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