Stonewash Aluminum Handles?

[gull wing]

Lots of companies produce anodized aluminum handles, usually in black. To achieve the "scratched" look, something like the stonewashed blade, has anyone tried the technique on the handle?
It looks good on titanium.

 

[Moxy]

I wouldn't try it on anodized aluminum. It is actually more scratch resistant than any other metal. You'd need to use something harder than aluminum oxide to stonewash it. Coarse silicon carbide powder along with a jar of rocks may work. But sometimes I've seen the anodized layer chip instead of wear away evenly, especially if it's a type III hard ano. Raw aluminum would probably stonewash just fine. But it is too soft to use as a handle material, and it will tarnish eventually.

 

[Jastab]

I never tumbled an knife handle from aluminum, but I've toubled lots of aluminum brackets and machine parts. It does the same thing as it would steel, just takes 1/4 of the time since alum is so soft. It would work and look good.

 

[gull wing]

Ok, so no one yet has done it.
I may have to do a test on a beater. I have an aluminum handled knife on the way and just making plans.

Thanks!