I bought this for use with my own chain, so the strap was not an issue. However, when I received the pendant, I thought, this leather strap is not so bad! I would have at least kept the leather strap to switch out, except the only way I could get it off was to cut it off. Maybe I'm just impatient, and didn't feel like dealing with the adjusting knots. Anywho, I also thought "man this thing is sharp!" But after having it on a while, I quickly forgot I was even wearing it. I wouldn't want to be wearing it in a fight, or a car accident!! Looks good, but not AS good as some of my other stuff. I think the lack of symmetry between the wings is what bothers me. It also makes the pendant liste to one side ever so slightly. Maybe I'm just too critical?? So I think most people would love the piece, especially for the price. I think I would still buy it knowing all of this.