My wait for the Bladeforums Stag Jack has been a stressful one, since for reasons I wont go into, I had serious concerns about actually receiving it. If I received it at all, I anticipated a headache, and I was not wrong. First I had to cross town to pick up a card telling me that my package was being held at a sorting office, and that I would have to pay $30 to get it, most of that amount being a handling fee rather than tax. Since the card had been wrongly addressed I was surprised it made it to my mail box at all, but then I realised I would need photo ID to pick it up. Having no Driving License, I went back home to get my passport, and since it has just expired, I searched for my Press Pass. Unfortunately, I couldnt find the Press Pass, but took the passport and a load of other ID. The depot is in the middle of nowhere on the edge of Leeds, but two more bus rides and a walk later, I made it. I proffered cash and my ID, only to be told by some spotty young man, that my passport wasnt valid, and that my other ID was not acceptable because it didnt have my photograph. Managing to keep my temper, I trekked back to the bus-stop, and returned home. I turned the place upside down looking for my Press Pass, but still couldnt find it. I accumulated more and more ID though, picking up everything I could find. I even took a couple of magazines with photos of me in with me when I returned. I trudged back to the depot only to find that the spotty youth had been replaced by a man in his forties. He went to get the parcel, sympathised with me about having to pay the charge, and took the money. He didnt even ask for any ID! Arrghhh! What a day, but I got my knife at least, it didnt get returned to the US or go missing altogether, and hopefully it hadnt been sitting around too long at the depot.
I must apologise for these pics, theyre just taken on my kitchen table this evening, but I just wanted to add to this thread. I dare say youll be seeing more of this one
As you can see, the stag is nicely matched, and pretty even I think. Theres a bit of sharp ridge in the stag where the shield was let in, which I might smooth down a little. Not that Ill be rushing to do that.
The blade is perfectly centred and sits well in the open position, with a nice straight line along the back of the knife. Theres not even the merest smidgen of light coming through the back. The pull is great for me, even with the long pull sat fairly well back. It opens nice and crisply.
I love both the size and profile of the blade, thats a great swedge in my opinion. Im not too bothered about the knifes sharpness, but was interested to see what it would be like. Its actually pretty blunt, particularly towards the point, which seems to have been missed altogether. Im sure it wont take long to get it sharp though.
Its a shame about all the hassle involved to get hold of it, but its a very nice knife, well-designed and built, and at a great price of course. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a very successful project, and a true reflection of the goodness of this forum. Thanks for getting it to me Barry, you did an amazing job of getting them all off in the post. I hope that anyone who hasnt received their knife yet gets it soon :thumbup:
Jack
(that's disappointment rather than constipation! 
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