided attempt to harden up a WRC paddle surface, but found the appearance quite displeasing compared to the oil finish. I sanded/scraped it off and oiled the paddle, much better thank you. I sometimes coat just the end grain at the tips with epoxy to harden it up. that seems to work OK.

I've used lots of modern coating materials in various places on boats, but the linseed oil & turps seems just the thing for a wood paddle.

Craig