Hogue: G-Mascus or Aluminum handle?

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ShooterMcgavin

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Jan 20, 2008
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I have had my eye on the EX-01 3.5" drop point for a long time, but I can't decide between the handle materials. Some say that the G-Mascus version feels off-balance because of the light weight handle. Although, the G-Mascus would probably offer better grip (would it?). Then, there is the durability of Al. My first, and still one of my favorite knives, has an Al handle. I'm not sure about the traction it offers, but would the added weight make the knife feel better? Other thoughts or first-hand experiences? Help?
 
Iv had an Ex-01 4" in both Gmascus and Aluminum. I personally prefer the Aluminum. The weight made the difference for me, and i like the feel of it as well. The gmascus version is still really nice though and the weight difference wasnt THAT big , but there is a difference. I cant speak for the ergos on the 3.5" , the handle sizes are slightly different, but the machining and ergos of the knives to me, were good enough already to make the extra texture / grip from the G-Mascus not really that noticeable.
 
Thanks for the input. It sounds like my thoughts are like yours... aluminum will have better balance and not a real increase in weight.

Anyone else have experience with the two materials on this knife?
 
I have the aluminum version and the grip is pretty good with the vertical cutouts in the handle.
 
I have a 3.5" OD green aluminum version on the way. Should be here Friday. I had the same problem deciding, but settled on the aluminum, because I have so many G10 knives, I wanted something different. I also really like the OD green color. I also think the gmascus looks like mold. Yuk!
 
I like the aluminum look and feel better. The problem I find with them is they take temperature. They get real hot in the sun, even in the pocket, especially the black ones. And it gets "stick your tounge To a flag pole" cold in the winter.
 
I have the OD green Al version, really like the feel and look of the handle. Not a fan of the G-mascus look. Great Knife!
 
The alu looks way cleaner to me but that's all just personal preference.
 
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Thanks All!!!
Ok, after watching videos and listening to the advice here, I have pulled the trigger..... I picked up a second-hand EX-01 3.5" drop point in OD green aluminum from an online auction site for $100 (excellent condition). I think the weight difference between the two handle types won't matter. After hearing someone say that the green G-mascus looks like mold, um, it really does look like mold to me now.
 
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I like the look of the green aluminum; it almost has a bronze look to it (from pics online, at least). This knife will become my "tough-use EDC", displacing one of the following: Benchmade 720, Cold Steel Voyager Med, Benchmade large Griptilian.

What do you think? Will the new knife suit the role I plan for it?
 
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The Al handles look clean and classy. I am glad I was steered away from the G-mascus, even though I'm sure it is great. I don't think the heat/cold extremes will be too bad, since I have carried an aluminum Benchmade for many years. The EX-01 seems to get so little talk. Still, I can't wait to get it! I will also like it a little more because it is a sort of "unknown" - none of my friends will have a Hogue knife.

Another thing, I am hoping that the safety switch for the button lock has a good, stiff detent.
 
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