I don't think a couple hundred for a blade I will bet my life on is unreasonble. Hell most peoples EDC folders or kits cost near that.

I have snapped a few well known blades while spitting and prying logs for dry wood and learned my lesson the hard way. You get what you pay for in most cases.

Bounty, steels have changed a lot in recent years and people demand quality steels more than ever. Sure you can get mediocre blade steels for less but why would you when the option is fairly resonably priced.
Buy the best you can afford.

Some women find cheese slicing with a battle rat sexy <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

FLip