I'll take the satin finish all day long. One thing I think is funny is the term "Combat Grade"(I know, it's just a marketing term). I've carried and used all kinds of knives in actual "Combat" situations, and I can't think of any of those situations where a "Combat Grade" knife would have given me any advantage over an "LE", or Satin finished blade. Then again, I wasn't running around swinging a Dogfather or an M9LE.

Simply put, to discredit an "LE"(satin) blade because of it's finish is just silly.

Also, as to whoever recommended buying a "Combat Grade" and just stripping it, believe me, it is WELL worth the extra $40 or so that ScrapYard or Swamp Rat charges to get the knife already satin finished. If you don't believe that just take out one of your larger coated blades with non-removeable micarta/G10/wood scales and strip it. Now, don't just strip it, be sure to remove all the coating, and then give it a proper, nice looking satin finish. When you get done, come back here and tell that it isn't worth $40.......Won't happen!