It is awesome tobacco for sure! The tear came from the flakes being folded to get them in the can. Now that I have a can for my collection, I may do like you and opt out of the can in the future.That is some fabulous tobacco.
Interesting look to yours.
Yours looks as though one end was torn.
I got mine in an 8 ounce can originally but returned it because in order to get the baccy into the can, they had to destroy the form of many of the flakes so mine was like half shake. I re-bought and opted out of the can and the flakes were perfectly intact which is my preference.
Anyway, excellent service from USA’s oldest B&M tobacconist.
Enjoy that #8.