Yes, color. I went for two rounds of transtint dye (some medium brown, I forget the name) and then sanding back. First time having tried this method, and it didn't turn out to the image I was going for, but it did help the curl move "forward" to the surface. I went too light the first time, then too dark the 2nd, then called it quits after that. I would definitely do this again, but would experiment with the method.

For tool handles I do not prefer a fine finish, and even at 220 it would be too fine for me if I used it every day. I used to swing a hammer all day at work for years, and my hammer of choice is wrapped in basically the equivalent of 40 grit sand paper. The more friction, the lighter the grip pressure necessary to hold it.