I'm afraid I don't know any other way to treat a sink but rough. :) Silgranit is a very durable material. To me it's the best of all worlds. No scratches, water spots or tingy sound from stainless. No scratching or rub marks like porcelain. I'm curious why you think it isn't a good option.

It sounds like you haven't done much research on silgranit. Run a search on the bottom of the page and read some older threads. Your budget is adequate for even a large sink. Try looking at plumbing fixture websites like faucetdirect dot com for sizes and options. I'd go for the biggest, single basin sink you can afford.

As an aside, knives should never be tossed in or lay in the sink. Not only does it destroy the blades and is very dangerous to anyone else in the house who may unknowingly stick their hand in the sink. They should not go in the DW either. A good, sharp knife is worth it's weight in gold in a kitchen.

Stainless sinks will scratch but over time they develop a patina from all of the scratches, so you don't "see" individual scratches.

I agree with what Breezygirl wrote; it sounds like you have been misinformed about Silgranit (and its price!). Silgranit is really tough. Won't scratch or stain. Can handle hot pots up to 500+ degrees. Also, how big is your base cabinet for the sink? If you feel you are "sloppy" as you said, then you should get the biggest sink you can fit. I also prefer a single bowl sink to avoid banging pans against a divider. The biggest Silgranit sink is the Blancodiamond Super Single #440194, which requires a 36" base. It can be undermounted or top-mounted. It has a useful corner drain too (allows more room under the sink because the drain pipe isn't taking up room in the middle). I recommend you get a Silgranit sink in anthracite or dark brown, which shows nothing. The lighter colors are good too, but will show more.

We couldn't fit the 36" size, but got the next smaller size which is the Blancoprecis Super Single #440149. We got the anthracite color. The sink is really great, and always looks so clean, I have to remind myself to clean it sometimes. If you buy a Silgranit sink, make sure you buy from a reputable seller, because the careful packing and shipping is key to the purchase of a Silgranit sink. Homeandstone has the big Blancodiamond for $380 (free shipping). Always call first to see if they have it in stock, or when it will ship.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silgranit Blancoprecis Super Single in Anthracite

I LOVE the silgranit super single!! I also got a grid for it- thanks to GW contributors suggestion. I thought I would get stainless until I researched it. Btw DH even LOVES the sink - he keeps remarking on how great it is!

I have used all four: Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, Silgranite and Stone, and currently have soapstone.

I may be going back to stainless in the next kitchen because we have broken the most glasses in this kitchen and stainless is a bit cushier. Do you currently have any breakage problems? That could be one of the factors in your decision.

I just got a silgranit sink and cannot wait to see it! I found a low price online and then got a local store to match it.
I have young kids too and my sink area is always a mess after reading up on here about Silgranit it seemed like a good choice plus it has a warranty. I did however read one caution about paintbrushes NOT being washed in the black and the white can stain from teas and coffee. I got the black and am praying my husband does not forget the paintbrush rule...

I must have been looking at the top of the line Silgranit to get the prices I was finding. Thank you SOOO much for the correction because I WANT it, but thought it was out of my price range. I'll reevaluate.
And the knives-they get tossed on the "dry side" until it is time to wash them, so they aren't soaking in water. My REALLY good knife I baby(I really should my other knives too, but they already suck, so!LOL)and clean it and dry it right away. Note to self-go have knives sharpened. And they NEVER go in the dishwasher;-)
And a dark brown will go nicely with what I have planned, so perfect. THanks so much for your help. I'm so glad I found you guys!