The Busse knives have a virture. They are very, very tough. I like the looks of most of them, too. They are not as finished as some other brands, but Ranger Knives are roughly finished, too, although they are less expensive. You can pay extra and get a pretty one. Bark River knives are priced about like Swamp Rat, and they are finished well. The new Dumpster Mutt LE is a pretty knife, to me. I like it much better than the original. It did cost quite a bit more, though. Unfinished or "competition grade" knives should be cheaper than the coated ones. I hope. It all comes down to what people are willing to pay for the legendary Busse steels doesn't it?