Workbench Top

[Sideways]

I agree with the thinking behind that Mike.
When the time came to rework my bench (to create better storage beneath) although the raw edge actually never caused me any problem, I bought a 3 inch square length of solid maple to use as front edge and used the parf guide to put stopped dog holes all the way along it. Maybe that counts as lipping

 

[MusicMan]

I have one bench made that way and the edges don't splinter, though it's a metalwork bench which doesn't damage the edge so much. They are polyurethaned, which does help, so you will have to get over your hate of finishing benches! However, if I were doing it I'd lip it with quite thick beech, say 25 mm, and glue it on with dowels very 15 cm or so. I use Miller dowels, which also act like wooden nails.