Doug

I have not "used" a RMK with finger grips. By this I mean, skinning a deer, cleaning a fish or something similar. Therefore I can't comment on how they work, if the handle was wet/slippery.
Grain wise, you get a much better exposure/area with finger grips. There is more surface of the wood exposed and the indent of the grips themselves can change the graining of the wood. I agree nice wood generally looks better with finger grips. I have also had an instance where I thought I had a great block of wood, but when I got the knife back from RMK, the wood was not as nice as I had expected. I had thought the swirls, lines would go right through the wood, but it was not to be.
I am a lousy photographer, so I can not help you there with the light on the different angles.

Here is my model 5 5 inch that I received today. It was ordered on July 10 2008 and was scheduled for delivery on May 30, so the shop is ahead. Another great knife from the great folks at Randall, and someone picked a great piece of fat dark stag for me
Options are nickel silver hilt and butt plate, wrist thong, and my name etched as well as a left hand sheath.
It will be a great choice when I need something a bit more elegant than my model 28

Peter

Very Nice Peter! They did pick ya a great piece of stag there sir!!! Can't wait to see it in use in some of those super adventure pictures that you send out!

Wow!
That's a beauty Peter. Use it in good health.
Tony

Just remember Peter, that the Model 5 is not just a pretty face. You really need to take it out and let it show you it's about the best all around knife there is, IMHO.

That's some great stag!

Peter

The RMK shop must have been very confused seeing your name, but no Ironwood on the order.

Great looking stag on the knife.

That's a great looking knife Peter.

Peter,
Your right!!
Great handle...for sure!!
:-)Rocky

Get it rehandled in Ironwood.