Skala Custom Knives - Bear Head/Claw with Stag/Buffalo Handle #107

The emphasis of my approaching-40-knife puukko collection is variety, & this Scala, my 1st, is the 4th of those with animal-theme handles. Maker Ron Scala certainly has a vivid imagination, exemplified by this # 107 with its bolster an open-mouthed brass brown bear head from which emerges a stainless Lauri blade, 3 5/8 long X 3/4 wide X 1/8 in thick. There is black debris on both sides of the blade adjacent to bruin's maw that will not come off. At the opposite handle end is a matching brass bear paw pommel, like the head, finely molded to mimic fur. In between lies premium red stag antler alternating with thick, nearly black buffalo horn spacers & thin, red, probably G-10, washers. By itself, the knife weighs 6 oz, but feels heavier, justifying the 4 oz side-seam super-stiff sheath made of 3\16-in-thick! black leather. It's embossed on front with a small bear effigy & on both front & rear with numerous bear paw prints, even on the beyond-sturdy belt loop that can accomodate a 2 1/2-in-wide belt. It situates far too high on belt for me, so I'll have to rig my own dangler. At the upper end of the Scala price range, it was still only $199, so I cannot complain about this attractive 1 of a kind puukko.