I have tried the Alternative Ivory and the Faux Ivory, and prefer the machining and gluing qualities of the Faux Ivory. I also tried subjecting the Faux Ivory to cold and hot temperatures and it shrank and swelled almost identically to the Hard Maple in the test. The Alternative Ivory seems to be a little harder, but when subjected to extreme shock the Alternative Ivory will fracture and the Faux Ivory dents.