Not sure if I am the last to receive an Xmas gift, but it is certainly a gift worth waiting for. Very happy to receive the knife in leather from across the pond. Thank you very much Mikekeswick. The blade will get use, I can promise you that. Not sure if it comes thru in the pics, but the blade and handle are very - mmm - substantial. I will not hesitate to hit the spine (no metal on metal) to use it split out bamboo or other small sticks. The leather work is even nicer than the blade- - except that Mike sure knows how to hone a sharp edge. Thanks again for the great blade. Russ