bagheera, glad to have you back :O). I just recieved a mini bushman (Iive in Cold Steel's county) For the money they can't be beat. The powder coating eventually wears off. It is no better or worse than blueing unless you reconfigure the blade angle. Then it is a bother, clogging stones. Coil some paracord and push into the hollow. Friction will keep it there. You can use any NATO issue liner for your poncho. They are interchangeable. I have the German Flecktar and a friend's U.S. issue fits perfectly. I don't like Goretex, there have been cases of suffocation (see www.wiggies.com)