The Lodge is not polished* but it's a heckovalot smoother that the Kitchen Aid. I have decided to keep both and see how it goes. The KA is deeper and both handles are easier on my arthritis. Maybe I am out $30 or out $40 but the $40 Lodge is made in the USA so........

My old pans were not polished either. They were turned on a lathe to 'baby bottom smooth'. I can see the turnings.