As to the question of aluminum.
Some makers make use of "aircraft grade aluminum", not aircraft aluminum. What is aircraft grade aluminum? Who knows, someone should be able to respond, but I think it would have to be stronget than plain old aluminum, and certainly if it is aircraft grade, it will be strong to the extreme [ get it, extreme, as in extreme ratio? ].
I am about to receive the MPC tomorrow that was ordered last week. One of the reasons the knife is more expensive is that the balde is a cobalt alloy. Anyone familiar with cobalt? It's expensive and not seen much in any knifemaking I've seen lately.
The handles are anticorodal aluminum and my guess is it will stand the test of a lifetime. From others who have posted on this knife after owning one for awhile, I have no doubt the knife is rugged to the extreme.
Would I trust it for hard use over the Military? Of course, if for no other reason than it has a crossbolt secondary locking system similair to shotguns and 30-30's, etc.
One of the real nice things about the MPC I ordered is it is NOT a linerlock which is prone to problems as they wear over time, it is a lockback is of course is considered one of, if not the strongest locking mechanisms out there to be had. It was a BIG deciding factor in my purchasing one in the first place.
The MPC can not ever be compared to the military Spydie. Two different animals with different mission statements, different materials, etc.
As to questioning the aluminum handles, anyone ever have a problem with their Microtechs or MODS in the past? Think not, then why would I then question the use of a similiar material by ER?
Can't wait to get mine, it may replace the SnG strider I carry daily, then again, it may just have to sit in the left pocket as a secondary backup to the SnG.
The next day or two will tell me if I spent too much money on the knife, my guess from others answering questions I have asked at other locations is that I will be very happy with the knife with the possible exception of the weight of the knife in my pockets.
MODS are almost 200.00, MT's are almost that themselves, factor in the exchange rate and I do not see the price point as excessive [ for me especially as I get them at my dealer price point ].
I paid a lot more for the SnG strider and some customs. You either have no issues with that amount for a defensive knife or you do. Personal choices here folks. I know people who would never spend for a MOD or MT knife as they believe they are too expensive. I know others who will spend twice that if their a$$ will be on the line one day and they want to best product which has a better chance of helping them through the rough spots of survival.
It's all relative to what you can live [ or die ] with and it's intended use.
Stay safe
Brownie