FOR ME, a knife is a tool & the owner is the one with character. Sure I can appreciate a fine knife, but am not willing to spend more on a knife than a gun that I very well may lose. (and have more than once) I just retrieved my neck knife after going thru the garbage can the other nite. I'm more fond of that handle than the blade. Fancy Damascus steel type stuff doesn't do much for me. Good strong quality steel that is easy enough to get & stay sharp does impress me. For custom knife $ I wouldn't want one that looks pitted, sorry just not MY cup of tea,maybe it's the pic. A guy that makes such a nice mini (I like that one better) has some character.