Tim, I have a half dozen or so that I just love the feel of. Whether it's the balance in the hand or the texture of the grip or the appeal of the dimensions, something just feels "right." As you say, they are not the most beautiful, but for me they would be among the last to go.
I have one special one by my bed, a very old Sulu
kris sundang with a much sharpened blade and, of all things, an aluminum clad hilt (probably a WWII replacement). It is my "night stick" to take care of any intruder.
This
kris is very sharp and fast, and above all beautifully balanced. I bought it for $25 nearly 30 years ago in a junky Manila antique store and it has slept with me every night since then. My wife has instructions to bury it with me--you never know who you might meet in the after life.
Ian.