You are correct....it's not a perspective error from the camera! It's huge and weighs over 20 lbs.....cast iron. They just don't make 'em like they used to -- thankfully in this case. But it sure holds your hook solid! Even the tool caddy is cast iron....this is NOT the vise to take backpacking with you.
I didn't post the pic of the reverse side -- basically a big hand crank to turn the jaw arm, and a lockdown for it.
DANBOB
[This message has been edited by danbob (edited 21 December 2005).]