The knife arrived today safe and sound. It is fantastic! It has a pattern on the metal that is very subtle and can't easily be seen in the photos. I just love it! The details on the spine of the knife are very classy. the sheath is perfect, the knife seems to lock into place just right. The grip is really comfortable. I am very pleased to have won this knife. thank you again to everyone who made it possible!

I'm so glad it finally arrived. I will never use USPS Parcel Post again. I could have walked it to your house faster....

Sorry for the delay (and sorry that sweet little knife is no longer at my house). :) Glad you like it!

There are different speeds of service with different levels of cost. I figured that since Tim wasn't far from me geographically, I could send it the least expensive way since it didn't have far to go. It was very slow--much slower than they estimated (they estimated 5-9 days; it took 3 weeks).

Shipping to Canada and other countries costs much more, but they go by air instead of surface. Shipping to Jean cost around 5 times as much as shipping to Tim for example. Online, I don't believe they offer much for international shipping besides Priority which goes by air at least part of the way. That's why yours arrived so much sooner.

The Parcel Post level of service is one I likely won't use again. I'll use First Class package, media mail for books, but I'll probably steer clear of parcel post.

Well, I will say that it arrived safe and sound. I think it was more due to Chad's excellent wrapping than any competence on the part of USPS! I'm really excited to have this knife. I keep looking at the apples I have on my kitchen counter and thinking- "you would be no match for my new knife." I'm especially glad to have this knife because I realize it is something that I never would have thought to order on my own, but now that I have it I am considering others like it....funny how one new toy can get me to thinking about my pattern of collecting differently. Anyway, it's areal nice piece and I'm thrilled to have it! Thanks again to everyone involved.

Those hilts are superb! Looks like Leo had a natural bone white theme going. LOL! Either one would be great in my collection--if I could afford something with that level of craftsmanship. Ooooh, so jealous...

Tod's Stuff: Your artisans are a credit to the art. :)