It's a little less than 8" -- it definitely is a bit bigger than I anticipated.

I am pretty darn clumsy and have the scars to prove it, but the two band aids are actually covering up burns.... Long story.

And YES you need one <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />.

ETA: the tip on the TGLBS is pretty sweet! The shallow hollow grind makes for a good thin edge, but not too thin. Alan did a GREAT job sharpening it too!