Let's face it, Res C isn't all that pretty. But it works well and is easily replaced if you mess one up. I prefer it on choppers. The cost of fitting micarta to full tangs would put SYKCO knives into the Swamp Rat price range. Here is some more blasphemy, you can get some very tough knives in 5160 steel with micarta handles for SYKCO prices or less from a major US knife company. Not as tough as S7, but pretty tough. But if you want to stick to Busse quality, it will cost a bit more. Find a ratweiler or order a Busse Combat.