I use my DFLE hard in my yard. I use my Urban Mutt a bit, but it is coated. All Scrappers are meant to be used. Just protect the blade from rust as you would any carbon steel blade. If the LE was the only Mutt I had, I'd use it. What is the point in buying the toughest knife in the world? Even the LEs aren't exactly fancy. The satin finish doesn't mean it was meant just to look at. Just my opinion, tango6.