There is also a sheath and the handles are machined out of G10, not molded. It all adds up. Yes, might be somewhat less expensive to use a non-stainless non-tool steel, but I see no reason to go that way as the price savings wouldn't be huge and the performance would take a hit.

As for batoning, you can baton the Mk3 through anything that will accommodate its blade length. I usually start by slicing off slabs around the edge on bigger logs since you're primarily aiming to get at dry wood and the wet usually doesn't penetrate all that deep.