Sure, each half costs one mana more than the split half, but you can add in interaction in your creature spots or a creature in your interaction slot and then a beater later to close out the game, and you can get both effects for one card
As for Amethyst, this tricky color is up to all its normal
For three mana you can call in another Knight (also with vigilance, notably), and for one mana you can tap some of your other Knights to remove a threat on the board
It doesnt quite fit the precon, so I can see these being sold off by people upgrading that deck
But while both used to be cheap, Vandalblast rose in value massively and is now 3.99 but Into the Core is just 20 cents
You might even say you were ambushed