Jack,
That looks really nice. Did you do any polishing?
I think it is down to the tiny details in preferences. I prefer G10 SRM 763 over the aluminum one (have both). I think it has a bit more grip. I guess generally I like my E01 a tiny bit more than the 763 though.
763 has an axis-lock which you might like unless you prefer liner lock of the EM01. Sizewise and when comparing weight they are more or less in the same category (763 being a bit lighter though). EM01 is no good for opening beer. 763 has a different blade shape than EM01 (763 has a higher blade, where lenght is pretty much equal and EM01 has a bit thinner blade). Both are tip up and have the clip. With 763 you’re able to choose which side the clip is on, EM01 has only one choise. 763 has a bigger lanyard hole (easy to fit two parards like a loop) whereas with EM01 you can pretty much get single paracord line through the hole.
I think 763 has a bit better grip, especially for the thumb area which has some serrations where EM01 has a pretty smooth top.
Quality is pretty similar although I have a tiny bit smoother EM01s than my 763s are. (This is based on a few samples of each only)
Either way you go, you won’t make a bad choise. You’d probably be able to get EM01 a bit cheaper.
Nope , all I did was strip it . I like the satin finish .
I have the EM01 and the LB763.
The LB763 seems to have a few more sharp edges to contend with (on the scales). The axis-lock grips are not the smoothest, and I have a hard time opening the knife with just the thumb stud. It does flip open easily when the axis-lock is pulled back. I do however, like this knife.
The EM01 opens as smooth as butter. I have never lubed or adjusted the pivot. It is my favorite because it is predictable in its opening. One hand will do the job, and I don’t have to think about the conflicts of the axis-lock/thumb stud combination. There are no noticeable sharp edges on my sample. The closed blade retention is a little weak, but I have not had a problem. However, if you drag some paracord between the liners across the tip of the blade (when the knife is closed), you will open this knife. That will not be happening on the LB763.
I give the nod to the EM01 for my use.
The clips on all my Chinese folders seem a bit too stiff. The G10 scales on the EM01 are likely to scuff your pants when inserted or removed. The smooth aluminum scales on the LB763 will theoretically be less abrasive.