Quote Originally Posted by Cool Breeze View Post
So it's more about the finish and not about the actual briar?
I suppose with the unfinished look, they could use the less attractive wood to make them and use the top notch, more aesthetically pleasing wood for the smooth. I guess that could explain the price difference.

That way both would still be the same actual real world quality.
Exactly right. The shell briar with excellent ring grain will likely be somewhat more expensive.