I hear ya on that. I didn't like the look of the handle at all either, but ordered one to have. I was really surprised by how much I like the handle.

That being said, Res-C trumps all. My Dogfather (whose handle will be on the 7 & 9 11s) gets the most use and has made me sell battle mistresses and not use my other Big Busse & Swamp Rat blades. Hang in there for the 9 or 7!! It can't be too much longer.