Here is what the tang of a conventional Mora looks like. They have a 'rat tail' tang. I can see the reason to buy the $150 Mora, although it has nothing to do with need. It is easy to get addicted to Moras. I have some old wood handled ones, and also a couple of Clippers. With the excellent blades, the value vs price ratio is very favorable for a Mora knife. The sheaths and over-molded handle materials while fully functional, are quite inexpensive. I can understand the urge for a Mora addict to buy a real nice Mora knife just to have it. If you look at the other brands of premium Scandinavian knives, they tend to be very expensive too.