Patricia, that’s a great question. We had our hearts set on Emtek Hercules Knurled through our local vendor (saw samples in person)… until we blew out our construction budget and these are pricey. So she suggested Sureloc knurled. I don’t love the look as much but the price is half of Emtek. I’m waiting on the sample but it doesn’t come for a week.
Last night online I found Explore Hardware and LOVE the look. Like it as much as Emtek if not better. Their 30 reviews on their website and 5 on Facebook are all positive but those could be culled. Hence the post…

I'd be wary of buying anything you can't return. Emtek is pretty well-priced. I'd be concerned about the quality if you buy anything that's a lot less expensive than they are.

Jennifer - did you end up using the Explore Hardware handles? Here I am 11 months later going thru the exact situation. I did order one of the Explore Hardware Paris handles and really like it, I guess I'm just looking for someone that has lived with it for a year.

@fred yes, I bought 15 SOHO MATTE BLACK handles both passage and privacy. We installed them last spring and have had them covered by bubble wrap and paper for past 6 months, BUT just moved into the house last week. So I’ve only been using them for a week. However, we love them so far! At half the price of Emtek, so worth it in my opinion! They are solid, haven’t scratched yet, are operational. My fiancé who knows building products likes them a lot so far. I’d say it’s worth it. I really wanted fhe Knurled handles, so it was either these at $80-90 per , Emtek at $150 per, or Sureloc which didn’t look AS good aesthetically in the one sample I got. So I’d say buy em! Their customer service at Explore was great too. They originally sent me 2 less handles than I paid for, so they expedited them out for me, taking my word for it. Great service. I’ll buy from them again.

@Jennifer Cenedella any updates? Are they still holding up 8 months later? I just started a very similar discussion and I'm also tempted by Explore Hardware